Buyer Makes Offer: Wants Me to Email Software Key Only (not Box or CD) - Any Risk?

[meekoindy1999]

I have an  offer from a potential buyer to purchase a Microsoft Office Suite which was listed as a box with both the CD and a license key to activate the use of the program.  He states if he was to purchase it with his offer, he'd need 'key' right away via email and does not need the CD or original box. 

Is there any risk to this scenerio or am I just worrying too much?

My concerns offhand are that:

1) I'm not truly fulfilling my contract by way of the sale as I'm providing only part of what was to be sold and this might be a breach of contract per se?,

2) Is there anyway there could be foulplay if I email him the activation key code?

I know there are scammers on Ebay and am leary of deviating from normal seller protocols. 

[brightlightbookseller · Accepted solution]

Yes, this could get you into trouble if the buyer is dishonest.  Since you will not have tracking information, you have no way to prove you delivered the product (which, technically, you won't have even though it's what the buyer is requesting after the sale), so they could claim INR and get a refund without any recourse from you.

If you feel they're honest, you could ship it but also send the key (I'm not aware of any problems with doing that) by messages, but definitely don't do it by actual email.  Keep everything on eBay.  That way you'll have a record the eBay team can see plus a tracking number to prove delivery.

[stuff4divas]

@meekoindy1999   The 'need right away' makes it obvious that it's a scam

[pburn]

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@meekoindy1999 wrote:

I know there are scammers on Ebay and am leary of deviating from normal seller protocols. 

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Then why would you for this buyer?

[coolections]

You have a couple of issues. First, do not give the person the code. Why would you? Secondly do you have a license to sell Microsoft Suite? The Microsoft company will most likely have your item removed if they found out you are trying to sell it without a license.

[the_fancy_fox]

Simple, they are trying to scam you. 

I would answer this “per ebay I can not just send the key code, would you like to cancel the transaction?”

[tdrake]

Just Say NO.

[meekoindy1999]

Thanks everybody for your valuable input.  I will tell the potential buyer they need to purchase the item as a whole and will ship it to them if they ultimately buy the item. 

[the_old_farmhouse]

If it feels like a scam, looks like a scam, smells like a scam, and if you're uncomfortable enough to post a question about it, then it very likely is a scam. My major red flag is WHY would your customer want the key right away when he would have to wait on the CD to arrive anyway? If he already has a valid copy of the software and needs a replacement key, he could easily call Microsoft. They've got ways of telling if you registered a product from them or not. I've called them a couple times and never had an issue, so why would he need your product key so badly?

My advice? Go with your gut when something like this happens. The first instinct is usually the correct one.

[juicydrupes]

Not sure - is this a version of Office that is currently supported?

He may have purchased a used laptop and wants to activate the pre-installed Office?

Not sure what you have to lose if you retain the media. You said he didn't want the box or disc.

[the_fancy_fox]

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@juicydrupes wrote:

Not sure - is this a version of Office that is currently supported?

He may have purchased a used laptop and wants to activate the pre-installed Office?

Not sure what you have to lose if you retain the media. You said he didn't want the box or disc.

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What to lose? A not received claim and the scanner gets the software for free. 

[juicydrupes]

He gets to unlock his version for free - the Seller still has the disc and the code.

At worst, seller has to take a "Return" on something they still have. I dont think they can lose the software license just because some guy activates his copy with that code.

That's why I asked what version - because, for older unsupported versions - it might not matter how many times its unlocked. Less risk. 

I might still recommend that the seller send the buyer SOMETHING.

If sending the code is against any eBay rule - well that makes it easy - dont do it.

[retro_entertainment_collectibles]

eBay disallows the sale of keys to software, that simple.  There are sellers who sell steam keys but according to eBay policies only authorized sellers are allowed to sell keys and/or download software.

I've been asked for codes many a time, the answer is no.  You listed the product, that's what you're selling, end of story.

[juicydrupes]

Is there really much to be gained from making this a scam, though?

Like - other than expediency - not sure what the scammer gains?

Could the buyer/scammer just as easily buy the software...take shipment, copy the code, and return it?

[retro_entertainment_collectibles]

It's Office 2019 w/ the download key.  Once the key is used it will not activate on another PC unless it's a multi-user license.