Quick Update: E-bay customer services credited my account almost instantly. Live chat is awesome.

At this very moment I am in the queue waiting to talk to customer service @ E-bay.

I am am selling this item and was really excited when, just two hours after I put it up, someone used the “Buy It Now” option. I got an unusual e-mail from the “buyer” which was my first clue that something was fishy. Here is the text:

Hello ,
Season’s Greetings to you.I am Mark Smith from Orlando, Fl ,US.I’m contacting you concerning your item on Ebay which i eventually became the winning bidder for your item.Morever i’m presently serving our beloved nation here in with the United Nation and i intend sending this item to my son who works with the American Embassy in Nigeria as a visa Officer.So i will like you Ship the package via USPS 3-5 DAYS POSTAL SERVICE Shipping to Nigeria and I will like you to go know the Shipping cost and calculate the shipping cost and the item for Payment get back with the amount i will be paying immediately..I will be sending you my payment via PayPal,So kindly send me your (PAYPAL EMAIL ADDRESS) So as to immediately make out my payment.Make sure you get the package ready for immediate or next day shipment okay?.Expecting your reply so as to immediately make out my payment.
Regards
Mark Smith

A few red flags, eh? I kindly e-mailed the guy back and said thanks for the purchase, etc. Did you notice he asked for my PayPal e-mail address? I am assuming now it is so he could prepare a false PayPal deposit receipt. My payment address is automatically given when he clicks “Pay Now”.

The next big giveaway was the fact that when I logged into “My Ebay” about 3 hours after the purchase, the buyer was “no longer a member”.

Does whomever this is really think I’m so stupid as to send out a $6000 dollar diamond ring without verifying the deposit and making sure the money clears my home bank account?

I Googled the “Ship To” name and came up with some fast answers. Apparently it is a known, but not well publicized scam that has gotten more than one person on E-bay. The user forums only had one post I could find about this issue.

I also found this little blurb on auctionbytes.com

So after finding out TODAY my broken car would cost me $1000 dollars to fix, this shit happens. I didn’t send it, I still have the ring. I’m just pissed. This week has really freaking sucked. He was messing with the wrong computer nerd!

Filed under: F.Y.I., Internet, Lessons Learned, Tips