Asked to pay by cheque when paypal was listed as an option

5 replies

elfsmum · 02/02/2009 16:08

I won an item, and paypal was listed as a payment option.

However I've been asked by the seller to pay by cheque or postal order, as they say they can't withdraw any more money on their paypal account until they have a registered credit/debit card, which they say they don't have.

I got stung over Christmas, thankfully for only £1.50 - but this amount is nearer £50.

Have checked their feedback, all positive but only 38, and they've only been a member for a few months.

They have emailed me with a name and address to send the cheque to.

what do you reckon genuine or potential fraudster ?

OP posts:

charlotteolivia · 02/02/2009 16:25

never, never, NEVER pay with cheque or postal order to a personal seller over the net. NEVER.
That is rubbish. If PayPal was listed as an option you can insist on paying by that method. Paypal is secure and the only people who don't like using it are the ones who are trying to fleece you. If they've got an a/c they can pay cheques into, chances are it's got a card. You are very lucky indeed that what has happened before was only a very small sum. But, learn from that, Don't do it again!
If they argue the point, contact Ebay, as they reccommend Paypal, and not personal payment, and will help you should the seller leave feedback. Legally if you have won an item, you are obliged to pay for it, but bring up the personal cheque thing with Ebay, and I bet they ask the seller about their reasons for refusing PayPal when advertised.....woah, essay!

charlotteolivia · 02/02/2009 16:26

leave BAD* feedback

Original poster

elfsmum · 03/02/2009 19:45

o.k. emailed and said I wanted to pay by paypal, got an email back saying they will despatch the goods, and when I receive them can send payment, either by cheque or by bank transfer.

I won't send a cheque as it's got my account details on, and have an account with no money in that I can transfer into then pay from that account.

so do you think this is o.k. or still dodgy?

OP posts:

charlotteolivia · 03/02/2009 20:49

I think they are still avoiding Paypal, and I can't think of a good enough reason. The charge PayPal levies is not THAT high, so they really have me stumped. Have you asked them why? Silly really. I suppose it is better that they are sending the goods first, but why on Earth would you send goods to people if they hadn't been paid for??? would you do it??
However, if they are going to give you their a/c details, why not find out what bank they are with, and just pay the cash straight into the a/c either at the post office (where lots of bank a/cs can now be accessed) or at the bank? Does that make sense?

Original poster

elfsmum · 04/02/2009 09:26

they said that they didn't have a credit/debit card so paypal wouldn't let them withdraw any more money down.

anyhow the purchase has arrived this morning, is absolutely perfect.

such a trusting seller, I do have good feedback so I guess it's a risk they were willing to take.

Didn't know about paying at the post office but I'll do that.

cheers

OP posts:

Flip