Can this be a scam?

se2020

Had an expensive item advertised on facebook marketplace,
Buyer came to collect it and paid bank transfer before taking it away.

The buyer could not speak much English, they seemed to be having problems making the bank transfer and made several phone calls (that I could not understand) before finally telling me the payment had been made.

This was about 6pm today.
I checked my online banking and the payment was showing.
Now (10pm) I have just gone back into my online banking and a second payment for the same amount is also showing.

It looks like 2 attempts as the reference is slightly different for each one.

 I would just ask for their account details and send them the money over for one lot but just wanted to check this is not some sort of scam? Or money laundering method?

MikeJXE

Check with your bank first it could be a scam 

km1500

yes wait until they contact you and wait until both payments are fully cleared

they may also ask you to refund one, then ask their bank to refund one as it is a duplicate meaning you get nothing. Don't send them any money. 

Secind payment ay also be from a diffetent account eg their friend's account who will try and claim it's a mistake after you hsve refunded the first payment.

Don't refund anything let them sort it out with their bank

TripleH

You can do a 'recall request' for payments you have made (not sure if that phrase is British) via your bank.

It's best to wait a few days for the bank to do this to play it safe.

Your bank cannot take money from your account without your consent  so will ask you to verify you are happy to do so.

Be honest with your bank for any requests received and also ensure you have the funds available to repay.

The scam could also be that you refund to a given account and then are told that wasn't them giving you the details do you have to refund again. Doing it via banks gives a buffer protecting you.