Potential eBay Scam

joshuaclark7

Hi I recently enquires about a vehicle on eBay messaging service and was told to email the seller’s father directly via email which I did. He provided Accurate details of the vehicle (VIN and engine no) but said he has moved away and would have the vehicle delivered via Shiply who would hold the money and if it was as described the transfer would go ahead. He sent a pic of his passport and asked me to do the same. At this point I’m wary but should I be? The eBay profile pic also looks older than his “father’s” passport photo? ! Thanks in advance 

[Deleted User]

Find another car.

THIS IS A SCAM and a well known one.

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Scam

Shiply are a legitimate transport company, but they do NOT offer escrow services.

(And eBay are not stupid enough to offer any form of money back service on motors either, that "buyer protection" excludes anything likely to be a scam, like cars, tickets, real estate......)

Marvel1

joshuaclark7 said:

Hi I recently enquires about a vehicle on eBay messaging service and was told to email the seller’s father directly via email which I did. He provided Accurate details of the vehicle (VIN and engine no) but said he has moved away and would have the vehicle delivered via Shiply who would hold the money and if it was as described the transfer would go ahead. He sent a pic of his passport and asked me to do the same. At this point I’m wary but should I be? The eBay profile pic also looks older than his “father’s” passport photo? ! Thanks in advance 

As soon as I read this I thought scam, the rest just confirmed it.

Don't do it.

Stubod

...another one for the bargepole...

burlingtonfl6

Let me guess, it was a bargain?
OP, pay a bit too much for a proper car and it will cost you a lot less than being greedy and trying to grab a bargain.

joshuaclark7

Well just to update anyone that is interested, I received a genuine and professional looking email from PayPal (well, PayPal @ checkout.uk. Com ) with the following clause:

The conventional method of transferring funds to a PayPal member cannot be used due to the large amount that must be paid.

Payment must be submitted via bank transfer to the PayPal representative bank account assigned for this transaction. PayPal will secure the payment until the Buyer receives, inspects and accepts the vehicle. Or, if it is the case, PayPal will refund the payment to the Buyer.

[Deleted User]

joshuaclark7 said:

Well just to update anyone that is interested, I received a genuine and professional looking email from PayPal (well, PayPal @ checkout.uk. Com ) with the following clause:

The conventional method of transferring funds to a PayPal member cannot be used due to the large amount that must be paid.

Payment must be submitted via bank transfer to the PayPal representative bank account assigned for this transaction. PayPal will secure the payment until the Buyer receives, inspects and accepts the vehicle. Or, if it is the case, PayPal will refund the payment to the Buyer.

Always welcome when someone asks a question,listens to the answers and posts a follow up like this.

oldagetraveller1

In spite of the "professional looking" email, Joshua, I would take heed of all the replies you've received and run a mile, or more from this.

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Just put "PayPal representative bank account" into google search

joshuaclark7

oldagetraveller1 said:

In spite of the "professional looking" email, Joshua, I would take heed of all the replies you've received and run a mile, or more from this.

Don’t worry, I have done. I appreciate the responses confirming my suspicions! Also reported on eBay and forwarded the email to PayPal Fraud prevention and National Cyber Security Centre (might be a bit OTT but I hate this kind of thing and don’t want anyone else to get caught out!)