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Selling your used stuff online has become commonplace. So have scams taking advantage of the good names of reputable online companies. At the FTC, we’ve heard from people stung by scammers spoofing PayPal. The scam generally goes like this: You post a high-value item, like a used car, for sale online. In no time at all, you get an email from a buyer willing to pay full price — or more! But he sets conditions; he is only willing to pay by PayPal or insists the sale must happen right away. What’s really going on? A ruse to steal your personal information, money or merchandise.

Here are some suspicious situations to look for and steps to safe selling online:

Scenario One: The buyer claims he can only pay via PayPal. Don’t have a PayPal account? No problem, he says. He’ll send you an email with a link so you can set one up.

What should you do? Don’t take the bait. The link will send you to a website masquerading as PayPal. Any information you enter will be collected by the bogus buyer, and may be used to commit fraud. If you need to set up an account, go directly to PayPal.com.

Scenario Two: “Check your email!” The buyer claims he has sent payment to your PayPal account with additional funds so you can ship the merchandise ASAP, but oops, he sent too much money. He asks you to return the extra money via a money wiring service. It’s all a lie, including the extra money the buyer says he included.

What should you do? Log into your PayPal account. Make sure you’ve been paid before you ship. Never follow links in emails from people you don’t know. The safest approach is to open a browser window, navigate to PayPal.com, and log in yourself. Also, if the buyer claims to have sent extra money, and asks for some back, that’s a big red flag.

Scenario Three: The buyer sends you real money through a real PayPal account, and you ship him the car. Problem is, the PayPal account belongs to someone else! You might need to return the money even though the scammer has your wheels.

What now? Contact PayPal and ask them to open an investigation. The company offers seller protections so you aren’t liable for unauthorized transactions. Also file a complaint with the FTC and your local police department.

Learn how to recognize and avoid common online scams. And contact PayPal at spoof@paypal.com if you’ve been stung by a PayPal spoof. The company wants to hear from you.

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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garycsan
October 05, 2015
I'm in communication right now with someone who claims to be ready to send money to buy my motorcycle unseen. They want my PayPal email address. I have asked for full verifiable contact information. They have refused to talk on the phone because they are at work.
Same thing
March 02, 2016

In reply to by garycsan

I'm getting text from a odd number wanting to buy my fourwheeler unseen for asking price and pay only PayPal cause she said she's not local told her I could do money order she said only paypal and a delivery company would arrive the next day to pick it up
garycsan
October 05, 2015
Reported 925-238-7778 to the FTC for this scam.
Sveta333-
October 29, 2015
6612821772 2342810903 these two numbers !!! Never respond them. They tryied to buy my iphone using pay pall. The first number said she can give me 800$ instead 550$ fpr the phone. SCAM
jay
November 22, 2015
219-803-1712 is another scammers phone number. Beware.
Nina
December 04, 2015
Just got a text from someone in Virginia wanting to buy my advertised van. I life in Pa and was pretty suspicious as I have only advertised locally . . . All the red flags are there . . . Paypal is the only way they can go . . . Help with setting me up an account . . . the hurry up lets do this thing . . . Yeah, right . . Was suspicious right off but thought that Paypal was a safe admin . . . Thank you all for showing me my instincts were right on.
Lee
December 08, 2015

Here is similar response from a possible scammer (Note: local San Francisco company, but Columbus, Ohio telephone#):

Alright then are you a verified PayPal member if not you can setup one at PayPal.com it is 100% free and secured so i can make the transfer to you..

