eBay query

Currently bidding on an item which originates in China and they won't accept Paypal just Payment methods accepted money order/Cashiers check. Haven't come across this before and I'm wondering if this is more risky?

Any advice appreciated.

Roy

Two words.
1) Stay
2) Away

Do a Google for [eBay scam fraudulent seller Hacked accounts] and you'll see what I mean...

Gulp! Thanks Doc!

Can I just ask if you mean don't use Paypal at all because it is vulnerable?

Or what would you advise in terms of paying on eBay?

Thanks
Roy

Not at all! I've never used anything other than PayPal on eBay (but check out [broken link removed] if you want bad news stories. Personally, I've none...). I thought you said he didn't take Paypal?

Thanks - that's right this guys doesn't take Paypal....

I was asking because I have used Paypal and thought it was very secure so I was thinking that maybe I should for the item with someone who IS registered with Paypal. Obviously Paypal has it's pitfalls too however.

thanks for the tip off....

Roy

I bought on ebay from a guy in Switzerland who didn't accept Paypal. I ended up sending the payment using Swiftpay and got hammered for charges, so make sure you know what you're commiting to.

Let me qualify what I said. I've come across one or two German/Austrian eBayers who were perfectly above board but just didn't take Paypal, because it costs. Instead, they gave me their bank a/c details and had me send an electronic transfer,at €0.50 cost to me.

What I'd be wary of would be any seller (not necessarily Chinese!) who'd only accept utterly untraceable/non-refundable things like Western Union/MoneyGram — or who asked for any of your own bank a/c details.

I'd always prefer PayPal and would be wary of anybody who didn't take it while allowing for legitimate exceptions such as the ones mentioned above.

Thanks Doc, currently highest bidder.


I was thinking that ultimatley if I end up "winning" I can always refuse to pay (I know theres a contract) if I can't get reassurance from eBay on the seller authenticity? Definietly would not provide my own bank details.

However according to eBay ....
"Paying with ... cashiers check or money orders. After you click the Pay Now button and sent your information to the seller, you will receive detailed payment instructions.

Advantages -
1) Payment is traceable to a particular mailing address and provides proof of payment.
2) Covered up to $200 under the eBay Standard Purchase Protection Program (minus $25 for processing costs).
3) Most banks offer a stop payment service if problems arise before the check is cashed.

So I still have a few options........

Roy



Thanks for the advice once again.

Roy

You could try retracting your bid if any of the conditions apply to you.

Another thing to do is watch if the seller requires the item urgently, this usually implies they want you to hand over your cash before they get busted. I would stall for a couple of weeks (tell them you were on holidays) and watch the feedback in the meantime to see if they start getting neg's.

onekeano said:

I was thinking that ultimatley if I end up "winning" I can always refuse to pay (I know theres a contract) if I can't get reassurance from eBay on the seller authenticity? Definietly would not provide my own bank details.

Click to expand...

In all fairness, if you are thinking this way now, you should retract your bid. If you're not prepared to pay, get out now. If others are prepared to pay, let them do so.

Thanks folks for the feedback - I've been away for a couple of days at the Keano wake at Old Trafford. RD, I did try to retract the bid but you can't do it with less that 12 hours left.

After your notes I mailed eBay and flagged some concerns about the sellers integrity. I subsequently received a mail telling me that the auction had been withdrawn and they could not give me more details because of the sellers privacy but they we taking up a number of matters with the seller - sounded like it WAS very dodgy.

So, I appreiciate your advice and it helped me to bring to eBays attention that something funny (or sinister) was going on.

thanks
Roy