Potential scam? Seller asking for passport and national insurance details before posting!

[hugsi-ri]

I have just bought and paid for a laptop for an auction I won.  The seller is asking for my passport and national insurance details before they post the item.  They are stating that the reason for this is because I am based in Northern Ireland they need to provide a customs declaration.  Any insights into what may be going on here?  Or any suggestions on how to proceed?

[red_magpie]

I have just bought and paid for a laptop for an auction I won.

I wish you had told us how you paid for this. I do hope it was in a way that qualifies you for buyer protection if it doesn't arrive (e.g. by PayPal or credit card, and through eBay's checkout).

There is absolutely no need for your passport and NI details to provide a customs declaration - even if one was required, which it isn't from Northern Ireland.

There real worry here is that this may have been a scam. If you want to provide more information someone here will be able to advise you of your options, if it is.