Accepting payment from a possible stolen credit card...?

Question

Ok, I sold an item on Ebay and it went to someone living in Africa. They have a negative 1 feedback score and someone from the "UK" footed the bill on their credit card in my paypal account. Supposedly their uncle. What is the chance that this is like identity theft and should I not send the item to them or believe what they say? What happens as well if I do send the item and it was credit card theft? Would I then lose the camera and the money? Trying to be a good Ebayer...the payment is in so I need to make a decision if its right to ship the item or not. Thanks.

Answer 1

If they paid by Paypal with a stolen credit card, or a stolen account, even if Paypal gave you the money, they will come back to you and take the money back out of the account when the theft is discovered. If you have already sent the camera, you are basically out of a camera and you won't have the cash.

You should not have accepted payment from them. You should never accept payment from someone "paying for them". If I were you, I would contact both ebay and Paypal in writing and ask them. If they tell you to send the camera, and that you are "covered" if the credit card turns out to be stolen, make sure they tell you in writing and hold them to it. I'm almost certain that it will turn out to be fraud.

You can also wait until the buyer contacts you and tell them that with the high incidence of fraud, you must withhold shipment until payment has cleared, and then wait 30 or 60 days before you ship. If they don't like it, have them request a refund.

Answer 2

Call the credit card company you are using that accepts payments from customers purchasing your items. I've heard of several scams from people in other countries (double check with your bank or their credit card company). Don't ever take someones word that they really need the item, that could be a trap. Don't send the item until you have cleared through your bank, etc.....

Answer 3

Just make certain the payment goes through before shipping the item. Notify paypal if you can but you generally cannot get through to a human. As a seller, you must then assume everything is OK and go through with the sale.

Answer 4

Once the problem is brought to your notice, contact Paypal and cancel that payment receipt. Otherwise you will loose the money and your store. I can give you a link that deals with Payapl & Ebay transactions through Paypal. PayPal is one of the most popular online money transfer systems widely used for online auctions, pay to surf programs, e-books and purchase of low value goods. It is now a part of the online auction website eBay. More details available at
http://www.money-transfer.in/paypalindia.html

Answer 5

You could open a paypal account, get a program called "paylock generator", which would make a paynow button from paypal. you could open a clickbank account. You could sign up for a shopping cart service that processes credit card payments for you. Or you could set it up with your bank although that would be the most expensive way.

Answer 6

I accepted payment once and about three months later paypal charged me back because of fraudulent use on the payers part. I was out goods and payment. However that was the only bad experience I had with paypal and I had hundreds of transactions.

Answer 7

I would call the credit card company to see if they can tell if the charge is legit. It sounds real fishy to me, especially with -1 rating on the buyer. Be a good citizen and do your homework. If it is bogus at least you still have your camera. Paypal can always refund their money.

Answer 8

Is is possible to bring this question to the attention of eBay? They probably had advice on situations like this. Did you accept the payment already? Is it possible to refund the charges and end the auction? Sometimes it is best to trust your instincts.

Answer 9

Call the credit card company

Answer 10

99% certain identity theft


But if they are paying by PayPal it's not your problem as you get paid before you send.