Is this a scammer?

[word12376word]

Hello, I may totally be overthinking this but I am selling an expensive item and don’t want to risk the possibility of a scam. The buyers account is less than 1 day old. I set the listing as buy it now and the buyer paid full price and eBay says they have received the buyers money and is on hold. Seems like no big deal but I looked at the town to which it is getting shipped and it has a population of less than 200. The buyer also sent a really like overly nice message along with the purchase but something just seemed off. Am I overthinking this?

[broto_64]

Ship it, most buyers are honest.

[inhawaii]

Yes, you are over thinking this.

Ship it.

[albertabrightalberta]

Be sure to ship with tracking and ship to the address ebay shows on the order. DO NOT CHANGE THE SHIPPING ADDRESS!

[roccotacodad54]

   I live near an unincorporated town of probably less than 200. People are what some would consider overly nice.

   In a small town it becomes a habit to be nice, after all everyone knows where you live LOL.

[pastimpressions]

You say it's an "expensive" item.

If the cost is $750.00 or more (including shipping & sales tax) be sure to add Signature Confirmation of Delivery to ensure/retain seller protections.

[eburtonlab]

eBay says they have received the buyers money and is on hold.

Sign in to your eBay account directly and make sure that is what it actually says in your eBay account; do not rely on an email that says you have been paid.

[reallynicestamps]

This worry is why us old hands do not recommend selling high value/high fraud goods early in ones selling career online.
(Any site, not just eBay).

Use tracked mail and Signature Confirmation.

Because some buyers get their knickers in a twist about having to sign for their packages, which may mean putting on pants and leaving the house, let them know that their purchase has Signature Confirmation "for their greater protection".

EBay requires SC for shipments over $750, but I use it whenever I have the willies about a shipment. It's a buck and a half well spent.

[maubrn]

I tried to message you but there is no contact/message option on the page that shows all the answers you've given. You answered a sellers question in 2022 for my very similar problem, is there any way to message you a question? 

[loose_goose_garage]

FWIW, I have had more problems with buyers that have been on eBay for years and figured out how to manipulate the system, than I have had with buyers that create new accounts to purchase something.

[pickapaper]

@albertabrightalberta 

@maubrn needs to get in touch with you but did not know how to tag you (post #9 above).  

[luckythewinner]

I am selling an expensive item and don’t want to risk the possibility of a scam

You are risking the possibility of a scam anytime you list on eBay.

That risk is present whether his account is new or old, whether his town is big or small, whether his payment is on hold or not, and whether he sends a nice message or not.

That is the reality of selling on eBay.

[sextons-sweet-deals]

You state they are new. You need to check your buyer out a little more.

Are they located in the U.S.?

Did you Google map / satellite the address? 

Electronic items are always a target for scams. 

You can add signature required on package if you decide to ship. This can be a deterrent for scammers. May want to entertain local pick-up in the future so the buyer can test and then have them pay in cash. 

Also, noting that signature is required in your listings (as you see fit) will also keep some scammers away. 

[jameshen1]

I fail to see why the buyer living in a town of 200 or 2 million makes any difference at all.

[pastimpressions]

@reallynicestamps said:  "Because some buyers get their knickers in a twist "

As an aside, it's been many moons since I heard that expression. Thanks for the memories!  👴