If someone pays me, am I safe once the money is in my acct?

[LongHaul]

I'm selling a computer, and someone contacted me from another city wanting me to ship it to them, and asked for my PayPal.

Once the money shows up, can I then ship the computer off without worry? Could there be some scam?

(I'm mostly worried because the person's second email was in ALL CAPS and it just looked like a Nigerian Prince ad.)

[eddy2099]

The buyer has 45 days in which he could raise a dispute and as a seller you need to prove that the item is being shipped.

If you feel icky about the whole transaction then it is best to listen to your heart.

[deluxdon]

Like eddy says 'Listen to your heart first' because if you are worried then no need to go further for that deal. Always play safe.

[LongHaul]

I was already thinking 'listen to my gut'. Thanks guys!

I re-read the email; I noticed he kept saying "THIS ITEM" instead of "the computer" or something; he didn't seem curious in the least about the computer's specs or condition, and it just had a general tone of a form mail with stuff plugged in. I told him no thanks, can't ship it.

I'll wait for someone to come by my apt and hand me cash ;)

[anthraxruler]

Good decision ;)
Bcoz it happened wit me too.
When i shipped the item paypal asked me tracking info which i cudnt give but luckly i won the dispute by making calls and giving the info to paypal .huh!

[live-cms_com]

I re-read the email; I noticed he kept saying "THIS ITEM" instead of "the computer" or something; he didn't seem curious in the least about the computer's specs or condition, and it just had a general tone of a form mail with stuff plugged in.

That is pretty suss.

[ammoun]

What is the adress of the buyer ? maybe if you can provide the proofs to paypal you won't have any problem !

[zeldaze]

If you DO ship the item keep the tracking numbers and you should be fine.
If possible get him to pay via other means (cash, cheque, e-gold, moneybookers etc.) instead of paypal as they aren't exactly the best at making decisions.

[LongHaul]

The strange thing is, I got another email from someone else before this, same deal - same town, wants it shipped, but different email. I turned him down because I just didn't feel like shipping it (don't have the original box, etc, too much hassle).

I was interested in this second offer because I've become more desperate to sell, but in light of everything I've turned them both down. The more I think about it the more fishy it seems! So I'm holding out for someone in my town who can come pick it up.

Thanks for your help everyone!

[cool_78]

If you want to make sure try asking him to pay you in e-gold. They have no chargeback policy and you can sell your e-gold to exchangers.