I sold an ebay item and I think the buyer might be trying to scam me, but I don't know for sure?

Question

I sold an item on Ebay for $370, I started getting weird emails. Like one came from a "Paypal" site that said he made an instant payment of $600 and then I got another one saying he paid $475. I don't think he is who he says he is. Anyways, the question here is: I got several more emails from fund_online_fund_online. I have no idea what that site is, but it is telling me that he made the instant payment but in order to see those funds, I need to get a tracking number first. Doesn't getting a tracking number mean that I have to actually ship it out? And then, if that's the case, isn't that really shady? Like, why would they ask me to ship it before I see the funds in my Paypal account? I could really use any advice anyone might have to offer. It was my first time selling on ebay. I've bought things off of ebay but I never needed the tracking number in order for them to receive the funds. So I could use some help. Thanks to anybody who feels like helping.

Answer 1

Before sending him anything sign into your paypal account through paypal.com not through any emails. Look and see how much of anything actually went into your account. If there is nothing in there you know those emails you recieved are scam emails. he is probably trying to get you to sign in through the emails so he can get your passwords and take your money. Dont send him anything unless he actually paid you in paypal the proper amount. If things continue send him an email through ebay to see what is going on. After a week you may file a dispute with ebay and even report him im sure. Add him to your block list too so he cant bid again if this keeps up.

Answer 2

I've sold items on ebay and whenever I receive a Paypal payment I get an e-mail showing the amount of the payment. I can verify it by checking my account balance or history. If you've received a payment it should show up. Never ship an item before receiving payment. If you're not sure about the payment contact Paypal for clarification.

Answer 3

sounds scammish - do not ship anything until payment clears in paypal-assume it's a scam and give bad feedback-plus report bidder to ebay. offer to second high bidder at their bid if there was one

Answer 4

Yes, this person is trying to scam you. Report all this to eBay.

DO NOT ship the item unless and until you log in to your Paypal account and see an actual deposit there from the actual buyer.

Answer 5

You're right to be skeptical. It sounds like a scam.

If the money isn't it your Paypal account, don't ship the item. It's as simple as that.

And NEVER, EVER, EVER let someone pay more and send them a refund.

Has the buyer contacted you? Maybe you could contact him. Or just file a "nonpaying bidder" alert...I think eBay will give you your listing fee back so you can relist the item.

Answer 6

You're correct. SCAM!  Be proud of yourself for not falling for this!

Answer 7

two things you should check is your paypal account and the buyers feedback score for emails appearing to come from paypal you can forward them to [e-mail]/.com they can tell you if they are spoof.

You can also go to the eBay resolution section and tell them and they will look in to the matter