< ... bogus name ... > Managing Director Chen Design Associates Call or Text (614) 515-5352

Sanjeevk70
December 22, 2015
Similar messages from 435 562 212, this is a scam number.
DADDY1294
January 18, 2016
I received messages from 978 434 2576Sgt Paul Trim and 508 233 8350 no name given and 832 478 7476 no name given and 727 877 4595 Nelda Wallace.All were responding to my ad on RVTRADER to sell my motorhome. Each one claimed to be at sea either in the military or on an oil rig and could only pay using PayPal. I refused to use PayPal for payment and have not heard back from any of them
coinneach
January 25, 2016

In reply to by DADDY1294

832-478-7476 just texted me about my motorcycle as well, leading off by asking for my lowest price. *smh*
hankins5
January 27, 2016

In reply to by coinneach

I just had the very same # call me and ask to send funds for a motorcycle I listed today.
Dcljr
January 30, 2016
I've been texting a scammer back and forth all morning. (Not much to do right now haha). He is following the same process as all scammers. Wants only PayPal and has a private shipper to pick up my motorcycle. Legit buyers will always let you talk to them and will want to see what they are purchasing. This clown says his personal shipper will pick up the bike. Sure you will. Folks, never give your PayPal address and never click on a link in an email that asks for such information. When I told him I was a police officer (ok,I lied) he stopped communicating. Imagine that.
ddh
February 03, 2016
Phone numbers are easily changed but the con is generally the same. Listed a truck last month and he had to pay through paypaland have an associate pick it up ... full price, sight unseen. Today listed an RV, Told the scammer I only use cash, he claimed to be a diabled, deaf, VET and couldn't do it any other way but would pay full price, same as most in this string. JUST BE CAREFUL!
Midasman
February 12, 2016
Same deal. My motorhome on Craigslist. They will NOT SPEAK TO YOU because their English is lousy. Military. Pick up by "AGENT". They can only use PayPal. And BEWARE of cashier's checks too. Very often a worthless forgery. The credit to your bank account will eventually be reversed. Ouch. Phone # used was 320-348-7755
KickButt
February 16, 2016

Received this. Have never used Pay Pal. Parcel is handed over to us to be delivered to you through FashioMia Company. But, the government regulatory fee isn charged as it is an international delivery. Kindly use the link to update the processing of $3 payment via Paypal, delivery status will be updated and we can mail to you the arrival time and date. 3 Thanks, Await your swift reply, we need to make delivery to your address this is an urgent request kindly comply immediately. Mr. Chau Lee Shipment Department You can get connected between 0-3mins +1917-933-1275

cautious seller
February 18, 2016
Yesterday I posted a tractor for sale on Craig's list for a substantial amount of money and within the first hour I received several hits from 646 439 3116 & 562 270 2694. Stating all the same things as everyone else has posted on here. That they are very interested and serious about purchasing my listed item but one is in the military and doesn't have access to his/her online bank account but can purchase threw PayPal as its tied to their account. Both wanted to buy the item right then and there without seeing the vehicle and would arrange for pick up once the money was in my account. I never even heard of PayPal but Both insisted I get an account with PayPal and assured me that it was safe and secure. Also that it was the only way they would conduct a transaction. I almost bought into it but was a bit suspicious on the rush for such a large transaction which made me do some research only to find out that it is very likely a scam. Everything was pretty much word for word with the rest of the above comments
Aj
February 19, 2016

I got a scam email tonight from carlosthomas959

Thanks for your response, I am sorry I am not available to view due to the nature of my job, I am in the United States Army and serve as a CBRN Specialist (74D). I want to buy this for future use. I am currently deployed wont be back till March. We are not allowed to make or receive calls frequently for security reasons but we have internet access and that is our major means of communication to the outside world. I am OK with your asking price and if you don't mind, I can only pay through PayPal at the moment because its the most secure way to make or receive payment online this is why I'll prefer using PayPal to pay you, all I need is your PayPal email to make the payment and if you don't have a PayPal account, its pretty easy to set up at paypal

I also have a few questions for you. Whats its condition, any damages? Are you the original owner and what is your reason for selling?and last asking price? I hope you consider my offer. I am ready to buy, so you can take the add off Craigslist. I'll have a courier person come for pick up and storage after I make payment and money is in your hand. Thanks for understanding, hope to read from you soon.

