Is this some sort of scam?

[jayhillphoto]

This morning, I had an expensive item sell (over $1,000). The person quickly paid, but then contacted me asking to reroute the package to an alternate address in another state than the original buyer's address. Oddly, they sent a photo of the alternate address instead of simply typing it out in their message.

Hours later they send another message from a different Ebay account once again asking me to ship to the same address as in the first message. Once again, they sent a photo of the alternate address instead of just typing it out.

Is this some sort of scam or should I just ship it since I've been paid??

Thanks for any help

[ebooksdiva]

Ship only to the address shown in the order details.
Changing the shipping address will cost you any little seller protection eBay provides. 

I suggest you ignore those requests to change the shipping address and ship to the original address.

[cstpos]

@jayhillphoto  I would cancel the sale using the reason Problem with the Buyer's address. Then message the buyer letting them know that you canceled the order so they can repurchase after they input the correct delivery address on their ebay account. Tell them it violates ebay's requirements to ship to any address other than what is on their order.

Or, you can cancel then block this buyer if you feel they are running a scam. It does sound odd and it looks like you're new to selling (unless this is just your posting account). If they really want it and are legit, they won't mind updating the delivery address and repurchasing.

[gloryglorygifts]

Agreed 100%. 

[kabilab]

In my 20 yrs. on e-Bay, I have received a single request to ship to another address; it was a $13 DVD. I declined and the buyer accepted my decision. Should I receive another such request, I will do likewise and decline. For me, the adage of "better safe than sorry" rules.

[epowerbargains]

Perfect answer I hope the OP does as you suggest.

[ebooksdiva]

I would be careful, new sellers are often scammed by persons claiming to be the buyer and want you to ship to an alternate address. If this was indeed the buyer who bought from you you can cancel the transaction citing problems with buyers address and ask the buyer to repurchase. 
If it wasn’t the same buyer that requested the address change, then follow my advice, ignore them and block that person and report the message. 

[kensgiftshop]

The first message you received, are you sure it was from the buyer, not just someone claiming to be the buyer.

They send images like that to get around being blocked from sending contact information through messages.

[ckimodog]

@jayhillphoto 

Ship only to the address that is provided on the invoice thru eBay.  If they want you to send it to a different address, tell them to update their address on their account.  If not, don't do it.  Sounds like a scam set up to me.  Are you sure that was the same person who purchased the item or a different ID? Again, ship only thru eBay and the address that was provided on the invoice.  Protect yourself. 

[lux.ra_14]

Just say no way.

I had someone once ask to change the address to a different number on the same street. I politely told him I was required to ship to the address on the order and suggested he sort it out with his neighbor and mail carrier.

[trbl13]

Expensive Items like the Camera your Sold are Targets for SCAMMERS.

Especially since you are relatively New to eBay

Asking you to Change the Shipping Address is a Red Flag...a Warning.. in this case...

You need to Cancel the Sale due to the Reason "Something Wrong with the Address"

and Tell the Buyer to Buy it Again with the Correct Address on the Order.

My Guess is that He will NOT do it..He was hoping to somehow Scam you.

Make sure you BLOCK that Buyer if he will not do the right thing.

It is Good that you came to the Board with your Concerns.

[jbbowers12012]

Smells funny.  Spidey senses are tingling.  Cancel.  Problem with buyers address.............Good Luck!!

[ogaugeminiaturefigures]

You MUST use signature required also.

[soh.maryl]

This is not by any means the first time that a seller has come here, stating he's received a message from the buyer about changing the address.

You need to contact the actual buyer and ask if he sent the message.

If he says that he didn't, then ignore it and ship to the message seen on checkout.

If he says that he did, then explain to him that you'll have to cancel, citing problem with buyer's address and then relist for him.  When he buys and pays, he has to make sure the address is entirely correct.

[fashunu4eeuh]

Before canceling, ensure the request is really coming from the actual buyer. There is a scam going around where a random user pretends to be the buyer of an expensive item in hopes of you rerouting the package. This affects both you and the actual buyer, tho you are left holding the bag, having to refund the real buyer if you fall for it. And then you’d be out both the money and the item.

The possible reason they are sending a photo of the address may be because it is against eBay policy to share contact info prior to the sale—and they don’t realize it is ok to share such info after the transaction and are trying to cover their bases anyway.