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uncomfortable
i received this message from a person that purchased an iphone i was selling, after he purchased it, he sent me this, along weith his whatup . i am feel like its a scam, and if i send out the phone which in fact is immaculate it will not come back to me the same. i would like to cancel the sale but don't want to get dinged by ebay. the following message, after this person already bought it.
"Hello, good morning. I hope you are in good health. I paid for the phone, but I need to know what the real problem with the device is. Has any part been replaced? Has the back cover been replaced? Does it accept any network normally? Do the speaker and microphone work properly? Are the camera lenses clean, not cloudy or dusty? Does it take photos well?Hello, good morning. I hope you are in good health. I paid for the phone, but I need to know what the real problem with the device is. Has any part been replaced? Has the back cover been replaced? Does it accept any network normally? Do the speaker and microphone work properly? Are the camera lenses clean, not cloudy or dusty? Does it take photos well?What is the real problem with the item? Please be honest and make me aware of everything.
“My WhatsApp, if you need to contact me, preferably, is 930802979.â€
the my whats up was sent in quotes like above. and below is my response
I am not sure if you’re aware of how your message is coming across. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this phone quite the opposite. I am a reputable, eBay seller who does not sell anything with issues or past issues without disclosing them. With all of these questions, I am quite uncomfortable with these questions because it’s kind of sounds like a scam. I have not become an eBay trusted seller by selling products and lying about them.
inceptions
Mentor9 months ago@still.in.cycle
What is your question?
You've already intimated to the buyer that he is a scammer. That probably didn't go over well, but it's too late to advise about that now.
I didn't think his questions were unreasonable for a used item. None of them were answered in your item description. Frankly, a scammer probably wouldn't take the time to ask all of those questions. This buyer may have given you his alternate communication method because that's what he looks at most frequently without knowing he shouldn't do it. If you did communicate with him that way, it wouldn't protect him in any way so why do it if he was planning to steal the phone. Selling phones on eBay is risky, but that doesn't mean every buyer is a scammer. Most are not.
When you sell on eBay, you agree to complete the sale with the buyer, so it's time to ship. The key going forward is to only list items with a price that you can afford to lose if things go wrong.
I know you know all of this and just want reassurance. I can't give you reassurance because I don't know your buyer any better than you do, but I can remind you about what you've agreed to do by virtue of listing the phone. I hope all goes well with your sale!
still.in.cycle
OP9 months agoi understand what you mean, but since my listing was very clear and well photographed, it is very off putting to get the messages after someone already purchases it. also him stating" tell me the real reason" is directed at me like i am scamming. that is what crossed the line in my eyes and caused my response.
inceptions
Mentor9 months ago@still.in.cycle
Your listing said:
apple iphone 14 pro max 256 gb phone excellent unlocked with 7 cases preloved
still.in.cycle
OP9 months agoplease include the photos too
inceptions
Mentor9 months ago@still.in.cycle
Most of your buyer's questions are not answered by the photos.
eastlaneave
Mentor9 months ago@still.in.cycle
If the buyer paid and you cancel without his permission, you will get a defect.
Still I understand your concern since it is a lot of money and phones are a riskier category.
With him providing whatsapp, it seems likely to me it is an overseas buyer.
- Did the buyer actually pay, or only buy?
- If the address is a freight forwarder address, you are only responsible until it arrives at the location in the USA, you aren't responsible after that point.
- What does the buyer's 'Feedback left for others' look like? You can only see that on a browser.
You could explain to the buyer how they can request a cancellation if they are concerned about the conditions of the phone. If the buyer asks to cancel, you don't get a ding for accepting the cancellation.
If you cancel, you will need to refund the buyer from a credit card or back up method, and then the buyer's money will be released to you.
still.in.cycle
OP9 months agohe only has one transaction and the account is new as of 11/2025. he never responded to my response, so i will add your suggestion. he did pay in full