Depop Buyer

[Edore]

Hi - I am nervous about a sale on depop and I wonder if someone can give me some advice. I have sold lots on depop using the instant payment so the money goes straight to my paypal account. This morning someone messaged me about an item, we agreed a price and they paid using instant payment, however the money is showing as 'uncleared' in my PayPal account. Usually I wouldn't be worried but the person said that they live in Canada, but could I sent it to a U.K. address (the address registered to the PayPal), also, the name on the PayPal is completely different to their depop name, I am worried that they are fraudulently using someone else's PayPal account or something. Is it best to wait until the money has cleared before I send the product? Even once the money shows as cleared, is it safe to accept this money and send the product? Thank you in advance for any help Xx

[PayPal_Olivia]

Hi Edore,

You're asking great questions! I'd be happy to help with some insight.

If a payment is "uncleared", you should wait for it to clear before sending the product. This means that the payment is an eCheck rather than an Instant Transfer. The payment is not guaranteed until it is completed.

If the address that the buyer wants you to send the item to is the address in the transaction details, that would be safe. You only ever want to use the address in the transaction details, as tracking to that address is what is needed to protect your transaction in the event of a claim.

Seeing a mismatch in name is a bit of a red flag. It could simply be someone using an alias for some reason unrelated to fraud, but it also could be someone paying you with a stolen PayPal account. There's no way to know for sure. Shipping to the address in the transaction details and getting tracking will protect you, but if you can catch fraud before the transaction, so much the better!

If you ever feel uncomfortable with a transaction, you can always opt not to participate in it. Sometimes the little hairs on the back of your neck rise up and warn you for a good reason. It's good to listen to them.

I hope this helps!

Olivia