I'm selling an item on Ebay and I'm only accepting Paypal for payment. I got a question from an interested party claiming that they are willing to purchase the item immediately but their 'client' wants to pay by check. I have no 'buy it now' price set, there are no bids on the item and the reserve is no where near met. This person has no idea what the price of the item is and did not even ask how much I wanted for it. There was something in there about a 'commission fee' that would be included in the check???? It was all written in broken, poor english and was very fishy sounding.
I just told them I didn't accept checks, period. Sounded like a scam to me and I rather be safe than sorry but what do you think?
wood2be
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Re: This sounds like a scam doesn't it?
That does sound really weird. I wouldn't be surprised if it were a scam. Good thing you said no.
brooklynbridezilla
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Re: This sounds like a scam doesn't it?
I would avoid that one.
bluegrl24ny
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Re: This sounds like a scam doesn't it?
I think you are right in thinking this was a scam. My DH is a private guitar lesson teacher - and his line of work actually ran into this same scam a few months back, where people would offer a check for multiple lessons all in one lump sum - but the checks would bounce - and when the teachers would show up for the lesson they would get robbed!!! Very scary - DH actually had someone approach him with a similiar offer, but he knew about the scam and he just said no. There are too many shady people out there - glad you said no to those wierdos!
MCDO15
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Re: This sounds like a scam doesn't it?
i heard of a scam when the checks come from canada and you cant really trace it back and such... i forget the whole thing but avoid that customer.
TracyInQueens
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Re: This sounds like a scam doesn't it?
I wouldn't take a check from someone I didn't know.
Calla
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Re: This sounds like a scam doesn't it?
The only way I'd consider this is if you told them you would have to wait for the check to clear before sending the item. But then again, the commission part is really weird. Maybe tell them you'd be willing to take a money order and see what they say.
Shorty McBride
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Re: This sounds like a scam doesn't it?
There are companies that buy and sell FOR people so that they don't have to do it themselves, but I wouldn't trust that one. THere's no reason you can't be paid through paypal, and the 3rd party can receive a check from the seller..
eta: sounds like a BIG scam.... is the item you're selling a large item?
mark'smama
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Re: This sounds like a scam doesn't it?
frosty
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Re: This sounds like a scam doesn't it?
Posted by Calla
The only way I'd consider this is if you told them you would have to wait for the check to clear before sending the item. But then again, the commission part is really weird. Maybe tell them you'd be willing to take a money order and see what they say.
I would also be careful about taking a money order (unless it is a postal MO). I heard about a similar scam involving fake money orders too.
marymoon
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Re: This sounds like a scam doesn't it?
I wouldn;t accept it. if you askf for a check or send the itme, they'll have your name and address, and if you deposit their check, they'll have your bank acct # too...I'd be REALLY wary of it
JimmysBride
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Re: This sounds like a scam doesn't it?
Posted by shorty the pumpkin eta: sounds like a BIG scam.... is the item you're selling a large item?
It's large in terms of shipping and the starting bid is $1500 with a reserve of much higher.
I considered taking the check until it cleared but like someone else said -- then they have my name, mailing address, and bank acct number.
Shorty McBride
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Re: This sounds like a scam doesn't it?
Posted by JimmysBride
Posted by shorty the pumpkin eta: sounds like a BIG scam.... is the item you're selling a large item?
It's large in terms of shipping and the starting bid is $1500 with a reserve of much higher.
I considered taking the check until it cleared but like someone else said -- then they have my name, mailing address, and bank acct number.
wow...I'd definitely make sure the buyer plays by your rules, and PayPal is by far the safest for you. Don't take a check!
