Help : is someone trying to SE me ?

azizouma · 01-23-2023, 02:22 PM

Hello everyone,

I’m trying to sell an hi tech product on Ebay (at 250€). And a buyer who want to pay me directly with Paypal just sent me the following message (using whatsapp) :

« I want it to be shipped to the eBay address as a gift. I would like you to also receive a STEAM WALLET gift card of €200 included in the package before shipping. I'm currently stationed out of town at Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Trier because I work with the military. I will add 200€ to your payment for STEAM WALLET gift card, 100€ for gas and stress & 150€ to cover shipping cost Delivery Shipped by DHL, FEDEX OR UPS »

It seems a bit weird to me and I’m wandering if the guy is trying to scam me somehow.

What do you guys think about it ? Any way to be sure if this is legit or not or if the guy is trying to SE me ?

His ebay account is fresh (10 days) and no previous purchase.

SilentSniper8122 · 01-23-2023, 02:53 PM

(01-23-2023, 02:22 PM)azizouma Wrote: Hello everyone,

I’m trying to sell an hi tech product on Ebay (at 250€). And a buyer who want to pay me directly with Paypal just sent me the following message (using whatsapp) :

« I want it to be shipped to the eBay address as a gift. I would like you to also receive a STEAM WALLET gift card of €200 included in the package before shipping. I'm currently stationed out of town at Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Trier because I work with the military. I will add 200€ to your payment for STEAM WALLET gift card, 100€ for gas and stress & 150€ to cover shipping cost Delivery Shipped by DHL, FEDEX OR UPS »

It seems a bit weird to me and I’m wandering if the guy is trying to scam me somehow.

What do you guys think about it ? Any way to be sure if this is legit or not or if the guy is trying to SE me ?

His ebay account is fresh (10 days) and no previous purchase.

Certainly a scammer you shouldn’t even need to think about it bro.

mothered · 01-23-2023, 02:56 PM

(01-23-2023, 02:53 PM)SilentSniper8122 Wrote: Certainly a scammer you shouldn’t even need to think about it bro.

I couldn't have said It better myself.

Signs of scamming are obvious.

azizouma · 01-23-2023, 05:18 PM

Thank you guys ! I just wanted to be sure

mothered · 01-24-2023, 01:11 AM

(01-23-2023, 05:18 PM)azizouma Wrote: I just wanted to be sure

And rightly so.

When unsure, always get the opinions of others.

sinisterlee · 01-24-2023, 04:48 PM

Whenever someone is willing to pay a high amount over what you are asking for it is usually a scam.
If a legitimate potential customer wants to use an unusual payment method it is rare that they will want to pay even a little bit extra.
It can happen but never double.

killerkeemkeem · 02-01-2023, 04:18 AM

Yeah bro definitely a scam. Also there is almost no reason for someone to try to contact you outside of ebay or try to pay you directly. Definitely not a good move. Also if you're in the US check out facebook marketplace. Its a lot harder to SE in person Wink

EquitableEngineer · 02-01-2023, 08:21 AM

As soon as i read 'gift card' i knew it was a scam, this is textbook scamming from the lowest rung of the cyber crime ladder. I know im late to the party here but make sure to report that POS to eBay immediately, this is one of the very few scenarios where eBay's itchy trigger finger for banning accounts might actually be helpful.