Unsure if this is a scam buyer.

[tijohnston-2]

Hello esteemed eBay members.

I listed a motorbike yesterday and have received a message asking:

'Hello there Hopefully you're doing well fellow eBayer! I'm dropping a line to find out more about the current status of your listed item. I'm really interested in learning more. Thanks abunch'.

The message has some grammatical mistake, refers to the bike as 'listed item' and calls me 'fellow eBayer'. On the benefit of the doubt I replied to see what they would like to know.

The response was:

'Could you share the service history and current condition? Also I prefer using (P P) for payment. If yes, please share your (P P) info mail address and name so I can proceed with payment. Once that's done I've already organized a removal for collection. Looking forward to your prompt response'.

I've stated in the listing I accept cash on pickup. Never heard of PayPal being referred to as (P P), they've already 'organized' a removal for collection. The eBayer profile was created 1st April (aprils fools perhaps?) and has bought two items with good buyer feedback.

What do you think? I'm getting 'scam' vibes but wanted to get a second opinion. Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!

[four_mid_able]

It's a scam.

Run Forrest RUNNNNNNN !.

They want your email address to send you fake "youv'e been paid" email.

Cash on collection only on vehicles or maybe bank transfer.

[*guinevere*]

This scam has been around almost as long as ebay. As advised, don't touch with a bargepole. Put the buyer ID on your blocked list.

[eastern-lights]

There is of course absolutely no reason he can't pay with Paypal through ebay. Without knowing OP's email address. So yes, absolutely a scam.

[plpmr]

adding to the advice already given -

You are heading for very serious trouble by offering to sell outside eBay.

"If you would like to buy the bike, please message me and I can remove the listing." 

Offering to indulge in an off eBay deal is defrauding eBay and, of course, it will encourage others to try to scam you.

[plpmr]

They cannot pay with PayPal through eBay.

The only way they can pay by PayPal is if take up OP's offer of an off eBay sale.

[sunflowers4me59]

I bought some seeds from eBay last month and paid by PayPal.

[tijohnston-2]

Thanks for your reply and your feedback!

Completely understand where you're coming from but ideally the buyer would pay cash on pickup. Don't know how I would do this via eBay's payment methods on the listing.

[moldosgifts]

SCAM! nothing more to say

[plpmr]

buyers can pay by any payment method as displayed in the listing.

In the case of this thread the listing states cash.

[tijohnston-2]

Thanks for your reply.

There was no option to list soley as 'Cash on pickup' when listing the bike. Should a buyer click 'Buy it now', it will be an electronic payment rather than the physical payment? If so, that's why i'm asking potential buyers to message me regarding payment.

If there's any feedback you could please give me as to how I should set my listing up, based on the info provided, that would be hugely appreciated.

Many thanks!

[plpmr]

Your listing only gives the option of "Cash on pickup" and for some time eBay have only allowed that by blocking all other payment methods as there's no protection on eBay for vehicle purchases.

[tijohnston-2]

Thanks very much for your help, much appreciated!

[myriad*seller]

Buyers can still do chargebacks even if there isnt protection for vehicles

This above is a scam, however...

[simas-stuff]

I only pay with Paypal. Have done since day one. Still pay with paypal since managed payments too.

[papso22]

---

@simas-stuff wrote:

I only pay with Paypal. Have done since day one. Still pay with paypal since managed payments too.

---

I also always pay with PayPal, but then I have never bought a vehicle on ebay, and never will. 

You can't buy a vehicle through ebay using PayPal, the topic of this thread is a vehicle.

[eastern-lights]

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@plpmr wrote:

They cannot pay with PayPal through eBay.

The only way they can pay by PayPal is if take up OP's offer of an off eBay sale.

---

It must be complete coincidence that every listing I look at has paypal as one of the payment menthods available.  See attached

[plpmr]

If you wish to criticise and contradict don't use an irrelevant listing, instead of looking at the listing this thread is about - Vehicle, cash on collection.

“It must be complete coincidence that every listing I look at” - except looking the listing this thread is about, now that's a “coincidence”.

[*knight-rider*]

Very sure of himself this buyer as well, even arranging collection before he`s even bought the bike (red flag)

The old paypal details for the fake email telling you you`ve been paid, which will be fake (red flag)

The fact that he even wants to pay via paypal before looking at the bike (red flag)

When he figures out you aren`t a smuck, perhaps he`ll get the other flag out (white flag) 🤣

[magpiecorner1]

I think there is an option of cash only, but it might only be for classified listings.  I remember it took some working out when my son listed his car.  Buyer had the car collected by a third party, but the guy handed over the cash before he put the car on the trailer.