Odd message

[cmaryfitz]

I sold an item to, let's call him Bob. It was a somewhat expensive item, and it's been 3 weeks. Today I received a message about the item from Joe, saying he couldn't get it to work properly, asking if it's under warranty and if so he'd like to return it to the manufacturer for a replacement. 

Bob and Joe don't even live in the same state. I was caught off guard and replied, but then replied again and said wait, you're not the buyer. 

Is this a scam? I googled it the best I could and I can't find anything similar.

[itsjustasprain · Accepted solution]

If the message about the product did not come from the ID of the person who bought it then you owe them no reply at all. You do not need to discuss the sale with anyone other than the ID of the person who bought it.

[fashunu4eeuh]

There has been a newer scam with people posing as buyers, asking for an item to be mailed to an alternate address, prior to shipping. Who knows where this guy Joe was going with this. It could have been the start of a set-up of some kind. Glad you caught it!

[monster-deals]

I'd ask Joe how they gained possession of the item.

Basically you are trying to get Joe to say Bob sent the item to them. That would mean it no longer qualifies for the MBG.

After that immediately BBL Joe-Bob.

[backroomnoir]

It's a scam, block and ignore.

[cmaryfitz]

I actually contacted Bob who said the item is running great, and reported the scammer to eBay. This is a new one for me!

Thanks all!

[inhawaii]

I would at least find out if Bob and Joe are somehow related.  Friends? Family?  Co-workers?  That's just me. 

But others are correct, if it's not the same ebay username that bought the item, you owe them nothing, not even a reply. 

Good luck and stay safe!