Twice almost got scammed, getting annoying

[songwind_retro]

People keep buying expensive items from me, then sending me a message that they need me to send the item to their brother, cousin, ect. at a different address. I know this is a scam but I'm suprised ebay isn't banning these accounts that do this. There needs to be a policy change. These people are trying to get free items...

[the-hook-and-the-loop]

Times are tough. I got a nice older lady with a perfect buyer's account trying to extort me right now for a minimal partial refund. I know 150% her claim is bogus, and I have politely beat her at our back and forth messaging. Something about eBay brings out the best scammer in everyday people.

[mam98031]

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@songwind_retro wrote:

People keep buying expensive items from me, then sending me a message that they need me to send the item to their brother, cousin, ect. at a different address. I know this is a scam but I'm suprised ebay isn't banning these accounts that do this. There needs to be a policy change. These people are trying to get free items...

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No not necessarily.  I've purchased things online to have shipped to my kid at college, to may Mom or even a friend.

The key for you as the seller is that you ALWAYS and ONLY ship to the address stated as the ship to address on the Payment.  Do NOT ever change the address you ship to because of an email you get from the buyer.  If you do that, you will lose your Seller Protection.  

If you get a buyer that notifies you AFTER payment was made that they need you to ship to another address, then explain to them by the Ebay rules you MUST ship to the address on the Payment.  If the buyer wants the different address, they need to request that you cancel the current order.  Relist it and then they can purchase it again using the correct ship to address.

[soh.maryl]

Can you suggest a way that eBay could ban these accounts and what reason would they have for doing so?

And, if is actually a scammer, couldn't he just open a new account and do it again?

It's whack-a-mole.  

[ckimodog]

@songwind_retro 

At least you were smart enough not to follow thru with their requests.  Scammers are everywhere these days. Lying and cheating people seem to be a very unwelcome lifestyle for some.  Way too much entitlement if you ask me & parents who are not doing their jobs.  All I can suggest is to keep your eyes wide.  There are many more honest customers than dishonest in my opinion.  

Happy Selling

[soh.maryl]

How have you determined that it's youngsters who are doing this?

Not disagreeing necessarily, just wondered about that.  

[ittybitnot]

People keep buying expensive items from me, then sending me a message that they need me to send the item to their brother, cousin, ect. at a different address. 

@songwind_retro 

If you are actually paid for these items, pay particular attention to the user ID of the person sending you the message for the address redirect.  There is a good chance it is NOT really your buyer.  If that is the case you can report the message right in the eBay message system once again under the Action Tab. 

[ckimodog]

@soh.maryl 

Very true, scammers come in all ages.   My son has a few friends who are known scammers.  He stopped hanging out with them.  Was just referencing a personal outlook, but good point as always.