OT; But I would very much appreciate your advice

Randy Brown wrote on 6/17/2010, 6:47 AM
Sorry for the way OT but you guys would probably know the answer better than anyone I can think of.
I have a Canon XL1S up for auction on Ebay. Someone has contacted me from the UK saying they'll give me way more than it's worth ($4800 including express shipping via EMS/USPS EXPRESS) and they'll pay me immediately with PayPal.
I told them I have one exactly like it that I was planning on selling on Ebay right after the current auction is over and asked for their zip code so I could determine how much the shipping would be.
I feel really naive here but does anyone see any red flags...it sounds way good to be true.
Thanks very much,
Randy

Comments

Former user wrote on 6/17/2010, 6:49 AM
Avoid people who contact you outside of Ebay for ebay auctions. From what I read online, it is usually a scam of some type.

Just my opinion.

Dave T2
Randy Brown wrote on 6/17/2010, 7:12 AM
It sure does sound too good to be true but they've only asked for my PayPal email address...I don't see how that could be a risk....or could it?
I have a feeling you're right and it could indeed be (probably is) a scam but I don't want to be a fool not to take it either.
Laurence wrote on 6/17/2010, 7:25 AM
They are probably going to scam your PayPal account. Correspondence through eBay channels is protected, but if you work outside of this framework it is not. I had my PayPal account scammed once and it is a royal pain. It took me about a week before I realized what was happening and all that time, they were withdrawing $300 per day which was the maximum my account was set up to allow at that time. My bank made it up to me but they weren't required to. It was my mistake.

I wouldn't do it. What you'll find is that any international fraud is basically out of the jurisdiction of any branch of law enforcement. If you really want to give away all the money in your bank account, find some charity instead.
Randy Brown wrote on 6/17/2010, 7:45 AM
I didn't realize they could do this by just having one's email address...but another question I also received an email from Prince Ali Khackagghri wanting my bank account info so he can transfer his inheritance of $476,378,922 into my account...is that a bad idea too?
Just kidding, thanks very much for not making fun of me guys...maybe some day I won't be so darn gullible.
Randy
dibbkd wrote on 6/17/2010, 7:47 AM
It's definitely a scam.

If you have some time to kill and want some fun, string him along a bit, give him fake email addresses, act real interested, keep him on the hook. Act confused and ask how to send him more money, tell him you're trying but having troubles, etc.

Randy Brown wrote on 6/17/2010, 7:56 AM
Better yet ask tell him I have the camera all packed and ready to go but I need to meet me in a dark alley for the exchange...grrr
musicvid10 wrote on 6/17/2010, 8:13 AM
Randy,
Here is what Craigslist has to say about this. "Buyers" contacting you outside of eBay are no different:: * DEAL LOCALLY WITH FOLKS YOU CAN MEET IN PERSON - follow this one simple rule and you will avoid 99% of the scam attempts on craigslist.
The fact that this person wants to circumvent the eBay bidding process means there is something they don't want you (and eBay) to know. Never give a buyer personally identifiable information, and report them to the State AG if they persist.
Randy Brown wrote on 6/17/2010, 8:22 AM
Lesson learned...thanks again everyone.