Buyer messaged asking for PayPal address

[leshar-2982]

Hello. I am selling my phone and I've had people message me asking for my PayPal email address. 

1. This seems most definitely like a scam as they should just go through checkout like everyone else 

2. If by any chance I email them with my PayPal email and the money is actually in my account (not just a fake PayPal email saying so) Am I obliged to actually send them the phone as technically all they've done is send me X amount of money.... but I highly doubt I would receive the money anyway.

Thoughts? 

[rusticrye · Accepted solution]

It's a very well-know scam that's been doing the rounds for years. Criminal gangs trawl the web targeting new and inexperienced sellers of electronics and other valuable items (especially those who, like you, use totally the wrong postal service as that makes them look even more inexperienced).

If you give them your email addy, you'll receive a fake PayPal payment confirmation email, advising you've been paid and it's safe to ship. This ages-old scam still works because some sellers fail to check their PayPal accounts to see if the money is actually there. Which of course it isn't.

Ignore and delete, and upgrade your postage to Special Delivery Next Day Guaranteed, which is essential for all items valued at over £50. Standard 1st and 2nd Class only cover items valued at up to £20 - so if the phone is lost or damaged in transit, you're stuffed. But you will have to refund the buyer in full.

If you clicked on any links in these emails, check your device for malware, and then change all your passwords.

@leshar-2982 

[leshar-2982 · Accepted solution]

Cheers buddy I'll change the delivery service now

[tobiasd4]

It is a scam. probably because you are using wrong postage, MUST be special delivery.

[leshar-2982]

Hi. What do you mean by special delivery?

[tobiasd4]

Royal mail special delivery for all items over £50.
If you use wrong wrong postage service RM won't pay compensation if there is a problem,
which is why buyer is trying to scam you.

[thedemon2014]

You have quoted Second Class postage on the phone you are selling.

By not using adequate postage you will attract scammers to your listing, which is what appears to have happened.

If you send the phone by Second Class postage and the phone is lost or damaged in transit the most that Royal Mail will give you in compensation is £20.00.

When your buyer opens a case against you in the Resolution Centre,  eBay will still expect you to refund your buyer in full though.

As advised you must use Special Delivery for full insurance cover if the item is lost or damaged in transit to your buyer.

See here for full information:

https://www.royalmail.com/price-finder

[john1297576]

They would not pay, I doubt that they would even buy.

Scammers look for sellers who show they know nothing about the correct methods of postage, assuming that a fake email will get them a phone for free.