ebay scam?

dirty_harry · 07-07-2011, 03:39 AM

hey. i am currently advertising my xy gt rep on ebay and gumtree. after the add only being on there for a couple of hours i got a text from a malaysian phone number saying "i want to know if your vehicle on gumtree is still up for sale as i intend to buy it right away. plz email me" she also left her phone number. the email conversation followed

Gerald Edwards to katie
show details 3:50 PM (8 hours ago)
Hi harry davies here. Yes the car is still available.

katie Meyers to me
show details 3:58 PM (8 hours ago)
Hello,
Thanks for the swift reply, I am pleased with your price but I want you to get back to me with more pictures of the (interior,engine and the exterior) of this vehicle because i am presently in Malaysia on business and could not come over to check it out,but no worries as i am willing to handle the pick up of this vehicle through a legitimate shipping agent that has their headquarter situated in Malaysia, it will be picked up after payment, so i really need to know the mode of payment because i need this vehicle urgently. Hope to read from you asap

gerald edwards to katie
show details 5:33 PM (7 hours ago)
just to let you know there is a little rust in the drivers foot well, the boot and the rear window and i cut treated and bogged some of the panels for rust. the paint isn't perfect and the car has no carpet, door trims or passenger seat. the best way to pay is if i gave you my bsb and account number and you put the money directly into my account. I'm not sure how we would transfer the licence into your name because the transfer of ownership form requires both signatures. the only thing i can think of is if i hand the plates in and send the car unregistered.
cheers.

katie Meyers to me
show details 6:11 PM (6 hours ago)
Thanks for the fast reply but i want you to know that I can only conclude this transaction only via PayPal,i have been cheated via cheque and bank transfer before,that is the reason why i selected PayPal (www.paypal.com.au) as a mode of payment because PayPal is the best online payment,so both of us could be on the safer side,i am a woman of integrity.i am honest and don`t cheat people out of their money. awaiting your decision because i really need to pursue this buy sincerely.
Thanks

gerald edwards to katie
show details 11:56 PM (40 minutes ago)
ok pay pal should be fine. what about the transfer of registration

im not to sure on this one what do you guys recon

V3RSAC3 · 07-07-2011, 04:31 AM

Difficult decision mate, it could go either way! I would get in contact with Paypal and see what they suggest. They are pretty good with security but not sure what they cover purchases up to. They deal enough to know if the account is a scam.

Cheers

Pinkbits · 07-07-2011, 05:01 AM

Scam written all over it.
Do a search for some other examples that have occurred in the past.

Pinkbits · 07-07-2011, 05:02 AM

Scam written all over it.
Do a search for some other examples that have occurred in the past.

2011G6E · 07-07-2011, 05:14 AM

It's highly unusual for a scam to offer to pay through Paypal though...usually they run a mile when you mention payment only accepted through Paypal, because of the security and traceability of the transaction. Also, once they pay you, you have their money. The "usual" scam is when they offer to pay a small deposit and ask you to organise shipping and they "promise" to pay the rest through something like Western Union. That sort of thing gets alarm bells ringing.

If anything, she seems wary of you when you offered to give her your bank account details to pay the money into, and she wants to only use Paypal. Putting money directly into someones bank can be OK on Ebay, but it isn't recommended...traceability again.

Seems legitimate, but contact Paypal and ask...they'll know if there's anything fishy going on.

redauxr8 · 07-07-2011, 05:54 AM

SCAM... My sister was scammed with the exact same email just different location and name.

KuRT12 · 07-07-2011, 06:01 AM

This is definitely a scam, as suggested above google for some examples.

I have had this message many times from selling machinery online, its they are out at sea, or working in the mines or some excuse they cant view it.. but always the same message.

Springfield_Johny · 07-07-2011, 06:03 AM

The link in her email for paypal will be a scam site that could allow some kind of virus/spyware into your computer. Never open links from unknown sources.

And it's her that should be paying you so how is she going to get ripped off? This sounds a bit like a mate, they asked him to deposi money for transport and insurance.

