Community Forums

OCcoaster · 11-25-2018, 04:10 PM

Hi everybody. We have been registered on this forum for several years, but rarely post anything. We have learned a lot from all of you. But here is something important to talk about. We have our 2 door Jeep Wrangler toad listed for sale on IRV2 and Autotrader. We have gotten replies on both sites from people who say they are interested. They ask a few questions, request more pictures, and say that they want to pay full price through PayPal. One guy really had a line of bs stating that he wanted to buy it for his dad, but he was stationed with the army, was temporarily restricted from calling off the base, and was shipping overseas. But they both immediately asked for my PayPal account number and other personal info. When I emailed them back to say I would only take cash or a wire transfer, they both disappeared. Google PayPal scams and you will see that these guys were following the scammer playbook.
I am posting this as a warning to be careful selling online! The “army” guy almost had me going until I noticed that his name on the email address did not match his name on the email.
I guess lots of people use PayPal but after this I am afraid to use it. I am curious about other’s experience with this. Good or bad?

WinnieView · 11-25-2018, 04:39 PM

We will only meet at your bank to complete the sale.

RickNC · 11-25-2018, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OCcoaster

...........They ask a few questions, request more pictures, and say that they want to pay full price through PayPal. One guy really had a line of bs stating that he wanted to buy it for his dad, but he was stationed with the army, was temporarily restricted from calling off the base, and was shipping overseas. But they both immediately asked for my PayPal account number and other personal info. When I emailed them back to say I would only take cash or a wire transfer, they both disappeared. Google PayPal scams and you will see that these guys were following the scammer playbook.
I am posting this as a warning to be careful selling online! The “army” guy almost had me going until I noticed that his name on the email address did not match his name on the email.
I guess lots of people use PayPal but after this I am afraid to use it. I am curious about other’s experience with this. Good or bad?

First up anyone who has used Paypal for any length of time should already know that the buyer of anything only needs the email address ( or phone #) associated with your Paypal account to send you money. Nothing else.
As for the military angle, that and any mention of religion is a ploy to use your patriotism or beliefs to make you vulnerable. Same reason car dealers fly huge American flags and Politicians wear them

xrated · 11-25-2018, 05:18 PM

I've taken paypal as a deposit, maybe 50 dollars or so, then when they arrive to finish the purchase, it has to be cash.

BSHGTO · 11-25-2018, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2008Seneca

We will only meet at your bank to complete the sale.

Cash is king and has been forever.

OregonJim · 11-25-2018, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OCcoaster

he was stationed with the army, was temporarily restricted from calling off the base, and was shipping overseas.

Textbook scam. Whenever I put some big dollar item on Craigslist, I'll get half a dozen of these scam artist replies. No PayPal, period - it's too easy to defraud. Cash only, or an in person bank transfer at their bank. If the person is legitimately interested, that should not be a stumbling block.

johnm405 · 11-25-2018, 07:18 PM

My wife and I have used PayPal for a number of years and have been fortunate to never had a problem, but then if it sounds to good then it probably is not that good.

Cat320 · 11-26-2018, 05:53 PM

I don't use Pay Pal.

HRvindeb · 11-27-2018, 07:10 AM

Just received email a couple days ago on my classified ad .
PayPal payment requested.. these people are something else!!
Have had some similar issues selling on Craigslist..
Told him bank transaction with cash is the only way it’s sold.
He said he works with offshore oil company and can’t get to a bank.. buying for his dad so can only do PayPal.. lol
Shame on me if ever falling for something like this

Luckiest Dreamer · 11-27-2018, 07:29 AM

The response from my IRV2 Ad was from an off shore oil platform wanting to use Pay Pal. They never end unless you are attempting to sell a cheap item.

MathComp · 11-27-2018, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRvindeb

Just received email a couple days ago on my classified ad .
PayPal payment requested.. these people are something else!!
Have had some similar issues selling on Craigslist..
Told him bank transaction with cash is the only way it’s sold.
He said he works with offshore oil company and can’t get to a bank.. buying for his dad so can only do PayPal.. lol
Shame on me if ever falling for something like this

Yep...same thing here. Oil company, PayPal, whatever. "Cash only" was my reply, though I was tempted to ask him if he knew my sister who works on the same oil rig that he does. (Actually, I have no sister).

Thanks,
MathComp

Justwinginit · 11-27-2018, 01:24 PM

You sell item on eBay and they pay with PayPal. Within 6 months they complain to PayPal about item. PayPal refunds their money and comes after you for the money.

Ramets · 11-28-2018, 07:05 AM

I've only used Paypal once, and that was to purchase an item. I've sold a couple things and have been asked if I would accept Paypal, and I declined, saying I wanted cash. Each time I had no problem selling because the buyers were legit. It's an easy way to find out if it's a buying scam or not.

RickNC · 11-28-2018, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justwinginit

You sell item on eBay and they pay with PayPal. Within 6 months they complain to PayPal about item. PayPal refunds their money and comes after you for the money.

I buy and sell a fair amount on Ebay and always accept PayPal. When Paypal expanded the dispute window from 45 days to 180 days in 2014 they added some caveats that make it harder for a buyer to advance false or remorse claims. I sold a Warwick Bass for $1900 back last March. Buyer received it, I got paid and everything was cool for about 4 months. He then filed a claim that the "item received was not as described" This is a standard ploy with musical instruments. Buyers will claim a small scratch or other defect to try and elicit a partial refund. Took me 5 minutes to write a rebuttal noting the time the guitar had been in his possession along with the photos and video from the ebay listing and his claim was quickly denied.

One of the good things about the extension is when you order something that is custom or involves foreign shipping that can often go beyond the standard 45 day window. I had a problem with a camera lens I had ordered from a buyer in Greece in 2016. It took 6 weeks to get to me, Lens seemed ok, everything was functioning. What I didn't know was the mount was deformed and when I shot film through it and processed it two weeks later I discovered a light leak. The repair estimate was $85. When the seller refused to cover it, I filed a claim along with evidence of the defect. Paypal refunded the repair cost to me.

One thing I do with my Paypal account is the linked bank account I use for Paypal is only for Paypal and I only keep enough money in there to cover Ebay or Paypal purchases and fees. I don't link credit cards to my Paypal account.