Scammer, or just stupid?
Discussion
I sold a tablet on Ebay, the glass is in about 50 pieces, but everything else still works.
It would be uneconomical to have a shop repair it, but ok if using a new glass from Ebay, and repairing yourself.
Despite saying cash on collection, he paid via paypal, which I immediately returned.
Then I receive this message.
Just in case - I sent you money via paypal, but it may be in the name of (my son) who last used my computer to buy something.
Please send details of where I can collect the item on Saturday (address and phone number) and give me a quick run down on how to use the thing when I collect it. Answers to this email address (in case ebay supplies his email address instead).
Thanks
So is this a scammer using a hacked account, he pays via paypal I pass him the item, the real owner of the account claims back the money.
Or is he a bit daft, it was clearly marked as spares or repairs, with pictures of it turned on, but the glass broken, and a detailed listing of the damage, if he needs a demo on how to use a tablet, how is he going to repair it?
It would be uneconomical to have a shop repair it, but ok if using a new glass from Ebay, and repairing yourself.
Despite saying cash on collection, he paid via paypal, which I immediately returned.
Then I receive this message.
Just in case - I sent you money via paypal, but it may be in the name of (my son) who last used my computer to buy something.
Please send details of where I can collect the item on Saturday (address and phone number) and give me a quick run down on how to use the thing when I collect it. Answers to this email address (in case ebay supplies his email address instead).
Thanks
So is this a scammer using a hacked account, he pays via paypal I pass him the item, the real owner of the account claims back the money.
Or is he a bit daft, it was clearly marked as spares or repairs, with pictures of it turned on, but the glass broken, and a detailed listing of the damage, if he needs a demo on how to use a tablet, how is he going to repair it?
You've returned the money via paypal so it shouldn't matter if it's a scammer who turns up but probably just some dense person who has access to the internet, wouldn't be surprised if he is expecting a tablet in pristine condition when he gets there either, just reiterate cash on collection.
xjay1337 said:
How is that a scam?
They obviously didn't read the "cash on collection" bit.
How can it be a scam if they paid in advance (Paypal is as good as cash) and haven't collected the item yet?
Paypal is nowhere near as good as cash, if it is a collection item.They obviously didn't read the "cash on collection" bit.
How can it be a scam if they paid in advance (Paypal is as good as cash) and haven't collected the item yet?
It's a well known scam.
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/aug/09/paypa...
Paypal is a million miles away from cash! Buyer will pay via Paypal, collect, then file a claim with Paypal who will find in the buyers favour and refund costs. Seller is now left with no goods and no cash.
This also happens when buying cars, buyer will pay a percentage via Paypal, collect and pay the balance in cash. Then when they get home, file a dispute with Paypal that the car isn't as described. Paypal will refund the buyer so seller is left with no car and only the cash balance, monies from Paypal gone.
This also happens when buying cars, buyer will pay a percentage via Paypal, collect and pay the balance in cash. Then when they get home, file a dispute with Paypal that the car isn't as described. Paypal will refund the buyer so seller is left with no car and only the cash balance, monies from Paypal gone.
backwoodsman said:
Paypal is nowhere near as good as cash, if it is a collection item
.
It's a well known scam.
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/aug/09/paypa...
Have them pay by Paypal Gift on collection then if cash isn't a problem..
It's a well known scam.
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/aug/09/paypa...
I can see how it's a problem and I wouldn't do it on an item costing more than £100.
But yes, Paypal is as good as cash. I've been using it for 10 years and not a single issue myself. I appreciate not everyone is in the same boat.
xjay1337 said:
Have them pay by Paypal Gift on collection then if cash isn't a problem.
I can see how it's a problem and I wouldn't do it on an item costing more than £100.
But yes, Paypal is as good as cash. I've been using it for 10 years and not a single issue myself. I appreciate not everyone is in the same boat.
To be fair, I haven't had a problem either, but that doesn't make Paypal "as good as cash"I can see how it's a problem and I wouldn't do it on an item costing more than £100.
But yes, Paypal is as good as cash. I've been using it for 10 years and not a single issue myself. I appreciate not everyone is in the same boat.
There are several easily-exploited loopholes that the less scrupulous can use to their advantage - the "pay with Paypal, collect, dispute, get refund" being one of the simplest.
backwoodsman said:
It's also the fact that he wants me to use a different email address, that I find strange, he says the one paypal gave me is wrong, as that is his sons, who last used the computer.
TBH, now I have refunded, I wouldn't expect him to turn up.
Usually an indicator of a hacked account. Request buyer's details from ebay and see if he's as close as he ought to be to do a collection in person.TBH, now I have refunded, I wouldn't expect him to turn up.
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