Query - spam or not?

[ajwh]

Hi, i am selling an item and received an email from someone who wanted to buy it, asking for my email address, name and address. I only gave them my email address in order to send funds to paypal. They now say they have sent the funds but are in a holding account with paypal. Paypal will not release the funds until i pay the shipping agent via moneygram and provide a receipt. I dont feel comfortable paying money first before receiving the funds.

Is this a scam?

[kernowlass]

@ajwh

Oh yes  >>>>>

THIS IS A TYPICAL PAYPAL SCAM.

They encourage you to use paypal.

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.

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 an item before the payment is showing in your paypal account.

Paypal NEVER expect you to use a rival money transfer service eg moneygram or western union.

Delete any emails and ignore the scammers.

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@ajwh

Your welcome !!!!

[ajwh]

Hi thank you for your reply, it is much appreciated. Apologies for not replying sooner - end of school term craziness with my son. Thank you again