CL PayPal Saftey
- Thread starter Westy56
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
fleksta
Active Member
The scam in this case is that he sends you funds from a stolen paypal or credit account. Paypal will discover the issue and take the funds out of your account, and your item will likely also be gone. If he is offering to send extra money so you can pay his "movers" that is a giant red flag. Just google "Craigslist PayPal scam" and read up on it.
Could be legit, or it might not be. If you're selling something particularly valuable I would not accept payment that way. As BigVoy said, if you must then make sure the account is a verified one and send him an invoice.
Could be legit, or it might not be. If you're selling something particularly valuable I would not accept payment that way. As BigVoy said, if you must then make sure the account is a verified one and send him an invoice.
YES, Insist on CASH only.
Kneedeepinit
Super Member
rarely is something so important that it has to arrive immediately. In this case, have the buyer send cash via registered mail. This way, you are protected as you have cash in hand. He is protected because you do not get cash without signing for it.
Once you have cash in hand, you can ship it.
Once you have cash in hand, you can ship it.
Westy56
A symphony of paradox
:yes:
I think rule number ten sums it up for me.
10. TRUST YOUR GUT. As we’ve said before, always follow your instincts. If something seems like it isn’t right, or someone makes you uncomfortable for any reason, just walk away.
Ghost Fish
Active Member
If you have his Paypal account name or number it might be worth alerting Paypal about that account. Did you speak on the phone or just email? Ask for his phone number.
I no longer accept paypal. The 180 day SNAD policy changed that. I am working on installing squaretrade-like methods
dobyman
Turntable Addict
Google his phone number. That's the first thing I do if the area code is not familiar. You will probably see its in a database for scammers. I had a text from CL about an item I was selling. Im in WI the text was from TX. I saw that so I replied CASH ONLY! He replies about sending certified check and his movers after check has cleared, etc. I replied "Do you think I am that stupid? The first thing I did was google your f&*^ing number and you are in a database for scammers. That's why I said cash only, no shipping, no checks. Stop wasting both of our time and get a life!
How is the communication between you and the seller? This should determine how you should proceed.
I recently completed the same type of transaction without issue. I listed a pair of speakers on Phoenix Craigslist and buyer was from McKinney, TX. Buyer sent funds and driver showed up in a few days and picked up speakers. No prep needed on my end. Shipping arranged through Uship.
I since bought a pair of speakers from a seller in Davis, CA. Paid via PayPal, found a shipper through Uship. Flawless transaction.
audiomagnate
Addicted Member
I've done that, but with Uship you know where the guy lives.
I don't see how the OP could get burned from a PayPal F/F deal if he waits a while to make sure everything is good before he releases the item. These scams are usually done by locals pretending to be distant, and the "mover" is the scammer. The key is making the pickup inbetween the time of the deposit the time when the account/check is discovered to be bogus, which can take a few days. Taking regular Paypal opens yourself up to bogus INAD claims. No thanks.
Last edited:
dobyman
Turntable Addict
Another problem with paypal on a pickup deal is you cant prove you gave them the item, so they can say they never got it. That's why even on ebay local pickup, I only accept cash. They cant file a complaint against me saying they never got item because they cant prove they paid me either. Win/win.
Cash is the only way I will deal on ebay local pickup and on CL. :yes:
Its your money, and you can do it any way you feel good about, but be careful.
Cash is the only way I will deal on ebay local pickup and on CL. :yes:
Its your money, and you can do it any way you feel good about, but be careful.
delivery service is a red flag for me, and if he offered to pay more (outside of reasonable shipping fees), that too is a red flag.
that being said, a few years ago I had a brand new motor, for something... I think it was a motor for the indoor part of a central air conditioner, anyway a fellow who runs a jewelry shop in florida wanted to buy it, pay through paypal and i ship it to him.
this is the only time ive ever agreed to it, and had no problems. the buyer never set off any flags during communication. any flag at all tho and i wont do it.
that being said, a few years ago I had a brand new motor, for something... I think it was a motor for the indoor part of a central air conditioner, anyway a fellow who runs a jewelry shop in florida wanted to buy it, pay through paypal and i ship it to him.
this is the only time ive ever agreed to it, and had no problems. the buyer never set off any flags during communication. any flag at all tho and i wont do it.
Westy56
A symphony of paradox
CA
He said he would us USHIP to pick it up. Just guessing what that will cost brings up a red flag.
Similar threads
