Unsure about buyer

Rosiebo
Contributor
Contributor

Hi there - newbie alert!! I have some items on Gumtree and 2 people have contacted me about purchasing 2 different items but the email addresses are very very similar. One has given a story about not being able to collect the item in person as they are disabled and limited access to cash and buying for their cousin so wants to pay via PayPal and send a courier to collect it. Anyone else think this sounds dodgy?? I have not contacted the other one. Is there a way of checking the email addresses to see if they have valid PayPal accounts?

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3 REPLIES 3

kernowlass
Esteemed Advisor
Esteemed Advisor

@Rosiebo

 

THIS IS A TYPICAL PAYPAL SCAM.

They encourage you to use paypal and tell you that they can't view as they are either disabled / working offshore or in the military.
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 the 'fake' paypal email will tell you that the buyer has paid for the item + shipping costs but you must send those shipping costs to the courier 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 ie via moneygram or western union to any so called courier.

Delete any emails and ignore the scammers.


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Rosiebo
Contributor
Contributor

Thank you so much. I thought it didn't sound genuine but I'm glad I checked.

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kernowlass
Esteemed Advisor
Esteemed Advisor

@Rosiebo

 

Glad i decided to log on and saw your post.


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Kudos / Solution appreciated.
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