selling my sisters' watch - something fishy ?

frivolous_fay

freddysmith wrote: »

Why don't you phone your bank and ask if this type of transaction can be reversed.

I'd agree with this, because the more I think about it... the less I understand about how he intends to do it.

I know about credit card cheques... but how on earth would you go about paying from your CC to someone else's bank account?

freddysmith

I have had a look on Ebay at ladies watches that have sold for £3500 ish recently. I have found one possible scammer that is NRU'd (0 feedback).
It seems a dodgy area to be dealing in on Ebay and one for the brave.

Jimbobby_2

susplum wrote: »

You could ask him to transfer the money from his card to his own bank account then to yours and that way he can't use any of the usual credit card scams.

Now thats a bloody good idea and you can make sure the bank name matches his ebay name too!

Snooze

hobbo25 wrote: »

I think the reason he is doing the payment like this is it will be classed as a balance transfer on his MBNA account so am guessing he probably has a low rate. Doing it through paypal is classed as retail transaction so would be at normal retail rate.

That is correct. With MBNA credit cards you can transfer money from them into bank accounts without any charges.

He's probably got one of the MBNA 12 month 0% interest deals hence why he's wanting to pay on that.

Rob

snax

Can't offer any specific advice but agree that there is a 'fish smell' here.
Credit card transactions can be reversed - with ease it seems to me - so worst case could be no item as you have posted it and no cash as the transaction has been reversed.
I agree on the no paypal thing ... horrible nasty system that is wide open to abuse for the unwary - fees would be horrendous wouldn't they? [I think there are limits on the amount that can be transferred anyway]

It must be tempting for a seller to be persuaded to accept a payment for what must be a relatively large sum ... nice payday, especially as the buyer is making out that it's all safe, easy and above board. Beware of false assurances though as it could be a trap.
Even your banks advice may be of no use in the event of a chargeback scam - I'd be surprised if they offer you any concrete assurance that you could legally rely on.

Transfer of an amount to cover the payment from their credit card to their debit account .... then a bank transfer to your bank account would appear to be the safest way if you are convinced to go ahead [although I seem to remember a thread on here about banks reversing these payments as well - so not advise to proceed]

If the item sold for/is worth a decent amount have you considered taking it to a jeweller near you, 2nd hand quality pieces are always desirable and commercially viable ... ask for firm quotes and perhaps bargain the price up between 2 or 3 of them.
What about your local auction house?.... probably best to look for one that advertises fine art or specialist sales [they are always happy to give you an auction quote and advise about fees, reserves etc].
Ebay just seems such a chance to take with an item like this especially as you say your buyer has 0 feedback