Internet sales scams (craigslist, eBay, forums, etc)

[k-troop]

My wife and I are preparing for a life transition and ridding ourselves of dead weight. Yes, that means I've sold all of my golf stuff except for one set of clubs. We're currently selling two cars on Craigslist (among many other things) and we've received a few scam attempts. I'll post more detail below, but it made me think many of us have probably been victims of some scam attempts (some probably successful) selling on Internet boards and forums. I used to be a member of a watch forum and bought and sold several high-end timepieces. I've heard of people being scammed thru PayPal and even cashiers checks and wire transfers. It's tough to know what's real. I thought I'd start a thread for folks to post their stories, what they know about scam attempts, and "safe" ways to transact with strangers online. Helpful links are welcome!

[meenman]

I stopped selling on ebay because the new scam is saying stuff is damaged when they receive it and then bitching up a storm when i say i need the product returned before refunding. They demand a refund without sending back. There is a huge problem on ebay with sellers not being able to leave negative feedback on buyers. Buyers can blackmail sellers because their is no recourse.

[Ernest Jones]

When I sold my previous house I was contacted by some dude via email who offered to buy my house at about 15% higher than my asking price sight unseen. I didn't even answer his email, it had "weird city" written all over it.

[SavvySwede]

I stopped selling on ebay because the new scam is saying stuff is damaged when they receive it and then bitching up a storm when i say i need the product returned before refunding. They demand a refund without sending back. There is a huge problem on ebay with sellers not being able to leave negative feedback on buyers. Buyers can blackmail sellers because their is no recourse.

You have some control over that stuff. Could be better, but I haven't had any issues.

http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-set-up-buyer-requirements-restricting-a-bidder-/10000000013095666/g.html

[newtogolf]

I don't like Craigslist, too many chances for something to go wrong, especially if the item has any substantial value.  eBay is pro-buyer but they are smart enough to identify scams and offer buyers protection.

It all depends on what you're trying to sell, I prefer dealing with legitimate businesses even if it costs me a few dollars.

[Jeremie Boop]

Years ago I got scammed on ebay over the purchase of a laptop. There was a laptop, decent but not great, with buy it now at 350. I asked questions, the answers seemed legit. It was supposedly an extra laptop that wasn't being used so the person was selling it. I went ahead with the buy it now. A short time later I noticed the same person had the same laptop listed again. This time they told me they had several of them they were selling. At this point I knew I had been had so I initiated the process to recover my money. Unfortunately I was only able to recover 175 of the 350 due to the seller being newer so there wasn't the buyer's protection available. Ever since that time I've never trusted anyone with a low feedback rating.

[Dave2512]

CL is easy, local buyers and local sellers. Anyone that contacts you saying they are from out of your area is to be avoided. Ebay is trickier as a seller with buyer friendly policies and PayPal. I've had buyers file not received item claims for items they refused to collect from their local customs office. I don't sell there anymore because it's not worth the hassle. The same people that con you out of items not worth conning for are the same entitled types that leave novel length negative reviews for restaurants that don't make eating a $8.99 hamburger feel like your wedding day.

[Shorty]

For every negative experience on ebay I would imagine that there are many thousands of positive ones. Focus on those.

[jcjim]

This country is the SCAM country of the world. It all starts on Wall Street.

[Hardspoon]

This country is the SCAM country of the world. It all starts on Wall Street.

The Nigerian prince who e-mailed me today would probably disagree.