on
07-06-2021
11:53 PM
- last edited on
08-06-2021
6:29 AM
by
kh-enas
Hi, I was selling a camera. It was getting near to the end, I was contacted by a member with an offer. The offer was acceptable and they sent money via paypal for it. It was shown as 'pending' in my paypal account, I received what has turned out to be a bogus email from paypal saying the money was secure and it was ok to send the item. I removed it from sale and posted it out special delivery. I emailed the 'buyer' back with the confirmation of postage and tracking number. Another bogus paypal email stating money would be cleared shortly. I then recieved another email from the buyer stating I needed to upgrade my paypal account to accept higher amounts of money, they would send another £500 if I would immediately return it. By now, alarm bells ringing. I have contacted paypal and reported it. The address to post to was given as the item was supposedly a present for a relative. Although thankfully, I didn't fall for the returning £500 scam I have lost an expensive camera. In one of the messages from this individual there is a photo of a proof of posting for an expensive apple watch, so obviously targeting high value goods from unsuspecting sellers. I have attempted to contact West Midlands Police and also Royal Mail and just been sent round in circles by box ticking websites that doesn't allow you to contact either organisation if your query doesn't fit any of their categories. Good way from both to help the criminals by making it impossible for you get through. I doubt there is little I can do about it, although my Paypal account still shows the payment pending.
This is a well known scam. I'm afraid you can't expect much sympathy from eBay. You could even have your account restricted for fee evasion. Making off-eBay deals to evade fees by remove an item from sale and sell it privately is strictly forbidden. Even providing any contact details to another member before the item is sold can mean a 7 day suspension.
It's hard to provide any words of comfort, as the chance of getting your camera back is probably very small.
It's likely that your question will be editied or removed, as you are not allowed to mention names or addresses here.
Little comfort but you can very simply contact the Police and Royal Mail by "writing a detailed letter" and enclosing all the evidence printed out.
The old ways are still the best. If you do not get a response then raise a formal complaint and if needed involve your MP