Kijiji / PayPal Scam?

[unL33T]

So I've got a Samsung camcorder on Kijiji. Today the ad expired so I relisted it for $10 cheaper, now at $165. A short time later I get an email from a guy offering $205. Right away I know something is up. I tell him he can definitely have it for that price. He responds just asking for my PayPal to send the money.

I replied with, "Where are you located? How are you going to get the camera? You don't even want to see it? You sound like a scammer." No response now even though he was quick to respond before.

So, how was this scam supposed to work?

 

[ZX600]

So I've got a Samsung camcorder on Kijiji. Today the ad expired so I relisted it for $10 cheaper, now at $165. A short time later I get an email from a guy offering $205. Right away I know something is up. I tell him he can definitely have it for that price. He responds just asking for my PayPal to send the money.

I replied with, "Where are you located? How are you going to get the camera? You don't even want to see it? You sound like a scammer." No response now even though he was quick to respond before.

So, how was this scam supposed to work?

If you had replied with your email, he would have proceeded to ask for more information. They get you excited by the prospect of a purchase at the posted price or above, then continue to elaborate on the story as emails are exchanged.

 

[unL33T]

Got a response.

i saw the pics online and i have trust that you are not fake. i'm currently in brazil on official assignment. you will post it to the verified address on my paypal.

If I send him my PayPal address is there really anything he can do with my account besides send me money?

 

[RetroGrouch]

Seriously? You're not familiar with paypal scams? If buyer is not willing to meet you in person, it's a scam. Paypal payments can be retracted once the item is delivered.

 

[unL33T]

Seriously? You're not familiar with paypal scams? If buyer is not willing to meet you in person, it's a scam. Paypal payments can be retracted once the item is delivered.

Thanks. I figured it was something like that.

I just meet in person for the most part. So no, I'm not familiar with how the scams work.

 

[I82l8]

Seriously? You're not familiar with paypal scams? If buyer is not willing to meet you in person, it's a scam. Paypal payments can be retracted once the item is delivered.

What if he shipped with a tracking number that can confirm that the item has been delivered?
A PayPal dispute would then fail.

 

[deejizzle]

How do you know what's in the package....

Unless you want to give your things for free and possibly compromise the security of your online info... Don't bother.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[-D-]

What if he shipped with a tracking number that can confirm that the item has been delivered?
A PayPal dispute would then fail.

No, they can refund the money.
I spoke to paypal security and asked them what prevents people from doing that. They said we would ask them to go file a Police report, so if they are being honest then should be no problem.

The problem is, depending on the paypal rep. they can issue the refund then you are screwed. It took me several months to get back most of my money. I had to speak to Canada Post investigator to track down the actual paperwork with the signature.

I even took photos of the parcel at the post office as proof that I did ship a package.

Be very careful, if you get a bad vibe then find another buyer.

 

[I82l8]

No, they can refund the money.
I spoke to paypal security and asked them what prevents people from doing that. They said we would ask them to go file a Police report, so if they are being honest then should be no problem.

The problem is, depending on the paypal rep. they can issue the refund then you are screwed. It took me several months to get back most of my money. I had to speak to Canada Post investigator to track down the actual paperwork with the signature.

I even took photos of the parcel at the post office as proof that I did ship a package.

Be very careful, if you get a bad vibe then find another buyer.

Thanks, good info.

 

[jeffjones]

Just tell him no problem to send a western union certified check and you will send out the package...

 

[49over]

Lmao, I put my bike on Kijiji. Not even 5minutes later I get the famous "I like your price please send more info to... Blah blah@gmail
This particular scammer was going to send a "buddy " to pick up the bike on his behalf and take it to Nova Scotia Lol yeah. But only would pay with PayPal.
Happens every time I put something of higher value on Kijiji. Starting to find it fun. Drag it out and waste their time.


Sent from my imaginary friend

 

[fastar1]

Lmao, I put my bike on Kijiji. Not even 5minutes later I get the famous "I like your price please send more info to... Blah blah@gmail
This particular scammer was going to send a "buddy " to pick up the bike on his behalf and take it to Nova Scotia Lol yeah. But only would pay with PayPal.
Happens every time I put something of higher value on Kijiji. Starting to find it fun. Drag it out and waste their time.


Sent from my imaginary friend

That's the thing, for less than $200 ($100 on the black market?) it doesn't seem like a worthwhile scam.

 

[the bandit]

That's the thing, for less than $200 ($100 on the black market?) it doesn't seem like a worthwhile scam.

BUT the scammer is probably working hundreds of potential victims simultaneously and if he snags only 2-3 each day not a bad gig.

 

[nobbie48]

Scammers are not interested in the goods because physical items can't disappear. They leave a fairly obvious trail of addresses. They want your Paypal info so they can drain your account one way or another. Money disappears into a maze of bank accounts and can be anywhere in the world in seconds. Try to recover that.

Re Wasting their time. They have canned replies so you waste more of your own time than theirs. This isn't snail mail.

If a scammer is working from a third world country and can beat someone for fifty bucks once a week he's likely making more than his sweat shop buddies in the tee shirt factory.

Don't get outflanked protecting your precious item while the scammer sneaks into your bank account, cleaning it out. Smoke, mirrors and distractions.

 

[unL33T]

Scammers are not interested in the goods because physical items can't disappear. They leave a fairly obvious trail of addresses. They want your Paypal info so they can drain your account one way or another. Money disappears into a maze of bank accounts and can be anywhere in the world in seconds. Try to recover that.

Re Wasting their time. They have canned replies so you waste more of your own time than theirs. This isn't snail mail.

If a scammer is working from a third world country and can beat someone for fifty bucks once a week he's likely making more than his sweat shop buddies in the tee shirt factory.

Don't get outflanked protecting your precious item while the scammer sneaks into your bank account, cleaning it out. Smoke, mirrors and distractions.

But most people's PayPal address is the same as their email address so if it's that simple why don't they just try using your email address that they already have as soon as you reply the first time?

In my case, even though I replied from a secondary address, I'm pretty sure it's still tied to my PayPal account.

I responded and told him it was too sketchy and he just said he'll find someone else then.