PayPal question on local sale

[3forks]

I don’t use PayPal too often, but have someone who is local to me that wants to buy an item.

First, I asked if the buyer could pay cash and avoid PayPal altogether. It appears that won’t work.

The item is $3500 and the buyer wants to pay $1000 now, and the remainder when we meet to pick up the sale.

The buyer contacted me through FaceBook marketplace, and so far - the buyer seems legit - but I’m always cautious on this kind of thing.

I’ve never had someone offer to make a deposit on an item and pay the rest later.

Am I missing anything on this and potentially getting scammed?

 

[NDGuy]

I wouldn't. Common scam is to pay via paypal, ask for refund, and then they cancel the initial payment to you as well after you refund them.

 

[3forks]

I wouldn't. Common scam is to pay via paypal, ask for refund, and then they cancel the initial payment to you as well after you refund them.

Thanks, figured it may be something along those lines.

 

[CorbLand]

Generally, the point of a local sale is the ability to use cash. Seems odd that someone would refuse to use it.

 

[browning2480]

Sounds like a scam but could be he doesn’t have the cash and needs to use a credit card which would make PayPal and option. Don’t understand the deposit thing though. Either pay or move on to the next one

 

[3forks]

Sounds like a scam but could be he doesn’t have the cash and needs to use a credit card which would make PayPal and option. Don’t understand the deposit thing though. Either pay or move on to the next one

Agreed. Thought maybe the buyer needed to use a credit card, but if that is the case, not sure why he wouldn’t just get a cash advance from his credit card.

 

[browning2480]

Agreed. Thought maybe the buyer needed to use a credit card, but if that is the case, not sure why he wouldn’t just get a cash advance from his credit card.

True. Sounds fishy for sure.

 

[CorbLand]

Could be planning on using paypal for a portion, then claiming he never received the item. Local sale without a bill of sale would be hard to prove the item was received. File a claim, get the money back and still has the item.

 

[tdhanses]

Yup skip it, seems odd which if a situation is odd that’s a big red flag.

Tell him sorry you’ll take payment in cash only.

 

[*zap*]

No way...

 

[Crowmangler]

I wouldn't touch that with a 10-foot pole... never underestimate the lengths a scammer / crook will go to take advantage of a nice person.

 

[3forks]

One point I should have mentioned is that the guy sent the funds via friends and family.

I called PayPal, and they said they didn’t think this was a scam attempt because the buyer had no recourse since he used friends and family.

 

[*zap*]

Make sure ALL the funds get paid via F&F and they are fully cleared before giving up possession of the item.

 

[3forks]

Make sure ALL the funds get paid via F&F and they are fully cleared before giving up possession of the item.

Thanks.

I knew to do that for sure.

 

[3forks]

If this wasn’t a scam attempt, I suppose since this guy used friends and family to transfer the funds, he’s naive about getting scammed himself.

I don’t know who would just send someone $1000 bucks via friends and family though because I never replied to his request asking if it was OK to send a deposit.

Now he wants to meet and pay cash. Id rather not get robbed or murdered over $3500 so I‘m passing on the whole thing.

 

[Crowmangler]

Only other option I'd entertain would be to meet at the police department ... or in the lobby of a bank to have the teller confirm the bills aren't counterfeit

 

[Dos Perros]

I have paid a deposit via Paypal before. It was just $100, but I paid $103 Goods and Services to get the $100 back in case the dude no showed. I paid it in person and made arrangements to meet later to complete the transaction where I paid the rest in cash.

From my perspective, this guy just wanted to show you he's a legit buyer, and doesn't want to miss this deal. Maybe you have it priced attractively, or it's a rare item? Meet the guy at a local police station and complete the deal.

 

[AKjon]

I agree that this seems a bit odd, so proceed with caution. some good ideas above about meeting in safe locations. I will also agree with Dos, this could just be an attempt to lock in the deal.

 

[RMM]

Some of you guys make me laugh. As many tire kickers as there are out there and you have a guy willing to put a $1k down payment as a sign of good faith via F&F and you still dont trust him. Not everyone is out to rob you.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

If they won't accept cash with proper I.D. then I walk.