Seller won't take Paypal - what is the safest other way to pay?

ferpferpferp

Hello, I've bought an item on ebay for £500 (I know, I know). The seller doesn't accept Paypal, just bank transfer and cheque.

The seller has almost no feedback, and I only have a 'yahoo' email address for him, although I have requested a mailing address to send a cheque to.

I'm very nervous about paying by cheque, as the guy could surely just take my money and run. Do I have any fraud protection from the bank if I pay by cheque? Is there any other decent way to pay that does have fraud protection? I've asked the seller and he's not interested in accepting Paypal or Nochex.

Thanks for any advice.

Star

Did he say he accepted Paypal in the auction listing? What is the auction number?

ferpferpferp

Hi Star,

No, Paypal was not a payment option on the auction, and I knew that before bidding. I'd rather not post the auction number here, but can PM it to you if you like.

I guess what I'm asking is: given a choice of bank transfer, personal or business cheque, or postal order - are any of these safer, and do I get any kind of fraud protection from my bank (Lloyds or Abbey)?

Thanks.

kels12

Personally? I'd run screaming in the opposite direction, dont't pay, take the negative you'll no doubt get but consider it bettter than losing £500. There is nothing that will give you protection apart from paypal in this instance.

The only way in this situation is if you can pay cash on collection and even that is not ideal - no idea what the item is but if it's something that 'might not work' then you'd be screwed if that was the case as well.

He could be a genuine seller but I wouldn't risk such a high value item from someone with low feedback. Also curious as to how he proposes to send the item to you? Extra insurance needs to be taken out for an item of that value so I would expect high p+p to cover it.

Bottom line - don't do it, I know I wouldn't.

Kelsey

Edit - also noted he's not interested in Paypal or Nochex then sorry that rings huge warning bells to me - it has scammer written all over it. If I was a genuine new seller and had sold something for that amount, I'd understand your concerns and be more receptive to laternative payment optnions

StaffsSW

High value item, new seller, webmail contact details and does not accept any traceable or secure payment methods. Are they Nigerian by any chance?

Walk away while you still have your money. All the warning flags are there, so you should not even need to ask the question!!

frivolous_fay

O dear... what on earth made you bid?

Personally, if I'd just come round from a moment of madness and realised I'd bid
on a listing like that... I would back out of it, rather than pay and risk 500 smackers.

I'm telling you to do this extremely un-ebayish thing because I can see nothing whatsoever to recommend completing the transaction.


Just seen your second post... no, no, no... your bank WILL NOT protect you in any way whatsoever, whether you pay by bank transfer or cheque. And a postal order is as good as cash... so ditto.

ferpferpferp

Yeah I guess it does look suspect. I knew I shouldn't have had that last beer.

If I could get any kind of fraud protection (ie. I don't lose my money even if the item doesn't appear) then I might well go ahead with it. Otherwise, well maybe not...

frivolous_fay

PM me the ID if you like.

The way I see it... none of the payment methods will protect you at all.

If I look at the listing I'll either tell you a) there's a glimmer of honesty there and there's a chance they're legit or b) it's even worse than I thought, run for the hills!

ferpferpferp

Hi Fay, have PM'd you.

Thanks for all your help so far. It's not sounding good...

ferpferpferp

A follow-up question:

I received an invoice form the seller that had my name and address on it (from Ebay). Does the seller now have my name and address?

Thinking of not paying, but also don't want him on my doorstep!

Star

Yes the seller can get your details from ebay. If your at all uncertain about the seller then don't send any money. £500 is a lot to lose, and none of the payment methods you mentioned will offer you any protection at all.