buyer beware
February 26, 2016
another attempt made from (614)699-2634, appears scam. Better to be safe than sorry.
Senior Chief
March 04, 2016
Add 513-666- 6723 to the list of scam phone numbers.
Rose Petal
March 09, 2016

Watch out for charges from PAYPAL* 402-935-7733 CA. The phone is actually a Paypal line, but the business doesn't exist. I caught four charges from them in the past two months. All were fake. My Paypal account showed no activity. Credit card was closed and replaced with a new one. Within a WEEK, fraudulent charges appeared on new card.

bigrange
March 14, 2016
Be careful of (561)203-1357 says name is Frank Bruce. I'm sure these are throw away phones. Same story to the "t" as many of the above. Wanted to buy our RV for $75,000. Only wanted to use paypal. Sent the link to paypal. I never opened. I wish these scammers would use their creativity to get a job.
patrickr
March 18, 2016

Just listed a car for sale on Craigslist and immediately got this email as well as a text message...too good to be true - Glad I checked these previous posts.

Thomas Douglas 1:30 AM (8 hours ago) to me Thanks for your response, I am sorry I am not available to view due to the nature of my job, I am in the United States Army and serve as a CBRN Specialist (74D). I want to buy this for future use. I am currently deployed wont be back till June. We are not allowed to make or receive calls frequently for security reasons but we have internet access and that is our major means of communication to the outside world. I am OK with your asking price and if you don't mind, I can only pay through PayPal at the moment because its the most secure way to make or receive payment online this is why I'll prefer using PayPal to pay you, all I need is your PayPal email to make the payment and if you don't have a PayPal account, its pretty easy to set up at www.         I also have a few questions for you. Whats its condition, any damages? Are you the original owner and what is your reason for selling?and last asking price? I hope you consider my offer. I am ready to buy, so you can take the add off Craigslist. I'll have a courier person come for pick up and storage after I make payment and money is in your hand. Thanks for understanding, hope to read from you soon.

Lonielaine
March 25, 2016
Add to the list Lauren Smith Phone Number 646 598 7569. Contacted me about my motorcycle I posted on craigslist with the same bogus story everybody else is reporting.
Anon
May 11, 2016

The following two people (email addresses below) asked me to sell via PayPal, sent links to set up PayPal accounts, and said they'd send someone (an "agent") to pick up my item for sale:

Am pretty sure these were scam attempts. Am selling a Gibson electric guitar for Over $2k. Thx, Anon Sent from my iPhone

Jim
April 13, 2016
Have received three phone text messages much like those above in response to a piano I have listed for sale in a local classified ad. I recognized these as a scam and did not respond. Here are two of the scam phone numbers - 240-720-2547 / 520-500-0876. Take care, always verify.
Vic
May 11, 2016

First this came form the phone number 503 300 0532: :

Woodway Treadmill - $3350 (Apple Valley) Hi my name is Samantha Young! If you still have this for sale, kindly send an email to(        @gmail.com )he's the one interest in it asap

Then an email just like the one above but different first name and email.

Thanks for your response, I am sorry I am not available to view due to the nature of my job, I am in the United States Army and serve as a CBRN Specialist (74D). I want to buy this for future use. I am currently deployed wont be back till June. We are not allowed to make or receive calls frequently for security reasons but we have internet access and that is our major means of communication to the outside world. I am OK with your asking price and if you don't mind, I can only pay through PayPal at the moment because its the most secure way to make or receive payment online

this is why I'll prefer using PayPal to pay you, all I need is your PayPal email to make the payment and if you don't have a PayPal account, its pretty easy to set up at paypal.. I also have a few questions for you. Whats its condition, any damages? Are you the original owner and what is your reason for selling?and last asking price? I hope you consider my offer. I am ready to buy, so you can take the add off Craigslist. I'll have a courier person come for pick up and storage after I make payment and money is in your hand. Thanks for understanding, hope to read from you soon. Total scam.

