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AIBU?

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Original poster

Is this a scam? How?

29 replies

Chipbutty67 · 15/02/2019 16:09

I recently advertised a fairly high value item for sale on Gumtree, cash and collection only.

I got a quick response from a buyer offering full price. The buyer is unable to collect and wants a courier to collect, which is fine. I asked for back transfer or cash on collection, but the buyer has responded that they only have access to pay via PayPal.

Am I paranoid or is this strange?

OP posts:
Malibucyprus · 15/02/2019 16:11

I’d avoid, sounds like it could be a scam. If they’ve got PayPal, you’d think they’d be able to make a bank transfer.

LIZS · 15/02/2019 16:11

It is a regular scam. They claim it never arrived and a chargeback. You have no pod so paypal refund.

CurcubitaPepo · 15/02/2019 16:11

Definitely a scam.
I would reiterate to the buyer the need for cash on collection.

dementedpixie · 15/02/2019 16:12

No don't do it

Thecatisboss · 15/02/2019 16:12

Definite scam! Never PayPal for collection only items!

Merchantgirl · 15/02/2019 16:12

Classic scam, their friend aka courier collects then they do a chargeback saying they never got the goods

SabineUndine · 15/02/2019 16:12

I would tell PayPal about them too.

lewk · 15/02/2019 16:13

Well known scam - if they arrange the courier and pay PayPal, they then claim it never arrived and you have no proof so PayPal will find in their favour. Then they end up with your item and the money. Bank transfer or cash on collection is the only way to avoid!

SillyLittleBiscuit · 15/02/2019 16:13

They transfer via paypal and send courier. You hand the item over. They raise a dispute with paypal. You have no proof of posting. They get their money back and your item.

DoneLikeAKipper · 15/02/2019 16:13

Did you need two threads on this?

Original poster
Chipbutty67 · 15/02/2019 16:13

Hmm yes it sounded a bit odd to me. I suppose I could ask them to email me confirming their courier has received the package when I hand it over?

OP posts:
mummmy2017 · 15/02/2019 16:13

Yeah scam...
I once spent 200 on something never arrived... Too 3 months to get the money back...
PayPal can be abused.

PlainSpeakingStraightTalking · 15/02/2019 16:14

Scam - they will do a charge back claiming they never received it

Original poster
Chipbutty67 · 15/02/2019 16:14

Ah right, it seems to be a known scam, I’ll have to say no.

Sorry for the 2 threads, not sure how I did that. Does anyone know how to report to @MNhq to get them removed?

OP posts:
DoneLikeAKipper · 15/02/2019 16:14

Hmm yes it sounded a bit odd to me. I suppose I could ask them to email me confirming their courier has received the package when I hand it over?

Don’t be so stupid and read your first thread on the matter!!

katmarie · 15/02/2019 16:15

Seriously, it's a scam. Just decline and repeat, cash on collection only. It won't end well and will just be a pain in the arse to sort.

Deadringer · 15/02/2019 16:15

There was a thread on this yesterday, apparently it's a well known scam. Google eBay courier paypal scam and it should come up.

Whisky2014 · 15/02/2019 16:15

You could always say youd post special delivery?

EvaHarknessRose · 15/02/2019 16:15

Don’t try to deal with scammers you will come off worst.

EvaHarknessRose · 15/02/2019 16:15

I mean that they know the loopholes.

redandyellowandpinkandgreen99 · 15/02/2019 16:19

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/3506956-To-think-someone-is-trying-to-scam-me-photo-attached?pg=1

Similar thread the other day.

Defo a scam.

LilaJude · 15/02/2019 16:22

This is the second thread this week for this one!

redandyellowandpinkandgreen99 · 15/02/2019 16:23

Is the other thread you too then OP?

amrscot · 15/02/2019 16:27

There was a thread on this yesterday.

OP was selling a wedding dress and she got the same message.

It's a scam, don't entertain it

Jebuschristchocolatebar · 15/02/2019 16:32

The other way you get scammed is they will over pay you for the item. They ask you to refund the difference between the overpayment and the original price, which you do. It then turns out the money they sent you has been recalled by the sending bank or PayPal due to fraud so you will end up out of pocket and possibly unwittingly part of money laundering