Looks like he was the one who sent me the money. I still don't know how he put the money in my Paypal account without a history if it. I have noticed suspicious activity in my email account from the United States (apparently it is "authorised", but someone logged in at a time I was not online) and changed the passwords. I realise that maybe he got it from Craigslist or Gumtree. Talking to the automated machine for Paypal's customer service ito trace the origin of the money is very frustrating and I gave up. Anyway, this is what happened: I got an email from the Paypal's service email addresss without the Paypal logo in it, at a time when I did not log into my bank account at all, let alone sent money to my Paypal account. I think it's fake.
This is my exchange with the guy who wanted to buy my Chromebook:
John <removed> a77c9eeb52133c46acf3bd9f510c2931 (Craigslists user number)
Let me know if your Samsung Series 3 Chromebook 11.6" for sale - £50 Is still available for sale? Me:
Hi John, yes, it's still available. Would you be interested to take a look at it?
John <removed>
Okay I'm Purchasing your item for my son in West Africa as a christmas gift. I'm busy with work but I can pay you via Paypal if that's Okay with you?
Me:
Hi, sure. Thanks for your quick reply! I have to say the wifi is slightly weak, it has a strong connection to my home's wifi but in some areas it just doesn't connect. If it has any problems, just my contact on to your son. Would you like me to send it to you first or straight to your son's?
Me:
Anyway, do you need any other paypal information besides my email? I'm new to Craigslist, you see.
John <removed>:
No just your email, here's my Son's Details: Full Name: Albert <removed> Address: <removed>, Lawanson, Lagos, Nigeria Postal Code: 100256 I will make the payment once I get your email
Me:
This is my email address for Paypal: [my email]
Do you mind paying £100 extra for courier? It seems quite expensive according to Royal Mail. If not, I'll shop around to see if there are any other cheaper options and let you know. Thank you!
Me: Hi John, I have found a cheaper option from Parcelforce, however it isn't tracked and may be slower compared to the pricier options, which may not make it in time for Christmas if you're buying it as a Christmas gift. Which option do you prefer?
John <removed> :
I'll try and add another $100 but please do I have your assurance, it'll get to him before christmas?
Me:
None of these say that they can reach before Christmas, Unfortunately, we have already passed the latest sending date for Christmas. I would advice you to order it from a store local to Nigeria and send it to him. It seems that you have paid me £27 but it is not reflecting in the Paypal history regarding who it was from. Do you want me to send the money back to you?
John <removed>;
I think we should send it like that, I'll just inform him its on the way!
Me:
No, it won't make it, and someone else has already offered to buy it. Were you the person who sent me the £27?
Me:
If that payment is from you, can you send me your email address for your paypal account so that I can return it to you?
In retrospect, it was my own fault for not listening to my gut feelings when I saw the red flags, and not listening to the advice never to give out my Paypal info and to only sell something when I meet up in person on Craigslist. I'll put this here as a warning to anyone who happen to come upon this person again
... View more