Is this a scam?

Discussion in 'General Business' started by calum, Jan 6, 2008.

  1. #1
    Hello.

    I am selling one of my websites and got an offer of $100 from someone here at DP.

    The offer is ok because the website isn't good, new and small.

    The payment is going to be through PayPal where it is possible to charge back.

    However the buyer at DP has 0 posts and 0 iTrader.

    Its only $100 but I would prefer not to feed scammers, so do you think it is a scam?

    Is there any way I can secure the deal? Is using Escrow a possible solution?

    Thanks
    Calum
     
    calum, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  2. BuckBuck

    BuckBuck Peon

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    #2
    For sure. I would look for solutions something like this. Search over google there are couple of site offering such services free. Good look with the trade.
     
    BuckBuck, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  3. infopackages

    infopackages Peon

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    #3
    As long as you get the money before you hand anything over how can you get scammed?

    If your buyer won't agree to these terms then you might have something to worry about, otherwise a $100 is a $100 "because the website isn't good, new and small"

    I can't see why escrow is necessary so long as he agrees to your terms.
     
    infopackages, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  4. calum

    calum Peon

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    #4
    But since it is PayPal the buyer could easily chargeback.

    I have a friend who got chargedback $1500 through PayPal and since it is virtual items then the seller can't provide proof of postage of transfer so the buyer/scammer wins.
     
    calum, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  5. SGFB

    SGFB Peon

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    #5
    In that case, try MB...

    I think MB does not allow chargebacks.
     
    SGFB, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  6. JeremiaSK8

    JeremiaSK8 Active Member

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    #6
    I agree with calum, there are scumbags out there who pay for a site and a day later or the same day they chargeback, and they got your website + your money... escrow.com is great for deals over $1000 but under that I wouldn't use them.
     
    JeremiaSK8, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  7. calum

    calum Peon

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    #7
    Yeah.

    Its an annoying situation. The buyer says PayPal only, which is strange because PayPal is the only one you can chargeback through.

    I would use Escrow but its a low value so mabye not worth it, I said that if he really wants the site then to pay using something other than PayPal or to pay all the Escrow fees.
     
    calum, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  8. zacdavis

    zacdavis Well-Known Member

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    #8
    The buyer could also be legit and only has money in PayPal. I only use PayPal, i wasn't even aware of the chargeback option, though.
     
    zacdavis, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  9. calum

    calum Peon

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    #9
    I am weary of this happening because it has happened to me before.

    There is a chargeback option in PayPal itself, but if the buyer contacts the credit card company then they can chargeback which will force PayPal to chargeback.

    It also happened to my friend who sold his forum with over 50k posts and a PR5 domain, this is less valuable but I kinda need the money right now.

    I would accept PayPal but the problem is the buyer has 0 posts here and 0 iTrader.
     
    calum, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  10. bland10000

    bland10000 Peon

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    #10
    Request an international postal order. How he replies will give you a clue to his intentions...I don't live near a post office, I'm in a hurry and can't wait, My ex works at the only post office in town so I don't want to go in there...
     
    bland10000, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  11. zacdavis

    zacdavis Well-Known Member

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    #11
    Uh...that would be true for me.
     
    zacdavis, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  12. calum

    calum Peon

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    #12
    But the problem is that its all virtual goods, a website and domain.

    So there is absolutely no way I can post things or give proof of transfer.

    Thanks
    Calum
     
    calum, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  13. bland10000

    bland10000 Peon

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    #13
    lol...but would you use that as an excuse and pass on something that is important enough to you that you are willing to spend 100 dollars on...
     
    bland10000, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  14. Jarodboy

    Jarodboy Prominent Member

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    #14
    Acept paypal BUT don't acept paypal CC payment. ;)
     
    Jarodboy, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  15. calum

    calum Peon

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    #15
    That does sound like a better idea but what if the buyer does a PayPal chargeback instead of doing it through the creditcard company?

    Thanks
    Calum
     
    calum, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  16. k3v

    k3v Banned

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    #16
    Don't use paypal is my first option when are you dealing with someone you don't trust,ok you have to use paypal do it thru ebay,list your website at ebay and let the buyer purchase it thru ebay.
     
    k3v, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  17. Jarodboy

    Jarodboy Prominent Member

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    #17
    Is it possible to do a chargeback when using your own paypal funds?

    Never saw that option when i make a payment, if it's possible just ignore my last post...:rolleyes:
     
    Jarodboy, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  18. k3v

    k3v Banned

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    #18
    Yeah it's possible.
     
    k3v, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  19. kenbrower

    kenbrower Well-Known Member

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    #19
    Even moreso it could be a hijacked account, or otherwise. Honestly if he has 0 posts and 0 itrader, don't even bother trying to set up escrow. I'd say odds are 4/5 that it's a scam.
     
    kenbrower, Jan 6, 2008 IP
  20. FreelancerStore

    FreelancerStore Peon

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    #20
    i don't believe that you can get your money back once you pay through paypal. i've tried before and they wouldn't do anything about it.
     
    FreelancerStore, Jan 6, 2008 IP