paypal / collection scam

[bellatrixrocks]

I've sold a sofa - collection only & they've paid by paypal....

now I've found out about this scam & I'm panicking!!!!

They are based far away and a mate is gonna collect it.
it just feels wrong....

what should I do? I'm asking on the ebay chat thingy too

Can you contact them and insist on cash on collection, refunding the Paypal payment? Not sure how it works these days, as eBay insist you have to accept Paypal as an option, don't they? My advice otherwise would be to contact Paypal direct and ask them to confirm when it is safe to part with your goods ie is that payment definitely yours and cant be recalled.

good idea housemum
I've spoken to ebay & they suggested getting the buyer to sign something when they collect it
I'll see what paypal says
thanks

refund the payment and ask for cash only

no signed receipt will be worth anything in the face of a chargeback - I cannot believe eBay told you to do that! Well actually, yes I can. They are wrong and please ignore their advice.

Oh and the buyer has 45 days to recall the paypal payment, and possibly even longer than that to do a chargeback with their card, so the payment via paypal will not be safe.

Wonder when eBay will actually tell sellers of the risk of accepting paypal for collection items - is getting ridiculous.

You avoid paypal 3.4% fees by taking cash on collection, too.

thanks guys!
If i just email them & explain, refund paypal & ask for cash it'll be ok won't it?!?
i mean, it's all been a bit weird so far. lots of emails & messing about with pick up times...If they're genuine i'm not being too awkward am i??

No you are not being awkward. Log into paypal, click on the payment, scroll down and hit the refund button. As people have told you on the other thread you must not accept paypal for collection only items - it is not worth the risk.

Cash on collection only - if not cancel the sale.

I've done it, I refunded him.
Thanks for all the advice.
soooo stressful

Keep us updated on what happens next please! If they are genuine, they will fully understand that you want to save fees by taking cash, or if they are new to eBay they will learn something - I've never been paid by paypal for anything that someone has collected.