Possible Scam

[Josiahmace76]

Hello. I sold a pair of shoes to a buyer who proceeded to put the purchase on hold until recovering shipment information, and then the payment would go out. He requested my email, and I received an email from (EXAMPLE) <removed> . I read through some FAQ’s and found that a common scam is disguising @gmail accounts as an email from PayPal Services, but did not realize the email address until just now. Did I get scammed? I am trying to get in contact with PayPal but I’ve not heard back yet. Any help is appreciated

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@Josiahmace76 

SCAM.

They encourage you to accept a 'direct' Paypal payment and may ask you to send the item internationally.
No funds or activity of the transaction shows in your Paypal account and any emails 'may' go into your junk or spam folders.

You will get/got a "fake" email that looks as though it is from paypal.....it isn't because they don't actually have a Paypal account and have no intention of paying you.
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.

Paypal NEVER tell you to send an item before the payment is showing in your paypal account.
Paypal do not tell you to send trackable, they advise it for selling protection but it is not compulsory.
Delete any emails and ignore the scammers.