Cancelling order from suspected scammer

[dj4-7030]

Hello, another posting-only-ID here.  I've been selling under my 'regular' ID for years (mainly books, etc.) and decided to put up some of my old clothes for auction.  One item actually managed to go for over a couple hundred dollars (far more than I expected), and the seller paid on time.  I contacted the buyer and let him know that the item would be on its way soon.  However, due to the high winning bid I did some research on the buyer and some red flags came up.  These include, but aren't limited to, his previous winning bids being mainly for items that you wouldn't associate with the item he'd won from me, negative feedback as a seller, and mention on at least one other non-eBay site that he was a scammer (as a buyer).  Don't have any hard proof, but I have the feeling that I'm being set up for the 'return-an-empty-box' scam.

I intend to cancel the order, return his money, and take the ding if need be.  However, this is admittedly my first time in this situation, so I'm not sure the best way to communicate with the buyer that I'm cancelling the order (don't think "sorry, I think you're a scammer would go over too well).  Not to mention which reason should I use to cancel the order.

[aapres_7]

This is why people don't like to buy on eBay anymore.

At least have the stones to use out of stock or anything that will get you the defect.

[mam98031]

You have no way of knowing that your assessment is accurate.  You are making assumptions that you should not make.  It is of course your decision to make and your defect to accept.  But IMHO you should follow through with the sale.  You might want to add insurance to the packaged, just in case that becomes handy.  

Are you a TRS seller with at least a 30 day return policy?

[corvettestainless]

Scammers seldom target 'clothing' except for high dollar handbags ($5000+). 

I think you need to stop the paranoia and go through with the sale. 

[18704d]

" However, this is admittedly my first time in this situation, so I'm not sure the best way to communicate with the buyer that I'm cancelling the order (don't think "sorry, I think you're a scammer would go over too well). Not to mention which reason should I use to cancel the order."

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What you're planning to do is a violation of eBay selling policies.

And you're asking us to violate discussion board policies, in order to 'help' you.

You should ship the order.

Lynn

[globexk]

With all due respect to the other replies, when I have a doubt I have not doubts. I had a buyer from Bahrain order two Ipads I had doubts so I called Ebay customer service. I said "this buyer has 9 feedbacks for $.99 items from China I have doubts." She said "This is a new buyer let's give him a chance". I did as soon as the buyer gets the Global shipment he files not as described on the new Ipads. We go through the return process and I get two Priority boxes with used shoes in place of the Ipads. Of course even thought the priority boxes were both shipped from North Carolina Ebay pays the buyer. Long story short if you have doubts you have no doubts. 

[dj4-7030]

Considering he's been mentioned on another site as a scammer who specifically scams clothing, I think it's not too hard to see why I might be a tad paranoid...  (Should also note that he has a pretty low feedback rating and an overall 0.0% rating after not having bought or sold anything for at least a year).

Would insuring the package be of any use to avoid any scams (and tell him to go through USPS if a problem comes up)? 

[gamersbaystore]

I too cancel orders if I have good reason to believe I'm about to be scammed. This does open the door for the buyer to leave you a negative though, and given such a situation its going to be a lot harder and very unlikely ebay will remove it.

Always follow your instincts. If I see enough negative feedback as a seller, that is enough for me to cancel.

I wouldn't take the ding though, I would sooner select problem with buyer's address. Sorry, I have no remorse for scammers and dishonest people in general, and have no problem throwing them under the bus.

[gamersbaystore]

It is not a violation of ebay's policies to cancel an order. In fact, I've had ebay's reps tell me in the past we are allowed to cancel for any reason, and we have no obligation to do business with anyone we don't feel comfortable with. I've also had reps insist I cancel orders from potential scammers in the past after I called to ask them for advice.

I've even had negative feedback removed from one potential scammer I cancelled an order on because the ebay rep agreed things didn't seem right with the buyer.

Although, cancelling orders also can leave sellers with defects, as well as negative feedback that may be difficult to get removed.

[nkmipgolf]

Good for you, go with your gut.  Sell another day.

[18704d]

"It is not a violation of ebay's policies to cancel an order. In fact, I've had ebay's reps tell me in the past we are allowed to cancel for any reason, and we have no obligation to do business with anyone we don't feel comfortable with."

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That is not true.

It is a violation.

And it's not true that sellers are allowed to cancel whenever they feel like it.

Lynn

[aapres_7]

I thought you said "These include, but aren't limited to, his previous winning bids being mainly for items that you wouldn't associate with the item he'd won from me, "


So....yeah...nice excuse saying he's a known clothing scammer.

[dj4-7030]

I am a TRS Seller, but I only do 14-day returns and can't do one-day shipping, so it's not like any FVF credits are at stake.

[dj4-7030]

I also mentioned 'negative feedback as a seller, and mention on at least one other non-eBay site that he was a scammer (as a buyer)' (as well as a low feedback rating and zero overall percentage rating).  So it's not like there's only one red flag that could just be a coincidence.

Would you know if insuring the package would be of any use to avoid any scams (so if there's a problem with 'damaged merchandise' I could then tell him to make a clam with USPS)?  

[mam98031]

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@dj4-7030 wrote:

I am a TRS Seller, but I only do 14-day returns and can't do one-day shipping, so it's not like any FVF credits are at stake.

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I wasn't asking because of the discount for TRS+ listings.  It was because of the new seller protections for TRS w/ 30+ day return policies that went in effect on October 1st, 2019.  While a long way from perfect, it is more protection than we have had for a very long time.  But since you don't qualify, it wouldn't be of use to you.