eBay

elagr4044 · ‎11-15-2022

I posted an item for $50. I got an offer for $100. Sounds good. I accepted. Then I got an email stating that they were in the Marines and wanted the item sent to their son, and while I was at it, could I buy a $300. Apple gift card and put it in the package for his birthday gift. They would add the $300 to the ebay payment and an extra $50. for shipping. Well, that's were the good offer ended. I told them I could not buy the gift card. I don't expect any payment from them, I did send an invoice but am sure I will not hear back. I googled this and learned this is a scam that has been around for a while. I had no idea. So, if it sounds like a good deal, just beware. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

fern*wood · ‎11-15-2022

It's a common scam, so it must still work once in awhile.

ms.rodriguez* · ‎11-15-2022

If they aren't in the armed services, then they are a widow or an old senior citizen with a very small income. These scams will continue as long as there are naive people that believe these sob stories.

evry1nositswindy · ‎11-15-2022

We see this posted nearly every single day. So glad you didn't had over the gift card and your item.

Be sure to cancel the transaction after 4 days for the reason the buyer did not pay. Block them and move on. Pat yourself on the back for not falling for it...many do and come here wanting their money back, which is long gone.

evry1nositswindy • seller since 2013
Volunteer Community Mentor

ckimodog · ‎11-15-2022

@elagr4044

Good eye....SCAM!

maxine*j · ‎11-15-2022

Because you are a new seller, you are a scam magnet. Dishonest people think they can take advantage of your lack of experience. I'm delighted they were wrong in your case, and that you didn't fall for their baloney. I also appreciate the fact that you took the time to try to warn others, who may be less alert than you are.

Until you have more experience and have built up a record of more sales and feedback, you may want to consider using Fixed Price, No Offers, Immediate Payment Required. If you do that, you will eliminate 90% of scammers. Just something to think about.

But, anyhow, your instincts are good and here's wishing you many good, and trouble-free, sales.

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elagr4044 · ‎11-15-2022

Thank you, I am new to ebay, but was not born yesterday.😊

elagr4044 · ‎11-15-2022

I am new to ebay, and I am trying to find the instructions to cancel the transaction.

richard1rst · ‎11-15-2022

@elagr4044 wrote:
I posted an item for $50. I got an offer for $100. Sounds good. I accepted. Then I got an email stating that they were in the Marines and wanted the item sent to their son, and while I was at it, could I buy a $300. Apple gift card and put it in the package for his birthday gift. They would add the $300 to the ebay payment and an extra $50. for shipping. Well, that's were the good offer ended. I told them I could not buy the gift card. I don't expect any payment from them, I did send an invoice but am sure I will not hear back. I googled this and learned this is a scam that has been around for a while. I had no idea. So, if it sounds like a good deal, just beware. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

And it never occurred to you to wonder why they would pay $100 for a $50 item? Blinded by greed, eh?

"Laissez-faire capitalism (AKA The Great Material Continuum) is the only social system based on the recognition of individual rights and, therefore, the only system that bans force from social relationships." ~ Ayn Rand

ckimodog · ‎11-15-2022

@elagr4044

You need to let 4 days pass, on day 5 you can cancel the sale citing the buyer didn't pay. Report them and then block them:

https://www.ebay.com/help/blocking-buyers/selling/blocking-buyer-ebay/

Honestly, as a new seller I would steer clear of auction style listings because they are magnets for new sellers. List your items at a fixed price (buy it now) with immediate payment required checked off. Do not post best offers either. This is the only way you'll get serious buyers.

Happy Selling!