Buying off ebay, how safe is it? Advice needed

Honky Tonx · Sep 6, 2015

A question for all you ebay traders. I've just won a auction on ebay and I'm now trying to pay for it. Normally I pay using paypal but this time i've been asked to pay using a bank transfer directly in to the sellers account as the seller does not accept paypal payments. I have received an email from ebay setting out the transaction number, details of the transaction and the sellers bank account details. The email looks official and claims that I will be covered by ebay's money back guarantee. Is this a con or is it safe to proceed?

Indurain's Lungs · Sep 6, 2015

Honky Tonx said:
A question for all you ebay traders. I've just won a auction on ebay and I'm now trying to pay for it. Normally I pay using paypal but this time i've been asked to pay using a bank transfer directly in to the sellers account as the seller does not accept paypal payments. I have received an email from ebay setting out the transaction number, details of the transaction and the sellers bank account details. The email looks official and claims that I will be covered by ebay's money back guarantee. Is this a con or is it safe to proceed?

I would be dubious. PayPal refunds can be taken from the seller by eBay. Once the money is in their account by transfer there's nothing you can do other than leave bad feedback.

Danny-Boy · Sep 6, 2015

In my view no. Offer to pay by cheque if you can. I do any deals on eBay by cheque.

Soulman · Sep 6, 2015

Honky Tonx said:
A question for all you ebay traders. I've just won a auction on ebay and I'm now trying to pay for it. Normally I pay using paypal but this time i've been asked to pay using a bank transfer directly in to the sellers account as the seller does not accept paypal payments. I have received an email from ebay setting out the transaction number, details of the transaction and the sellers bank account details. The email looks official and claims that I will be covered by ebay's money back guarantee. Is this a con or is it safe to proceed?

I have only used paypal but would assume that if the item has been displayed on your OWN e bay account as being won, then i think the back up guarantee from E Bay would be genuine.
If you pay from your bank it will all be on record and should the transaction go through and you do not receive your item, then i think the bank would investigate and your money reimbursed.

Biscuit Barrel · Sep 6, 2015

I have been using ebay for a couple of years. I have bought about 40 items and never had a problem yet.

The Andy Naylor Fan Club · Sep 6, 2015

What were the payment instructions on the listing?
If they were offering Paypal as an option then you could insist on using Paypal. If the instructions were payment by bank transfer only then you are bound by the terms to pay using the bank transfer, as this was part of the conditions of sale. Is the item local and could you pick it up? If so you could offer cash on collection for your peace of mind. I do believe you will be protected by Ebay's guarantee.

Check their feedback, I always check especially if they are new. If they have made a lot of small purchase ( ie £1 and under in the last couple of months ) then I would be a little suspicious as they want a lot of positive feedback for very little outlay.

Official Old Man · Sep 6, 2015

I won a 50" HD screen worth £3500. Send £50 to my personal bank account and it's yours.
Pay only by Pay Pal for you own security.

Tyrone Biggums · Sep 6, 2015

Just look at their ratings and buyers/sellers comments.

Direct deposit is no big deal if they have 100% ratings.

I've direct deposited many times with no issues.

Soulman · Sep 6, 2015

If the seller has a positive feedback of say 98%, plus if you look at the feedback on previous items he has sold, then i do not think that for 1 item you will get tucked up.

Soulman · Sep 6, 2015

I sold my homing pigeon 12 times last month and my Dogging Kit currently has 185 Watchers.

Diablo · Sep 6, 2015

Pay pal fees are a rip off...I refuse to pay pay pal... if feedback ok I`d be happy to put note in envelope....

happypig · Sep 6, 2015

I'd be very wary, paying direct into a bank account is second only to Western Union as a dodgy deal for the Lads from Lagos and if done right, it's virtually untraceable.

Can you check the email headers to confirm it is genuiely from Ebay ? Does the name on the account match the registered name/address ?

Vegas Seagull · Sep 6, 2015

Honky Tonx said:
A question for all you ebay traders. I've just won a auction on ebay and I'm now trying to pay for it. Normally I pay using paypal but this time i've been asked to pay using a bank transfer directly in to the sellers account as the seller does not accept paypal payments. I have received an email from ebay setting out the transaction number, details of the transaction and the sellers bank account details. The email looks official and claims that I will be covered by ebay's money back guarantee. Is this a con or is it safe to proceed?

How long has seller been using. Less than a year = worry, more than 5 go ahead

carlzeiss · Sep 6, 2015

Just don't do it , if the seller has asked you to do this then it against Ebay rules and if you are scammed or just unhappy with your purchase then Ebay won't help you . You're only option then would be civil action . Best option would be to walk away from the sale , report the seller and let them deal with it .

Diablo · Sep 6, 2015

Honky Tonx said:
A question for all you ebay traders. I've just won a auction on ebay and I'm now trying to pay for it. Normally I pay using paypal but this time i've been asked to pay using a bank transfer directly in to the sellers account as the seller does not accept paypal payments. I have received an email from ebay setting out the transaction number, details of the transaction and the sellers bank account details. The email looks official and claims that I will be covered by ebay's money back guarantee. Is this a con or is it safe to proceed?

depends whether talking £20 or £500...use a bit of common sense........

Honky Tonx · Sep 6, 2015

Thanks everyone. Pulled out of deal. Did some further investigation and it turns out to be a con. No harm done but it pays to be careful. I've learned a lesson the easy way.

Superphil · Sep 6, 2015

Indurain's Lungs said:
I would be dubious. PayPal refunds can be taken from the seller by eBay. Once the money is in their account by transfer there's nothing you can do other than leave bad feedback.

As far as I know it is obligatory that you have a paypal account to sell on ebay. I'd refuse and say you will only pay by paypal if you have any concerns. (FWIW I am a near 3000 item ebay seller and probably bought 400-500 items too)

Superphil · Sep 6, 2015

The Andy Naylor Fan Club said:
What were the payment instructions on the listing?
If they were offering Paypal as an option then you could insist on using Paypal. If the instructions were payment by bank transfer only then you are bound by the terms to pay using the bank transfer, as this was part of the conditions of sale. Is the item local and could you pick it up? If so you could offer cash on collection for your peace of mind. I do believe you will be protected by Ebay's guarantee.

Check their feedback, I always check especially if they are new. If they have made a lot of small purchase ( ie £1 and under in the last couple of months ) then I would be a little suspicious as they want a lot of positive feedback for very little outlay.

Referring to my post above this one, as a seller on ebay you are required to accept paypal, not an option.

Honky Tonx · Sep 6, 2015

I bought a diving watch from Japan. Works perfectly. Very pleased with it. Had to pay VAT on it but still cheaper than buying it in the UK.

carlzeiss · Sep 6, 2015

Honky Tonx said:
Thanks everyone. Pulled out of deal. Did some further investigation and it turns out to be a con. No harm done but it pays to be careful. I've learned a lesson the easy way.

Pleased to hear that ,if you haven't already done so then do report the seller to Ebay , hopefully they will be naru rapidly .

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