How can I protect myself for a collection item paid via PayPal?

[GuffSmuggler]

I read on here recently about a scam that people pay on Paypal collect the item and then withdraw the money from paypal.

I'm currently selling a reasonably expensive item that needs collecting and my ebay defaults to payment by paypal so I don't think I can change the listing at this stage for cash on collection.

So I'm just wondering how I can protect myself. Shall I print out something for them to sign when they collect it to prove they have taken the items?

Just ask very nicely for cash instead of Paypal. Put it in the listing "Cash on Collection Please." By rights they can insist on Paypal but most people are not scammers and will pay cash if you prefer. If they pay by Paypal without thinking then refund and msg politely to say you prefer cash on collection please.

Supposedly there's nothing else you can do to protect yourself. Pictures, signatures etc. can be forged.

You just take cash on collection. You must never accept PayPal as eBay don't accept anything printed and signed as it could be forged.

When the person wins or buys it just mail them saying you only accept cash on collection. If they pay by PayPal you must refund.

Ok thanks. I've edited the listing for Cash on Collection Only but it won't let me 'untick' the paypal box so they still have the option to pay that way.

Like you say I will have to refund and politely request cash on collection.

Thanks very much.

I sold a few large items last year, one of which was picked up by a courier. Not only did I make him sign a collection sheet, but I also had to sign his paper work. Just curious - are couriers an exception to this "rule"?

I don't know, it seems what the other posters are saying if they pay on paypal, the courier collects and then the buying retracts the money saying they never received the item you aren't protected?

yes you should never let a buyer arrange their own courier either - unless you are paid by cash or bank transfer. Even if you have the tracking info, if the item gets damaged by that courier you cannot claim for the loss as the buyer has the contract with the courier not you, so you will have to refund, then the buyer can claim from the courier for the loss too and keep that money also.

I've just sold two items which were paid for by Paypal and where the buyer arranged a courier (I listed as collection only). Never occurred to me that you could be scammed thru PayPal. How do they withdraw the money from Paypal?!?

they just claim the item is not received and paypal refund them because you won't have a tracking number to prove delivery. Or they claim not as described stating damaged, you can't claim for the loss from the courier so again you lose your money as paypal will refund them once the item is returned. And you risk a broken item and no recourse to claim with the courier.