LSC (SW)
April 21, 2016
Add 808-800-5879. Same story.
Hrndskl
April 25, 2016

It seems the "so I'm not disappointed" line is common amongst these scammers. Put an add on Craigslist selling a car and not more then half an hour later I get a text from 1-978-254-0992 (which they didn't even turn off the signature saying it is a TextFree app number) asking if it was still for sale and to email them back at monantony0

I told them yes and they emailed back saying I hope it is in good condition so they will not be disappointed and they are buying it for their son but they are an ocean engineer and can only talk via email. They are willing to pay the full asking price but can only use "paypal" due to the fact they cant access their bank while on the boat. (but they can access paypal?? please.)

I can sign up for free and blah blah blah... I knew it was a scam the first text they sent but did a little searching and found this awesome page. If its too good to be true you already know its not true.

suren
May 02, 2016
I posted an ad for selling my car on Craigslist.com and i have someone who is wanting to buy my car for my asking price. He says he has sent me the money via PayPal, which is not the case. He has sent me a mail on my gmail account which sits in my spam folder and resembles like a paypal mail. The scammer wants me to pay $1850 thru moneygram to someone to come and pick my car up. I have flagged it to Paypal, asked them to close my PayPal account. And also called my county's sheriff's office. Funnily, they won't do anything unless i get cheated first. Beware of Brandon Hoyt and his number is 908-652-3227.
Steve
May 03, 2016
I just received a text from #978-238-0593. His name is Sebastian. Offering to buy my Harley immediately. but can only pay thru PayPal. Cause he is currently stationed at Hascom Air Force base in Bedford Mass. "I'm in Ga". He has a mover ready to come pick it up.Ok with condition. I replied, have mover bring cash. Never heard from "Sebastian" again! SCAM! Beware of this number.
Don&#039;t use your…
May 05, 2016

In reply to by Steve

Wow Steve I just got a text from the same number saying the exact same thing. Interesting. Funny thing is I'm actually in the Air Force so it pisses me off that he's impersonating a service member. I used a reverse lookup and found his location and reported it to the local PD. Maybe they can have some fun with him.
Search before …
August 14, 2016

In reply to by Steve

Happened just now 9782380593 wanted to buy my generator for $1300, easiest sell, i offered to deliver and pick up cash as he was in an airforce base in Hanscom MA and he rejected because he wanted to use paypal and have Uhal pick it up. but as he was making money transfer through pay pall, i was searching about scams and i found this here... i told him to cancell transfer or else i'd send money back but not giving item.. i told him id deliver it my self where ever and pick up cash because i didnt trust the transaction as i asked for 1300 and he sent 750 dollars extra for idk what reason! He wont answer back. I almost lost $1300 and a generator
online seller
September 22, 2016

In reply to by Search before …

same scammer from (978) 238-0593 - same approach, fortunately this person is leaving a trail all over the internet, so he wasn't hard to spot
tje210
May 10, 2016
got a couple from people saying they wanted to buy my guitar... numbers are 7373008123, and 5183131253. the first was someone who wanted to mail me a cashier's check and come to my place to pick it up; second said they were a deployed marine.
the kid
May 11, 2016

Wow, this is incredible!! I just received the following after having ad up for a few hours. All communication stopped once I said cash only..

First of all, I'm Coleen Williams. United States Navy (USN), stationed at Naval Support Activity Mechanics-burg, Also a contractor on the civilian side, I would have prefer calling or receiving your call but presently not in state, Got deployed to command a classified situation which obstruct all communication access except the station network.

So let’s get back to business! Well, I'm purchasing the bike for my lovely brother as a birthday gift and he's not aware of this because i am making it as a surprise for him. Ready to make an instant purchase from you So can you assure me that i won't be disappointed buying this from you?

