Buyer asking to pay directly by BACS. Is this OK?

[amistillsexy]

I'm selling a largish toy.
Stated pick up and pay by cash only since postage will be a pain and expensive.
Bidder messaged me asking if I'd post item. Told her the cost (over £20 at Post Office) and she messaged again saying she was happy to pay it. She then placed a bid (first and only bid).
She has now messaged to ask if I'd accept payment by BACS as 'PayPal is playing up'. Is there any way she's scamming me? I'm struggling to work out how, but can't help feeling uneasy.
The listing ends this evening so I can't change it from 'pick up only' to 'postage at £20'

[rosesarered9]

BACS is a type of bank transfer but in personal accounts it’s been replaced by FPS (BACS takes 3 days whereas FPS is immediate).

[treaclesoda]

Is it safe to give a stranger your bank details?

It's fine. Until fairly recently everyone wrote cheques for things like this and every time you wrote a cheque and gave it to someone you were giving them your bank account number and a copy of your signature as well.

At most, someone could perhaps set up a direct debit on your account, but it's unlikely, and even if they did, the direct debit guarantee protects you - you let your bank know that it's unauthorised and they cancel it and refund your money.

[whyohwhy000]

Is it safe to give a stranger your bank details?
Yes. It's on the front of your card and cheques. The only thing someone could do is pay money in (if anyone wants to do that to me they are very welcome) or set up direct debits. If there are any unauthorised direct debits on your account then your bank has to cancel it (and refund any payments that have already gone through), no questions asked.

[pamelastone]

I think its alright if you feel the buyer is legitimate. Its common to sell outside eBay or Amazon and people do pay to banks. So, I think its alright unless you feel and there is evidence that the person is trying to scam.

[TotemIcePole]

I would have cancelled the auction and put it on Gumtree.