I think I someone is attempting to scam me..But how would it work? What should I do?

[27PP]

Hi, I am relativly niave paypal user. I occasionally use ebay but not much else. I have juct checked my email, and yesterday I recieved 2 emails. First was from Paypal "you've got money" and a name I do not know sent me £45. I then see another email from the same name who said "it was sent by accident, I put the wrong email in, please return the money". I have checked my paypal and indeed there is £45 added.

First of all, could this be genuine? I mean it's perfectly reasonable to suggest someone could enter the wrong email.

If not, and it's an attempted scam, what do I do? Also, how does it work? Surely the scammer can't make money here? I return the funds, they are back to zero, but surely they are risking £30 with me not returning it?

I am currently not responding to emails and awaiting advice. Thanks 🙂

[kernowlass]

@27PP

Yes it does happen, it only takes someone to put .com instead of .co.uk or make a typo and the payment can go elsewhere.

I would say refund but it depends on if you were charged a fee on that payment as to how you refund.

[27PP]

@kernowlass

Thanks. Surely there can be something they can do at their end to recall the money?

I have read online about this and sometimes people "accidentally pay", and when I pay them back they then request the refund and get double back. I am extremely nervous about contacting this person.

[kernowlass]

@27PP

If a payment shows up as 'refunded' on paypal system and you use the 'refund' option then they can't open a dispute or do a chargeback.