Request for payment via Echeck!

[micthor1651]

My first transaction.

I received a request to purchase my item from, "buyer" on ebay.

The buyer confirmed how much I would sell the item for and then asked to pay via 'echeck', via email and that they would have their ‘financier’ arrange payment and request a 'mover' to pick up my item.

I accepted buyers' terms, removed the item from active status, and sent buyer, my contact info email, address, and cell phone via text to a phone number they provided.

I received an email from 'differentname No. 1'@gmail.com', titled ‘PAYMENT”, with files attached,  ‘FRONTVIEW.png’, and ‘BACK VIEW.jpg’ images of a check made out by ‘Dr. different name No.2’ for a radically different amount double the negotiated amount with the buyer, with instructions to read via cell phone for deposit into my bank via mobile app.

I texted the buyer explaining the check amount, the check name, and email name differences, and that I preferred to transact his purchase via Paypal and he/she unloaded on me saying I was not meeting the terms of our agreement and was talking trash, and that he/she was going to report me.

From my review, the buyer has an excellent Ebay purchase track record.  The phone number is located with a business in Northern CA, but buyer's location is listed in Southern CA. 

I am concerned about the check made out to a different amount than negotiated, written by an undisclosed third-party, and sent from yet another undisclosed third party called a 'financier' that cannot use Paypal for making a transaction.   What kind of financier is that?

My first transaction - lessons learned are to never transact a sale off of the Ebay system.  What a farce!        

[ittybitnot]

Is there any way to report this scam to anyone. 

@micthor1651 

If you accepted a formal offer through the eBay system, you can report the buyer on site.  If you just responded in messages to a 'text me' scammer without the 'offer feature', you would have to call customer service which basically is a waste of your time. 

[lightlily_arts]

Since this attempted transaction didn't take place on eBay there isn't anything you can report.  Reporting to eBay will only create a problem for you since you also violated eBay's policy and took the transaction off eBay.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects scam reports. Report your scam online with the FTC complaint assistant, or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, ET).

[micthor1651]

Thank you for the FTC contact. - best, M.

[mam98031]

Paypal has a payment method called an Echeck.  But since you are in Managed Payments you can not even get an echeck payment.  

Just let your buyer know that all the payment options you offer are stated on the listing.  No exceptions.

[releasethekraken_1]

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@micthor1651 
I accepted buyers' terms, removed the item from active status     

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I’m curious: you know that eBay charges a fee for selling things here, right? How did you figure that eBay would collect the fee after you took the listing down so you could sell directly?

[7794heather]

Please put "buyers" ID on your Blocked Buyers list so he can not purchase anything from you. That way you can relist your item and this buyer can't buy it. Yes, lesson learned. NEVER EVER do anything OFF ebay. These Scammers will contact you  because you're new and you're selling high priced electronics/computer components. I would also choose Buy It Now with immediate payment on your higher priced items until you build up some feedback, and learn who and who isn't a scammer.

Glad you didn't lose your item, and learned this lesson before you lost any money. 

Youre welcome to post here before you finish a transaction if anything weird happens again. We are all here to help

Happy selling!

[micthor1651]

Thank you 7794.  Great advice!   I am so fortunate, but for some obvious inconsistencies, I put the brakes on the transaction and stopped communicating.  It could have been far worse.  I was wondering how to proceed from this point, so your reply is extra helpful.

Best, Micthor

[micthor1651]

It was a mistake.  I learned.  Move on.  

[micthor1651]

Thank you mam! - Managed Payments are fine with me!

Best, M.

[mam98031]

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@micthor1651 wrote:

Thank you mam! - Managed Payments are fine with me!

Best, M.

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I do fine with it too.  I look forward to some enhancements next year.  But for now it is OK.

[releasethekraken_1]

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@micthor1651 wrote:

It was a mistake.  I learned.  Move on.  

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I was just pointing out that some people see the chance to save 12%, and end up losing everything.

Glad you're not one of those people.

[micthor1651]

Thank you Kraken - and definitely not one of those  - but now I know the fee is 12%!

Always learning, all the time! 

Best, micthor

[mam98031]

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@micthor1651 wrote:

Thank you Kraken - and definitely not one of those  - but now I know the fee is 12%!

Always learning, all the time! 

Best, micthor

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Well that brings up a whole different subject.  You are actively listing on Ebay without researching how much you are paying in Fees?  That is not good at all.

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822#section8

Just for good measure, just in case you haven't learned how MP works.

The following links are very informative and easy to read. Lots of great information in these articles that contain information you should be aware of. After you read them you will likely have questions. Come on back and ask whatever you need to.

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Payments-Resources/How-does-the-updated-eBay-payments-experience-work-...

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Payments-Resources/Have-questions-about-payments-Check-out-this-post-f...

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Payments-Resources/Infographic-How-payouts-work-when-eBay-manages-paym...

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Payment-Resources/Changes-to-the-eBay-invoicing-process/ba-p/32004201

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Payment-Resources/Know-your-options-to-pay-eBay-fees-and-selling-costs...

[micthor1651]

Well, I agree - not good!   

Wow!  a bit of learning curve here.  I am going to put all transactions on hold for now.   

Thank you for sending.  

Best, M

[mam98031]

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@micthor1651 wrote:

Well, I agree - not good!   

Wow!  a bit of learning curve here.  I am going to put all transactions on hold for now.   

Thank you for sending.  

Best, M

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No need for that.  You can learn about the fees first.  If you didn't allow enough room in your pricing to allow for the fees, likely 12.55% fees on the TOTAL amount the buyer will pay, then just adjust your pricing.  You don't have to close your listing to do that.  

Those other links I gave you on MP are really not that long nor are they hard to read.  You will likely get through them just fine.  Then once you do, come on back and ask any questions you need a little more clarification on.  We will help you.

But I don't think you need to stop listing as long as you do your homework relatively soon.  LOL