Ebay question. suspicious or paranoia?

Question

Have an item listed on ebay that's of not inconsiderable value, current bid=£160 with 2 days left to go.

The thing is that the current high bidder only created their account yesterday and therefore has no feedback history or anything. Am I right to be a bit suspicious as I know people sometimes use ebay to buy stuff anonymously with stolen credit cards or counterfeit money.

And if they do end up as the high bidder is there anything I can do to make sure I don't get stiffed.

Answer 1

Sorry but I'd be very wary of a brand new account, though I suppose everyone has to start somewhere. Are you going to use Pay  Pal? That should help

Answer 2

in future always add to listing, "no bids from buyers with no feed back"

Answer 3

You have every right to be suspicious!

As long as you posted on your page how many days they have to give you money, you will be alright.  I would try to establish contact with them RIGHT away after the award.

As far as getting paid.  As long as they go thru their proxy (say PayPal), you are fine.  When you use Paypal, Paypal knows they got the money from the person and they are the ones paying you.  I wouldnt accept a check without cashing it first before sending.  

EDIT - Tapestry... what is wrong with a money order?  Do you think it would be counterfit?  As long as you go to the bank and have it cashed and it is in your hand prior to sending, you should be good to go!   I think the most important thing is to make sure you establish communicate with the person and they are responsive to you!

Answer 4

No problem. Just don't ship until you know you have the money. If they pay by check make sure the check clears or insist on Paypal.  

Answer 5

cancel their bids now and block them from bidding again - i never accept bids from people who are registered for less than a month and have no feedback - as for the amount they bid , if they are trying to stiff you you will end up with nothing you mays well cancel their bid and accept the next highest

ITS NOT WORTH THE RISK TO MAKE A FEW QUID!

Answer 6

If you accept paypal and the buyer then says he hasn't received it they will debit the money back.

The only safe way to transact with a new buyer is ask them to send cash by registered mail.

Paypal is a nightmare for chargebacks. All the person has to do is say their credit card has been used without their authority and you have lost your money.

check out the community boards on ebay

Cancel the bid unless the person will phone you with a landline number

Answer 7

Be suspicious. If you pay by Paypal you have greater security.

Answer 8

just make sure you get the payment before you send the goods

Answer 9

Ebay is a legitimate auction, you decide who to sell to.. you can block new Ebay bidders & not take anything but Paypal.

There is no reason to take credit cards or money orders if you don't feel comfortable with the seller. There has been odd things that I sold that I didn't think was work 25cents and they were bidding over 50 dollars. Since the auction isn't over with don't worry about it until it happens.

Answer 10

Yes make sure you accept the payment through PayPal before, you send out the goods, making sure it has cleared, some take days, and if they are looking to scam you then they will probably ask you to post the item quickly or if you haven't chosen PayPal as your main source of payment then make sure any funding you receive from them clears before sending out to them, although you should worry about them but i don't think it is all that important until bidding on your item ends, you never know they may be genuine, just make sure your payments clear before you send out, oh and also if they are fraudster they may make out that they never received the item so make sure you send it registered or obtain a receipt at least for proof.

Answer 11

I think you are covered by pay pal protection for things like this, email them to find out best to be safe that sorry

Answer 12

If you can, don't do it. we just got stiffed from hongkong on a counterfeit iPod, so were in the middle of that battle.

It's just not worth it.

Answer 13

accept PAY PAL only

Answer 14

Be very suspicious, make for sure you use paypal. Next time put a clause in your description that says you have right to terminate any bid.

Answer 15

I've sold quite a bit on Ebay and I've noticed that quite a lot of people browse, see something they want then realise they have to set up an accout to bid. So I've sold often to people who have just opened their account to buy my stuff. I've never had a problem. We all have to start somewhere. Paypal isn't perfect but again I've had no problems in 4 years. But I always use registered post and make them pay for it.

Answer 16

Sounds very suspicious to me.

Answer 17

Make sure they pay you through Paypal only.  DO NOT ACCEPT ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT WHICH THEY WILL PROBABLY SUGGEST!  And do not send the item until the money is in your paypal account.   Beware - they sound suspicious.

(Is your item a mobile phone, by any chance?)

Answer 18

firstly only allow the payment via paypal with the final bid.

when the itemhas ended you may recive an email saying that paypal has recived the payment but need you to add the the shipping details. do not accept this make sure if you log in to paypal that the money is there in the account, do not ship until the money is in your account to cover yourself.

anyway have good luck selling your item.