Also, I do have a few questions would love to ask about it. Whats its condition, any damages? Are you the original owner and why are you selling it? Does it has any mechanical issues? How many miles does it has? Can you send me more pictures or a short video? What's your firm price? Do you have a verified account with PayPal? Do you have any offer's yet? Looking forward to read back from you and I hope you can respond and answer my questions appropriately in your next E-mail?

Pleased meeting you and I do appreciate the way you answered my questions!. I'm satisfied with it's condition and the price,I believe i wont be disappointed. I want you to know am serious in purchasing it and am sure he's gonna love and enjoy it more than you did. Well it a very good idea to see what am buying my self but am a very busy type i have a private courier agent that will come for the pick up after the payment and sign all necessary documents transferring the name of ownership and signing of all paperwork will be done by the hauler agent on my behalf also i would love to assure you that the bike wont leave your side until the money is in your account and clears i will be patient with you as am an honest woman and a wonman of my word so once all this is done then we can now both schedule the pickup time and date.

I would have loved to send the pick up agent with the cash or cashier check but they don't deal with cash transaction between buyer and seller and i want you to know that PayPal is the best online payment and they protect their customer the both seller and buyer. My mode of payment is PayPal because i don't have access to my bank account online, but i have it attached to my PayPal account. Since I'm requesting this transaction to be done via PayPal, I will be responsible for all the PayPal fees/charges on this transaction, if you don’t have an account with PayPal, it’s pretty easy, safe and secure to open one. Just log on to.paypal. I hope we can make this transaction as fast as possible.

As I look forward hearing from you with your PayPal information as requested below. Your PayPal e-Mail Address : PayPal Account User Name: Home Address/ Pickup location Info: Cell Phone#: I am ready to purchase the bike, so you can take the add off Craigslist. Waiting your mail respond! Warmest regards.

BobGP383
May 12, 2016

In reply to by the kid

Same scam basically. Posted a motorcycle on Craigs list got two responses. First one said that they were off shore and wanted it for his son had to pay by pay pal etc etc. Second was a day later only difference was he wanted it for his dad..lol Both would send money via paypal and send a courier to pick it up. Told them I was a Federal agent for Homeland Security and would look into this and if they needed any further info let me know...never heard from either one again..imagine that :)
Susan
June 04, 2016
Got a text from 503 902 7554. He has only asked me if I have pay pal. He has not asked to see what I am selling.
Adam
June 22, 2016
got text from 432 652 0593, email sammydaniel380 . Wanted to buy my RV at asking price, and pay using paypal, would have someone pick it up. I told him that I was only dealing with certified check, money order or cash. I suggested that he pay his shipper via paypal and the shipper can pay me when he picks op the RV. he said that the shipper would not deal with paypal. Said that due to the "nature" of his business he doesn't have access to his banking account. Asked him what the "nature" of his business is, said he was a "road contractor" and asked me what I did. I said law enforcement (lie) and asked where he was currently located that he did not have bank access. No reply. A google search showed that the number was registered to a land line in Midland, TX. Many thanks to this thread.
ejamese
July 06, 2016
Please add 201-942-1436 to the list. Text about a dresser, and "Harrison" said he would have movers pick it up. The whole "please assure me I won't be disappointed" thing is weird to me, but sure enough he used that same line. Ended up telling him to move on to another target, I'm not interested anymore.
JOHN
July 10, 2016
Add 321-270-5160 to your list of SCAMMERS. I just put my BMW Wheels & Tires on CL and got an immediate response by TEXT wanting to know if they are still available....I replied "Available" They replied that they were okay with present condition and your last asking price and I cant come for inspection do to long distance. I have a private shipping that will come for pickup. The easiest way transfer safely online is via PAYPAL cause it protect both buyer and seller! Let me know if you have an account. I then asked were are you located and they said ORLANDO. I said I have a home in FL, what part of FL.....NO ANSWER
rrjj
July 11, 2016
Scumbag alert phone number 312 279 5160. Trying to get my paypal account to send me $5000 for a snowmobile sight unseen. Has a 'shipping company' who will get it. I tell him i have a vendors account and can easily send an invoice, just send me your PP address and i will send it right out. When it is paid he can send whoever he wants. Shockingly he ignores this and asks AGAIN for my paypal lol. What an idiot. Scumbag will not even answer when i tell him i know what he is up to. Nothing, nada! So much for paypal being a safe way to do business! Do NOT send this person any info!
Dave
July 12, 2016
OK, similar scam here in Utah with KSL.com Classifieds. Listed a car for sale some time ago, got the "is your car still for sale" text from 972-842-7909 someone identified as "Larry Buck from Rock-wall County Texas" claiming he just had "Thyroid surgery yesterday and I'm just trying to get much better so my text might be slow" Then the "Can you assure me that i won't be disappointed with it because i will pay you today and have a shipping company visit you for the pickup as soon as you receive the money" text comes next. Then I attempted to call and went through a series of sketchy unanswered calls, calls that they answered but couldn't hear me, etc, etc. Then a call from them that was a terrible connection, underwater, only a few words came through and finally a text after all that that "let's text,as I told you I'm sick BS. Finally a "Okay good, Do you have a PayPal Account for the payment? i will pay you right now and also make arrangement with a shipping company who will be coming..." Etc... He finally went away after I requested cash from the shipping company at pick up and finally told him to stuff it after no reply and to get a real job...Hope this helps Dave
unknown100
August 05, 2016

