Buyers asking me to text them about shipping and paying

[we286886]

I had 3 different (all first time buyers) ask me to text them to discuss paying and shipping.  They all 3 made offers that I already accepted. It seems a bit odd, I did not text them.  Fraud alert?  Do I cancel?

[ittybitnot]

@we286886 

If you accepted the offers you are able to report the buyers to eBay onsite.  If eBay does not can the ID, you can safely "cancel for non-payment" on day 5. 

These people are not going to pay you.  It is a scam.  

[jhr-4800]

They are SCAMMERS.  Looking for new sellers with no feedback.  Try to buy items on this account either for you personally, or packaging materials, this is to create some feedback on  your account.  I will also stop doing auctions, and will removed the "Best Offer", because of non payers.  I learned this lesson some time ago, and every now and again, I get people that try to buy my items a lower price, to this, I let them know that I am not taking any offers at this time, or I just don't reply.  Good luck on your seller journey.

[caldreamer]

Scammers target new sellers and even seasoned sellers with "high value" items.   Stop all communication...as this is a SCAM.   Add these people to your "blocked bidder" list.

IF THEY PAY for item then you can cancel orders using reason "bad shipping address" (that way you won't get a "defect" on your account).   Customer can pay and then "reverse credit card charges" (keep item and your money).

More than likely they won't pay and will just pester you to contact them so they can "steal your money or personal information".  

You should search "scams" on Seller Hub so you can learn about different types of scams on EBAY.   There is no protection if you get scammed.

[iart]

SCAMS!

I find it hard to believe that eBay can't target these types of messages. It seems they don't mind their brand name being associated with scams. This is going to eventually cost them, and sellers, big time.

[mtgraves7984]

I did not text them.  Fraud alert?  Do I cancel?

@we286886 

1) Good for you. 2) Absolutely. 3) Let them take Unpaid Item strikes if they don't pay... that helps all sellers the most.

[fab_finds4u]

Messages asking you to text them about paying are usually because they are going to ask for you for your PayPal so they can send you a fake payment or they want to discuss you adding a gift card.  Don't do it.

REPLY

"Dear Buyer (through eBay message),

Shipping details are in the listing. Go to your Purchase History and find the item and pay for it. You don't need me to help you pay."

[dbfolks166mt]

     As others have mentioned you can bet all three are scammers, or possibly the same scammer using multiple accounts. Ignore the messages and do not cancel. If they do not pay within 5 days eBay, under their new policy, will cancel the transaction for you and the buyer receives a ding for the unpaid item case. If they do pay then cancel as problem with the address. Add them to your BBL.