Does this seem strange to you?

Lilys-Games

Hi all I'm looking for some advice please about a PM I've received on eBay?

Basically, I have an item listed for auction, brand new and still in its box, for way under half its retail price, plus £4.00 postage.

Somebody has PM'd me saying they 'hope' the item is new in its box and in good condition (the photos/description clearly show this) and that they are willing to pay me full retail price plus another £30 postage... Given the item is still available in shops, if you are willing to pay full price why not just buy from a shop and not some random on eBay? and why offer so much extra for postage?

They are really eager for me to reply but theres something about the whole tone of the message and their offer that seems off. They have 100% feedback, but nothing in the past year. Should I block them? Or am I being paranoid?

donnac2558

Perhaps the account has been hacked? They claim no I did not buy this want my money back.

If you have a gut feeling just block them

MataNui

Whats the item? Betting its something like a camera/phone etc. If they are offering £30 for postage its likely they will suddenly want it posted to their son/brother/other relative in Nigeria. Its a scam.

Lilys-Games

Blocked! Thank you both and yes MataNui - its not a phone but it is an electronic item which is part of the reason I was wary. Kind of feel silly for having to ask now!

theonlywayisup

It is most definitely a scam.

Have a read of a similar thread the other day.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5496353

Don't ever feel silly at asking. You did exactly the right thing.

ballisticbrian

Bet it was destined for West Africa, right?

MrRipley

Exact same thing has happened to me over the last couple of days, an eBayer who appeared to be based in the US, messaged me re the swiss watch I was selling.

Said they "hoped" it was in good nick, with box and paperwork. I messaged them saying thanks for the offer but I'll let the auction run and blocked them.

They kept messaging me, stating £30 for postage, send it tracked etc and completely ignored what I'd said in my message to them. Wanted my Paypal and to complete the transaction outside of eBay.

Did this persons ID start with "stacey" by any chance?

Lilys-Games

Thanks for all your replies and the link theonlywayisup

ballisticbrian, their profile says they are UK based and they didn't mention posting elsewhere, but the message was pretty much identical to the one you got Mr Ripley, wanting the receipt and box etc. Their ID started with 'paula' though.

I've ignored and blocked them, and I'm going to revise my listing to a more secure postage method I think. It might be unnecessary, but I'd rather be safe

soolin

From recent threads on here it definitely looks like sellers are getting more savvy with these scumbag scammers. Well done, if we can spread the word far enough we might finally put these scumbags out of business.

Lilys-Games

Thanks Soolin and sorry for not replying, haven't been around for a few days.

I have another question, if nobody minds. Received another message saying 'will u take *gives price slightly higher than starting bid + postage price*' and nothing else. I'm a bit confused...like obviously I would take that price, but why not just bid like normal? They have watched the item though, which the scammer didn't. I don't know if they are asking me to end the auction early and sell to them (I wouldn't do that) or what.

I'm sorry to keep asking about this item, I've just never sold anything other than old clothes etc so I'm a bit wary of these messages and I don't really know if/how to respond.

theonlywayisup

Why not bid like normal?

Because they ask for your paypal email and send a very convincing fake money transfer email which looks like it's come straight from Paypal. You send the item and by the time you've logged in to upload the tracking they have your item, you have no money and they are long gone. It is a scam. Do not be fooled. Don't respond.