eBay

bee-hay · ‎11-29-2023

Hello,

Recently sold an item to an ebay user in Mexico.

User has reached out an asked me for my Tax ID #, in which is my SSN.

I don't feel comfortable giving this out, although he is stating it is needed to release the item from customs. (Appears it is hung up at customs).

Never really heard of this before?

Item was large, bulky and very expensive to ship.

Please advise and thanks for any input.

kickin.assets · ‎11-29-2023

We’ve sold to Mexico MANY times through eBay International and have NEVER had to give a buyer any “extra” information and certainly not our tax ID

thelongball · ‎11-29-2023

I'm not a expert on this but I've never heard of such a item being needed. At least I've never put one on anything to send something internationally. Laws are always changing though.

Sounds as if the buyer is maybe trying to get around from paying taxes he may owe to get it released. I'd recommend you asking at your local post office or whatever shipping service you used. My common sense tells me to not give your SS # though.

bee-hay · ‎11-29-2023

Thanks for the input!

Yea, I have a hunch he is probably trying to not pay import tax. (Pass it off to me?)

No way am I giving out my SSN, that is crazy time.

As this plays out, I'll update this thread in hopes it helps someone in the future. 🙂

bee-hay · ‎11-30-2023

Update - I reached out to UPS and they stated that customs needs the RECEIVING ends Tax ID, not mine.

Maybe something got lost in translation, so I am not sure.

I relayed this info to the buyer/receiver.

bee-hay · ‎11-30-2023

Buyer is refusing to believe me, stating it is my Tax ID that is needed.

I called UPS again and they stated they called the buyer/receiver (I added his phone number to the waybill/customs forms), was able to get his email verbally from him and told him what was needed. (His Tax ID).

He now claims "UPS is not answering the phone" and wants me to install "WhatsApp" to get in touch with me.

Also said UPS never sent an e-mail.

I know what whatsapp is, and to be frank, I don't want to install it.

I prefer to keep all communication in the eBay channel.

thelongball · ‎11-30-2023

Your correct in what your doing, as eBay rules state that we are to communicate with buyers thru the eBay message system.

luckythewinner · ‎11-30-2023

@bee-hay wrote:
User has reached out an asked me for my Tax ID #, in which is my SSN.

IMHO there is no legitimate reason why a buyer would need your SSN.

dbfolks166mt · ‎11-30-2023

Buyer is refusing to believe me, stating it is my Tax ID that is needed.

I called UPS again and they stated they called the buyer/receiver (I added his phone number to the waybill/customs forms), was able to get his email verbally from him and told him what was needed. (His Tax ID).

He now claims "UPS is not answering the phone" and wants me to install "WhatsApp" to get in touch with me.

Also said UPS never sent an e-mail.

I know what whatsapp is, and to be frank, I don't want to install it.

I prefer to keep all communication in the eBay channel.

This is really starting to sound like a scam/phishing expedition. Contact customs and have them return the item if that is possible. There is no way in he.. that I would give my SSN to ANY buyer.

wastingtime101 · ‎11-30-2023

Hey @bee-hay . If the package is returned because the buyer won't pay the customs fees you'll be covered by seller protections, but it will probably require involving CS.

In your shoes I'd give CS a heads up on this one and ask them to add notes to the transaction in case a claim is filed down the line. I'd send a DM to one of eBay's social CS teams: ebayforbusiness on facebook, ebayforsellers on insta, askebay on X

GLORIOUS!