Don't let the car out of your site until any payments are cleared and never provide your personal details such as account info no matter how genuine the buyer seems

**DJR-351** · 07-07-2011, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011G6E[I

It's highly unusual for a scam to offer to pay through Paypal though...[/I]usually they run a mile when you mention payment only accepted through Paypal, because of the security and traceability of the transaction. Also, once they pay you, you have their money. The "usual" scam is when they offer to pay a small deposit and ask you to organise shipping and they "promise" to pay the rest through something like Western Union. That sort of thing gets alarm bells ringing.

If anything, she seems wary of you when you offered to give her your bank account details to pay the money into, and she wants to only use Paypal. Putting money directly into someones bank can be OK on Ebay, but it isn't recommended...traceability again.

Seems legitimate, but contact Paypal and ask...they'll know if there's anything fishy going on.

Actually Paypal scams are very common and have been going for quite some time....

Paypal Scam

Google Paypal Scams

Dave3911 · 07-07-2011, 06:15 AM

100% Scam. dont reply anymore, move on with life.

I suggest you google the sentence "i am a woman of integrity.i am honest and don`t cheat people out of their money." You'll find hundreds of similar forum threads on all sorts of different websites. They use the same emails over and over again.

The scam initially starts out wanting you to go through paypal, but quickly turns to the usual western union shenanigans.

V8falcons · 07-07-2011, 07:24 AM

Scam mate,don't proceed.

the paypal link will be dodgy.
unless "katie" can knock on your door and offer you cash forget it.

or have a little play with them,for fun!!!!!!!!!

atec77 · 07-07-2011, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirty_harry

hey. i am currently advertising my xy gt rep on ebay and gumtree. after the add only being on there for a couple of hours i got a text from a malaysian phone number saying "i want to know if your vehicle on gumtree is still up for sale as i intend to buy it right away. plz email me" she also left her phone number. the email conversation followed

Gerald Edwards to katie
show details 3:50 PM (8 hours ago)
Hi harry davies here. Yes the car is still available.

katie Meyers to me
show details 3:58 PM (8 hours ago)
Hello,
Thanks for the swift reply, I am pleased with your price but I want you to get back to me with more pictures of the (interior,engine and the exterior) of this vehicle because i am presently in Malaysia on business and could not come over to check it out,but no worries as i am willing to handle the pick up of this vehicle through a legitimate shipping agent that has their headquarter situated in Malaysia, it will be picked up after payment, so i really need to know the mode of payment because i need this vehicle urgently. Hope to read from you asap

gerald edwards to katie
show details 5:33 PM (7 hours ago)
just to let you know there is a little rust in the drivers foot well, the boot and the rear window and i cut treated and bogged some of the panels for rust. the paint isn't perfect and the car has no carpet, door trims or passenger seat. the best way to pay is if i gave you my bsb and account number and you put the money directly into my account. I'm not sure how we would transfer the licence into your name because the transfer of ownership form requires both signatures. the only thing i can think of is if i hand the plates in and send the car unregistered.
cheers.

katie Meyers to me
show details 6:11 PM (6 hours ago)
Thanks for the fast reply but i want you to know that I can only conclude this transaction only via PayPal,i have been cheated via cheque and bank transfer before,that is the reason why i selected PayPal (www.paypal.com.au) as a mode of payment because PayPal is the best online payment,so both of us could be on the safer side,i am a woman of integrity.i am honest and don`t cheat people out of their money. awaiting your decision because i really need to pursue this buy sincerely.
Thanks

gerald edwards to katie
show details 11:56 PM (40 minutes ago)
ok pay pal should be fine. what about the transfer of registration

im not to sure on this one what do you guys recon

Her agent can pay cash on collection , it is a theft attempt via paypal

dags41v · 07-07-2011, 08:30 AM

Paypal may be secure but it errs on the side of the purchaser. All the buyer needs to do is pay via paypal, dispute they received the item or the condition of the item and the transaction is reversed and you will have a debit balance in your paypal account, then YOU need to prove they received the item, condition etc. Then paypal will start chasing you for the cash.
I have been stung a couple of times when selling on ebay so I no longer accept paypal. I know you have to have it as one of your options to list an item but I then write in the payment notes that I only accept bank deposit.

