JohnBrose wrote:
Not always a scam just to send it to a different address. I often request people send equipment to me at my studio because that's where I'm at during the day. The Paypal address is our home address. You should just communicate with the person a bit and see if there are reasons. I would think if they have 6 valid transactions for similar items, things must be fine.
But you can have multiple confirmed addresses. If it's legit, no reason not to add the address. If he won't add the address, it may well be because he's not the account holder.
I live in Brazil and quite often I ask people to send things to a friend of mine @ Bradenton, FL. But I have 20+ feedbacks here and 100+ @ epay, both flawless, so people can judge if I'm a scammer or not. But I wouldn't do this if I didn't trust the guy.
... If not, the scammer will open a dispute with PayPal and claim the item was not received. Even if the seller used delivery confirmation and can show the item was delivered, it will not help. Without proof of delivery using signature confirmation for items $250 or more, PayPal will take the funds out of the seller's account and return it to the scammer.
To me, the issue is much bigger than do I trust the buyer; it is, do I trust PayPal?
I used to have a PayPal account linked to my credit card. then I read the website Paypal sucks. It is a real eyeopener. I canceled my PayPal account, then re-opened it with a link only to a little used checking account with a very low balance. Then, whenever I make a big sale, I immediately withdraw all funds from PayPal.
This prevents the buyer from saying to PayPal that I only mailed him a brick, where he gets to keep my camera gear, AND gets a chargeback payment from my credit card. PayPal bitterly hates this, because it removes their power to chargeback for any and all reasons, without bothering to do an investigation.
This arrangement causes me huge problems when I buy, since PayPal withdraws cash that day, from my checking account, but will not give me credit for the cash transfer for 4 days. I'll put up with that, to be protected from unreasonable chargebacks.
The biggest problem is PayPal. They will assume the seller is guilty until proven innocent. I recently had a friend sell some high end video recording equipment. The buyer/scammer filed a complaint. Stupidly he filled his PayPal complaint before the package left the UPS office. He said the item was not as described. Yet it had not even left the UPS office yet. PayPal automatically took the money from my friends PayPal account. Luckily my friend was able to go get his equipment before it was on the truck. This is one of the reasons why PayPal is basically dead to me.
Glad you cancelled the transaction. I had several like this on Craig's list, too, and I reported them, not that it would do any good. I, also, no longer use Pay Pal. I do a bit of buying and selling here - quite a bit recently - and so far everyone has been ok - on both sides - with waiting for funds (personal check, etc) to clear. It's the only way I'll do it any more. Good luck with your sale!
Another thing you should watch out for long description message often written in poor English. Looking at my PM box, most of the messages are 2-3 sentences/phrases.
I would be very careful sending to someone else address other than than actual FM'r. That is why I am always asking for verified paypal address. But in general everyone should start with something, so no posts or feedback not always bad.
hondageek wrote:
Never leave funds in your PP account! Withdraw it the second you receive it.
Agree on this, it happened to me that my money got frozen for 3 month!!!! while they investigated sale dispute between me and some as..ole. They unfreeze them and return all but time was lost...
Sure looks like a scam. You will get lots of similar emails when you advertise on Craig's List.
When in doubt, ask for cash payment or COD i.e. meet in person. PayPal is not secure. You can receive payment on PayPal, but if it's a fraudulent transaction you will have to return the money to the bank afterwards!
Breitling65 wrote:
Agree on this, it happened to me that my money got frozen for 3 month!!!! while they investigated sale dispute between me and some as..ole. They unfreeze them and return all but time was lost...
Even if you transfer your PayPal balance to your bank account, you are still liable if the payment you received was transacted fraudulently i.e. you will have to return the money.
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