In reply to by Dave

Also just got contacted by 972-842-7909, same comments as other one. Automated phone SMS spam, they want paypal addresses. They're likely going to send fake emails saying you received money via paypal, they want you to login to get your money, but you'd go to a fake site, they steal your user/pass and them they send your money out of your account. That's what they're doing. "I’m interested in your posted for selling your car" "Ok Thanks. I just had a typhoid surgery yesterday and i am just trying to get much better so my text might be slow. I am interested in it. How long have you owned it?" "Okay great. Can you assure me that i wont be disappointed with it because i will pay you today and have a shipping company visit you for the pickup as soon as you receive the money." "Okay good, Do you have a PayPal Account for the payment? i will pay you right now and also make arrangement with a shipping company who will be coming to pick it up after you must have gotten the money." Says they type slow, it's a freakin bot and then a human tries to respond and scams you once you tell it anything other than a paypal email address
shw1101
July 17, 2016
Add to the list: (915) 308-5743. Listed 2 iPhones on Craig's list they wanted to use PayPal only. Kept asking for me email address. They offered more than what I was asking. Said they couldn't get away to meet me b/c of their job.
badscam
July 18, 2016
Add any number from (720) 502-#### Those are all numbers from INDIA. Same crap, I'm buying for my dad. Payment option will be managed by paypal. Always do a google search for the phone number. I told them I want cash in person. Never heard from them again.
sorez
July 26, 2016
Add this number to the scam inventory: 740-743-8448. No name given but essentially the same scenario. Once I responded NO PAYPAL and asked for certified funds in person, never heard back again.
NH4me
August 01, 2016

Thanks to this blog, I asked what time my husband could call and speak to them. Answer: "I won't be able to ring out or receive any call till i get of from duty post 3d week of next month. Really? You said you were stationed in Nebraska? Add 402-268-0683 which is evidently a large wooded parcel of land somewhere in NE. Crap.

NH4me
July 30, 2016
We received another inquiry paying by cashier check and will wait to schedule pickup. Signed Alex 1-385-275-9110
larry32
September 09, 2016

In reply to by NH4me

What ended up happening with this pick up? Did it happen? He is inquiring about something we are selling and sent a Cashier's Check.
dodgersss3
September 13, 2016

In reply to by larry32

Same thing is happening to me right now in southern California. Same number, same name, same cashier check for Craigslist purchase.
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