Cheers

Jim Goose · 07-07-2011, 09:05 AM

Katie meyers? name has been used before on adds on evil bay which were scams.....

kempy311 · 07-07-2011, 09:24 AM

Scam for sure seen it many times

jcxr · 07-07-2011, 09:32 AM

Run away from the deal, as fast as you can...............SCAM!

Gobes32 · 07-07-2011, 09:57 AM

Just reinforcing what everyone else said, it is a scam.

302 XC · 07-07-2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

It's highly unusual for a scam to offer to pay through Paypal though...usually they run a mile when you mention payment only accepted through Paypal, because of the security and traceability of the transaction. Also, once they pay you, you have their money.

Here is HOW the paypal scams work
The buyer (or scamer) pays an amount into your paypal account
This will be lets say 10K for the car and an addition lets say $800 for shipping
The scamer (or buyer in disguise) asks you to pay this addition $800 into an account of their choice
So they deposit $10,800 into your paypal account and put a freeze on it
Yep its there but you cant have it
When you pay this addition $800 into their account of choice,you contact them think that your money in your paypal account will be released to you
But its not
They take your $800, then they contact paypal and get their $10,800 back
Scam done

There not now or ever interested in the car, truck,bus or whatever

So now you see how paypal is used to scam people

krzysiek · 07-07-2011, 10:53 AM

Sorry mate didn't read the whole thread. SCAM. PayPal was mentioned - at that point you RUN. PayPal bends over backwards for buyers, for sellers... forget about it. They'd rather **** you over. I have a LOT of experience with eBay and dealing with PayPal, have been using them for many years now and this is a definite scam.

You might receive your money, but as soon as there is confirmation the car has been shipped your money will be in dispute and you won't be seeing it again. Ever.

ltd · 07-07-2011, 11:23 AM

Ebay = ScamBay. Move on.
As for PayPal; it's the currency of choice for the internet scammer.

Of course, this is after ******* Union was lambasted for being the home of the Nigerian and Namybian scammer.

If you want to sell it, wait for some guy to turn up on your doorstep with cash. If it sounds too good to be true then believe me, it is.

fmc351 · 07-07-2011, 11:46 AM

Could be anything from trying to get cash for transport/agent fees from you, to just getting your paypal password etc.

IF YOU CLICKED THE PAYPAL LINK SHE PROVIDED, go change your password in paypal by a link you know is legit. Check your paypal account for any transactions that have occurred. Contac paypal and inform them you have clicked said link and ask what to do to secure your account. Check the associated bank account too, and contact the bank and ask them what to do with the account. I cant recall as Ive never actually used paypal (got one, but I refuse to use it), but if they can see bank account details there they MAY be able to use them too. Just because you or I cant think of how they might use it, doesnt mean they dont know how they will use it. These bastards are crafty.

THE CADBURY KID · 07-07-2011, 11:52 AM

I got the same thing when i was selling my au v8 a couple of years ago,im in the navy blah blah and i cant come look at your car but i want to buy it,and also 1 or 2 others at the same time but i knew they were dodgy and just laughed it off,bloody scammers!
If it sounds too good to be true it normally is 99 percent of the time

my_gxl · 07-07-2011, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirty_harry

hey. i am currently advertising my xy gt rep on ebay and gumtree. after the add only being on there for a couple of hours i got a text from a malaysian phone number saying "i want to know if your vehicle on gumtree is still up for sale as i intend to buy it right away. plz email me" she also left her phone number. the email conversation followed

Gerald Edwards to katie
show details 3:50 PM (8 hours ago)
Hi harry davies here. Yes the car is still available.

katie Meyers to me
show details 3:58 PM (8 hours ago)
Hello,
Thanks for the swift reply, I am pleased with your price but I want you to get back to me with more pictures of the (interior,engine and the exterior) of this vehicle because i am presently in Malaysia on business and could not come over to check it out,but no worries as i am willing to handle the pick up of this vehicle through a legitimate shipping agent that has their headquarter situated in Malaysia, it will be picked up after payment, so i really need to know the mode of payment because i need this vehicle urgently. Hope to read from you asap

gerald edwards to katie
show details 5:33 PM (7 hours ago)
just to let you know there is a little rust in the drivers foot well, the boot and the rear window and i cut treated and bogged some of the panels for rust. the paint isn't perfect and the car has no carpet, door trims or passenger seat. the best way to pay is if i gave you my bsb and account number and you put the money directly into my account. I'm not sure how we would transfer the licence into your name because the transfer of ownership form requires both signatures. the only thing i can think of is if i hand the plates in and send the car unregistered.
cheers.

