eBay what do you think?

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  • 02-25-2008, 06:55 PM
    EOSThree
    eBay what do you think?
    I just auctioned off a lens on eBay. My auction clearly stated I only ship to the USA. The highest bidder was from Russia. I wrote him before the end of the auction to tell him that I wouldn't ship to Russia. I didn't get a response.

    After the auction I wrote again to tell the winner that I didn't ship to Russia. I got a response that he had an intermediary in the USA, Please send me the total. The person who won the auction has (0) feedback. I am conflicted on this. I don't want to get ripped off, but I want to honor the agreement. I don't know what to do now. Red flags are flying, alarm bells are ringing, I smell scam all over this.
  • 02-25-2008, 07:00 PM
    Greg McCary
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    Only if he pays you in advance and the money clears. Don't get talked into shipping without payment. If you have any doubts send him an "I am sorry" and relist. E-bay usally catches the ones that hijack an ID or have intents of a rip off but use your best judgement.
  • 02-25-2008, 07:21 PM
    berrywise
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    Yeah use an official money order for payment and even then wait some time to make sure it clears through your bank account. If they want to do some other screwy way say forget about it since you have no protection.
  • 02-25-2008, 08:11 PM
    racedraper
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    you will probably get a fake check for more then the amount on the items. then he or she prob ask to send the remainder of the funds back to him via western union with a little kick back to you.

    The check will look real and will go into your bank fine until they catch it in a week. Here is the scam they will ask you to send the money quickly before the back catches it, but once the back finds the problem they will take the bad funds out of your account to cover the bad check.
    Ive got several of them, plus they will send them certified mail to make it look legit
  • 02-25-2008, 09:30 PM
    WsW-WYATT-EARP
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    I would report this to ebay - It sounds alot like what racedraper is telling ya. Or your other option is to alert your local authorities and they may work with you on the "exchange".

    Just make sure the money is legit - before you decide to ship it
  • 02-25-2008, 09:30 PM
    Frog
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    Not sure exactly how it works but I've heard of similar scams.
    Make sure you have your money first.
  • 02-26-2008, 12:52 PM
    freygr
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    Make sure you have the money checked out before you try to deposit it. If the money order is a fake you could end up in jail.
  • 02-26-2008, 02:00 PM
    another view
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    I went through this once with a guy in Spain, and since the money cleared I shipped it to somebody here in the USA at his direction. Awhile back, I figured out that you can restrict bids to only those registered in certain countries (only US bidders, only US and Canada, etc).

    I sell within the USA only just to make my own life a little easier. I know I'm missing out on some bids by doing this but I can accept that if it avoids some potential (bigger) hassles. Now, nobody registered outside of the USA can even bid on one of my auctions. It took a few minutes to find it, and it was a couple years ago - but if you're interested and can't figure it out I'll try to see how I did it.

    The other choice is to make the distinction of USA registered bidders only, not just shipment only to a USA address.
  • 02-26-2008, 03:20 PM
    JSPhoto
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    I'd say no deal! too many scammers. I had one guy try it and told them no way, relisted and started the bidding at the last winners bid. It turned out Ebay agreed, it was a scam and they deleted the person account.

    You also have to watch US bids and auctions, scammers will use other peoples accounts and burn bidders and sellers. I quit using Ebay because of all the scams going on.

    JS
  • 02-26-2008, 05:14 PM
    JETA
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Frog
    Not sure exactly how it works but I've heard of similar scams.
    Make sure you have your money first.

    Same here. It happened to my cousin. It had something to do with a stolen cc scam..... Wish I could remember.
  • 02-26-2008, 06:24 PM
    EOSThree
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    So far I haven't heard back from him. I sent him a total, and so far nothing. Maybe he's sending a MO. If he is I will refuse the letter, I also only accept Paypal and that is also clearly stated in my auction.
  • 02-26-2008, 09:02 PM
    mn shutterbug
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    If you haven't received funds via Paypal within 7 days, relist and report them.
  • 02-26-2008, 09:31 PM
    almo
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    SCAMMERS NEED NOT APPLY!

    Every auction, every time. Have not had a problem since I started using it.
  • 02-27-2008, 05:28 PM
    EOSThree
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    OK, now I have received payment through something called western bid and that is also who I am to ship to. I sent a letter to PayPal asking if Western Bid is legit. The address is confirmed through PP. Still a little leery, but I am feeling a little better, especially if PP confirms Western Bid as being a legit go between.
  • 02-27-2008, 05:36 PM
    mn shutterbug
    Re: eBay what do you think?
    Strange. I've never heard of western bid. I just googled it and nothing came up. I guess if the $$$ end up in your account, that's all that matters.