A few queries buying a private registration plate

[.R2D2]

A seller on eBay sold a private registration through eBay. I contacted him a week or so after asking if the winner paid up - he didn't. So I offered to pay the amount that I bid to which he agreed.

He's saying that once I pay him I then have to pay £80 to have it transferred to myself. Now he has no feedback on eBay and he wants payment via bank transfer due to Paypal charges being too much.

I have asked for a photo of the registration document which he is due to send shortly.

Would you avoid this like the plague or is there a safe way I can do this?

[Quinnaay]

Intresting considering he has 0 Feedback and wont go through paypal I would avoid. You can dispute going through the bank but i feel more security through paypal. Its always a grey area but if the documents he can provide are sufficient enough it may well be all legit.

[richardxjr]

I agree. Paypal only in the circumstances. Perhaps offer half the fee if it's still a good deal for you?

[.R2D2]

Hmm, he has sent me a second chance offer through eBay but I'm really not that protected if I proceed with the bank transfer am I?

[richardxjr]

No. 0 feedback, trying to circumvent ebay rules, could be anyone.

Would be a real easy con if you think about it.

[McSam]

PayPal. The maximum fee is around 4%, and if he's not prepared to stick that then he can sod off.

If he really isn't prepared to pay the fee, and you really do want the plate, then add the fees on what you pay.. Don't ever do anything but PayPal in these circumstances.

[Quinnaay]

"if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is" apply this always. It sounds fishy with somebody winning and not paying up in the first place, who knows.

[.R2D2]

McSam said:

PayPal. The maximum fee is around 4%, and if he's not prepared to stick that then he can sod off.

If he really isn't prepared to pay the fee, and you really do want the plate, then add the fees on what you pay.. Don't ever do anything but PayPal in these circumstances.

Worked it out that its going to cost just under £40 in paypal fee's, i'll try and blag it that he pays it but if not i'll cover that cost. If its still a no go then I reckon he can do one

[MrReg]

There's an increasing amount of fraud going on with plates at the moment.
I keep on hearing of people being sent certificates only to then find them worthless as the seller has then claimed it as lost and asked for a replacement again.
If you do get it buy it through paypal so that you're covered and get it onto your car straight away.

[.R2D2]

Giving this one a miss, he wont do paypal. To think i was so close to being scammed. Thanks for your help guys