katie Meyers to me
show details 6:11 PM (6 hours ago)
Thanks for the fast reply but i want you to know that I can only conclude this transaction only via PayPal,i have been cheated via cheque and bank transfer before,that is the reason why i selected PayPal (www.paypal.com.au) as a mode of payment because PayPal is the best online payment,so both of us could be on the safer side,i am a woman of integrity.i am honest and don`t cheat people out of their money. awaiting your decision because i really need to pursue this buy sincerely.
Thanks

gerald edwards to katie
show details 11:56 PM (40 minutes ago)
ok pay pal should be fine. what about the transfer of registration

im not to sure on this one what do you guys recon

Scam for sure.

Never use someone elses paypal link. Always type it into the browser yourself.

I like to play with them for a while before telling them they are a scammer.

http://www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/re...sumer-scam.htm

I used this to pass the details on, but they won't investigate to get the person stopped from doing it again.

Ducati888 · 07-07-2011, 12:09 PM

Yes. Scam. If I were a genuine buyer of a car like that, and only in Malaysia, I'd fly in for a weekend to look at it. That weekend away would be a very small percentage of the cost of purchase.

Secondly though - why on earth would you be curious about transferring Australian rego to a car that would be going abroad? You can't do it anyway. You would just surrender the plates and get a refund on your rego, and sell it unreg. You don't need a buyer's signature to sell a car unregistered.

dirty_harry · 07-07-2011, 12:42 PM

cheers guys. thought it was too good to be true. what im going to do now is contact pay pal to notify them of her email address, contact Mr plods fraud department. and then im going to have a little fun with old katie. i think i can see a international love story forming after i fell deeply in love with her after her first email. .

dirty_harry · 07-07-2011, 12:49 PM

yep email to pay pal sent now all i have to do is wait

krzysiek · 07-07-2011, 01:03 PM

You won't get much out of PayPal. Probably some guy from India will reply and thank you and do nothing with the info. you have given him. PayPal customer service is terrible, they have no idea what is going on. I hope they get rid of this scammer, but there is a reason that the scammers are using PayPal - because PayPal sucks for sellers

2011G6E · 07-07-2011, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8falcons

unless "katie" can knock on your door and offer you cash forget it.

How does anyone sell vehicles on Ebay then? I've sold one, and old Austin A30, and it was exactly as the email above, pretty much. The guy was from down near the NSW border, and when he sent an enquiry about it (via "Questions to the seller") he said repeatedly that he refused pay via bank deposit or cheque (even said he had been ripped off on a sale before), and only dealt through Paypal, even at the expense of losing the vehicle. I said I had a Paypal account, and next thing I had a bid on the car. He won, money appeared, and he set a date about a month from then when we was travelling through the area with his own tilt-tray truck to pick it up.

I don't know if it's just that I've sold a hell of a lot of things through Ebay and am used to the way people ask questions about paying, but that series of texts doesn't look that out of the ordinary to me.

If it was an email I would hold the mouse over the "Paypal" link and see what pops up in the bottom left of the screen...it should match the legitimate Paypal link (http://www.paypal.com.au/au)

GTP-814 · 07-07-2011, 01:19 PM

I had a similar scam attempt when selling the BA GTP. Easiest way to get them supply their PayPal acount credientials & paypal local verify who they are, then ask for transfer up front only. Dont be sucked in by their wish to except your asking price

rag top · 07-07-2011, 01:31 PM

I received a similar one earlier this week. Imagine shipping a Mazda3 to "bristol" as they are looking for a "particular car".

Ask her to pay "her agent" with her paypal funds. Then "her agent" is to pay you in cash.