Nigeria scam?

[sportsma]

I was contacted by someone via text this morning about wedding bands I had on Craigslist.  He said he would put the money in my paypal account.  I received the email, saw the funds were pending.  I was supposed to type in a tracking number when I sent the rings.  I have NOT done that yet because I was a little leary.  He was very persistant about the sooner I could get to the post office, however, I explained that I was working and it would be tomorrow.  Now I look at my paypal account and there is nothing pending.  Is this a scam?  Is my bank account at risk?  Thanks for any insight as I have only used Paypal to buy things not sell.

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

THIS IS A SCAM.

They encourage you to use paypal and often ask you to send the item as a gift to a relative somewhere often Nigeria.

You will get/got a "fake" email that looks as though it is from paypal.....it isn't.

It will say the buyer has paid ...you won't have been paid.

They will tell you that the payment is released when you provide paypal with a tracking/shipping number......this won't happen.

Or if the item requires shipping they will tell you that they will pay you extra and you must pay the agent via western union / moneygram BEFORE the funds are released to you. They are not interested in the item, they just want the western union etc funds and you will never see money in your paypal balance.

They also threaten legal action...have a laugh at that one and ignore it as its rubbish.

Paypal NEVER tell you to send trackable, they advise it for seller protection etc but it is not compulsory.

Paypal NEVER tell you to send an item before the payment is showing in your paypal account.

Paypal NEVER expect you to use a rival money transfer service.

Delete any emails and ignore the scammers.

[sportsma]

Thank you so very much!  I pray my bank account is not at risk.  I think it's ok but will constantly check it to be sure!  And...now that I figured out he was a scam, I just texted him back and not so nicely told him what he could do!!!!!  No more texts from him now but he sure wanted me to take my lunch break and go get my rings from my house and get to the post office!  Thanks again!!!

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

your welcome, if you want to mark my post as a solution i would be grateful.

[sportsma]

Sure!  No problem!  Kindly tell me how to do that being as I'm new to this!  LOL  Thanks again!  🙂

[kernowlass]

you have done it, thank you