Fake offers? Is this a thing?

[nicethings321]

Hi there. One other question: I’m a new seller and on two of the items I have listed (normal auction type) I have received multiple offers for the item that are well above the minimum bid. At first I thought that was great as I figured I didn’t realize the value of the item (a purse, here is the listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/334690602270) so accepted the offer, and sent an invoice. But then the “buyer” replied:

“Thanks for accepting my offer, I will prefer paying through PayPal please drop me mail at (*their email address) or text me on (*their phone#) let's discuss about the item condition and shipping method before I submit payment. Thanks"

I replied through eBay email that the condition was very good and that I would ship via USPS once their payment cleared, and that I don’t give out my personal contact info, but that they could message me via eBay. Never heard from them again, so I relisted it and it sold with a legit buyer. My first sale: Yay!

Two questions: 1) Is this a common occurrence? I currently have another item listed for auction (https://www.ebay.com/itm/334762070082) where I’ve received another “offer” for more than the minimum bid, but I’m wary of accepting it. I figure these offers are just the beginning of some sort of scam to eventually get me to turn over my info, or have them pay me off the eBay platform where I have no protection.

2) What is the point of turning on willing to “Accept Offers”? If we have to wade through this kind of stuff? OR is there a way to vet the offers to see if they are legitimate? Because I can see a scenario where someone could offer more to cut to the chase if the item was something they really wanted… Anyway, thank you for your help!

[mtgraves7984]

I'd not ever accept an offer for more than the BIN... is stinks of scam. Qualified buyers simply pay the BIN price.

Your title "Fake offers? Is this a thing?"
You bet your life it's a thing and especially to new (hopefully naive) sellers. Glad you came here first. Good luck.

[wastingtime101]

This is a scam. New sellers are targets.

Keep all comms within eBay messaging. This scammer is trying to solicit your phone/email so they can send you a fake payment notice and get you to ship something they never paid for, possibly including gift cards as an added scam.

For common items with fixed market value, it's best to use fixed price format. As a new seller you may consider enabling "immediate payment required." Auction format and best offer format will bypass the IPR settings and open you up to these scammers looking for easy targets.

This dude will not pay. Here's all you need to know about the unpaid items process:

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/resolving-unpaid-items?id=4137

Here's a link to the blocked buyers list - add their ID:

https://www.ebay.com/bmgt/buyerrequirements

Here's a link to report the scammer for trying to get you to take the transaction off eBay - this will only work if they committed to the purchase through the listing and you see it on your orders page as awaiting payment: 

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/resolving-buyer-issues/reporting-issue-buyer?id=4084

If there was no formal transaction (and it sounds like there wasn't) then consider reporting them through the eBay message. It looks like this - it's a new feature, your account might not have the option yet:

[lamber9347]

Answers:

#1- You are coming across as if you know nothing about how to sell online because you show one feedback. That makes you a magnet for scammers. The good thing is that you are already recognizing them and are now aware. 

#2- Accepting offers is exactly for the reason you listed. Not everyone is available to wait for an auction to end, or really wants the item and will pay you more. The majority of transactions are legitimate and go off without a hitch. You are just new to this and need to work on building up your feedback. It will get better as your numbers increase. best of luck to you....

[fashunu4eeuh]

”What is the point of turning on willing to “Accept Offers”?…”

Once you have a few sales under your belt, and acquire a little feedback, the text-me scammers will move on to newer prey. I think then you will find that most buyers are legit, and most transactions go off without a hitch.

Some sellers like having offers because  it enables them to vet their buyers before acceptance. Others want to reach buyers looking for deals or discounts. Basically, BO can increase the possibility of making the sale. It is one of the selling tools that eBay provides.

I myself don’t use Best Offer, as my prices are firm, and i generally choose not to negotiate. Instead, i use the setting for Immediate Payment Required on fixed price listings. No one can tie up my item, removing it from the marketplace without paying first. IPR isn’t available when a seller accepts offers.

Below is a link to eBay’s Help pages regarding Best Offer, for your perusal.

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/listings/adding-best-offer-listing-using-reply-offer?id=4144

[nicethings321]

fashunu4eeuh, lamber9347, wastingtime101, mtgraves7984 you folks are all great. I really appreciate the advice. The people here seem really helpful--which is nice to know. I will check out the links provided and use my best judgement when listing things. I appreciate the support.