Ebay Safety

Klompy · #1 10-07-2005, 08:08 AM

Hi, I just won a bid on a 9300 on ebay and am worried about fraud. I guess I was just wondering how safe it is to use paypal for such a purchase, and If I did get the laptop and it wasn't what was described, how easy it would be to get my money back? Is I really worth it to pay for an escrow service? Thanks ahead for any replies

TheTROLL · #2 10-07-2005, 08:34 AM

Auction URL?

Klompy · #3 10-07-2005, 08:49 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...%3AIT&rd=1

Originaly he didn't have a paypal account set up, but now he does, just trying to figure out my safest option. Mainly worried because he doesn't have a rating

TheTROLL · #4 10-07-2005, 08:58 AM

I don't like the look of this one bit. I'd definitely pay for an escrow service - you've still saved hundreds of dollars if it's kosher, and you'll save an assload more if it's not.

Klompy · #5 10-07-2005, 09:09 AM

kind of what I was thinking....I don't know a lot about computers, but I'm pretty sure I'm getting a good deal if it all works out

MyMindIsGoing · #6 10-07-2005, 10:17 AM

[ QUOTE ]
but I'm pretty sure I'm getting a good deal if it all works out

[/ QUOTE ]

IF it works out. I would never buy expencive stuff like that from anyone that was registred that short of time and had that low rating. My personal "rules" when I buy something on ebay: the person I buy from should have a rating higher than the amount you will pay for it, in dollars. And atleast 99% pos feedback. It is also a big plus if they were regged on ebay atleast a year.

kenberman · #7 10-07-2005, 10:31 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I don't like the look of this one bit. I'd definitely pay for an escrow service - you've still saved hundreds of dollars if it's kosher, and you'll save an assload more if it's not.

[/ QUOTE ]

yeah, this guys looks shady.

"Please check our other auctions for more details. Great Deals."

what other auctions? this guy only has 1 piece of feedback, and THAT guy is no longer an Ebay user. I'm pretty liberal with who I trust, but alarm bells are going off on this one.

MowrMowr · #8 10-07-2005, 10:15 PM

Ask him to take a picture of it with a nickel or something so you can tell he really took it. If he refuses / makes up an excuse, tell him you're not going to pay until you're sure he has the merchandise. And DON'T pay unless you feel secure...at worst you'll get 1 negative feedback...the worst case if you do pay is you're out more than $1000.

TheTROLL · #9 10-08-2005, 04:22 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Ask him to take a picture of it with a nickel or something so you can tell he really has a copy of Photoshop

[/ QUOTE ]

Jesus.

Klompy · #10 10-08-2005, 10:52 AM

I sent the seller several emails consisting of how I wasn't comfortable sending him a check and I wanted to pay with an escrow services and then today I get this email back

Dear Mat:
It looks like you are not serious regurding this matter and the only other option is for me to relist my item, you were lucky cause i didnt have a paypal account and thats why i didnt get too many bids.
I have got the payment for the other laptop and sent it out today, the auction has closed at 1890$.
i will relist item today and if you dont want me to report item as unpaid then you should agree to paypal me my seller fees and listing fees. other wise i have to request my FVF.
Thanks for your attention.

If I made an effort to try and pay this man through escrow but he never emailed me back about it and then I get this email.....Does it just scream SCAM?
Also, am I liable to pay his fees if I really did try and pay the guy