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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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bikerchick
August 03, 2017
Selling my Harley on Craigslist. First text the guy was in the military and deployed. Scam all over that one. 2nd player..214-814-6454 says Paypal right away. I googled his number and the name Quincy Davis from TX came across. I asked if it was him and he says no. In my ad it says in person at bank only. These people don't read anything but the headline.
Etivac125
August 04, 2017
I received the text below from craigslist scammer "Roy Cryan"... "Am presently in san luis obispo military base. I have a mover that will come for the pick up once the payment clears. I will be paying you through paypal that is the only means of payment here."
viequense
August 06, 2017
Thanks for this post. I got very similar email..not military though. Name Rhonda Nolan. Will be denying request.
Larsman
August 09, 2017
Here's the one I got today for a bassoon I'm selling on Craigslist: Thanks for your response. Please understand that I am not around for inspection due to the nature of my job, I serve in the U.S Army as a CAS(Civil Affairs Specialist (38B) currently on active duty and it's been quite busy on the field these days with lots of restrictions, strictly no calls for security reasons but we have secure access to the Internet as our major means of communication for now. I am OK with your asking price and if you don't mind, I can only pay through PayPal at the moment be cause 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, it's pretty easy to set up at www. paypal .com. I have a few questions for you. Are you the original owner? How long have you owned it? Whats its condition, any damages and what is your reason for selling? I hope you consider my offer. I am ready to buy. I'll arrange for pick up after you have confirmed and received payment.Thanks for understanding, hope to read from you soon. Pretty great to know this is a scam before I went any further.
TIM
August 09, 2017
Just got this and he wanted my paypal account, was on the sign in page when I googled "paypal scam" and found this site: My name is Campbell, previous i stationed at Norfolk Naval Shipyard before i was transferred to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, CT. It's hard in the military when your time is not always your own. I do a special training program each day which I am not allowed to get out of the unit whenever I want that was the reason why i visit Craigslist to buy some of my SON needs. He contact me some couple of minutes ago regarding his needs and i'm %100 sure this works perfect for him. so i'm making this purchase for him as a surprise Gift and i'm sure he would be happy about it. How far are you to Blacksburg, Virginia? That's where he lives... Firstly, Are you the first owner of it? Secondly, Why are you selling it? Thirdly What do i need to repair after making the purchase? And lastly What is the final asking price??
jaa
August 20, 2017
just got an email from the same scammer Cantum822, thanks for posting above, saved me trouble!
hopper
August 23, 2017
Selling a bike online. Got a person called Hanna Bolstad from Norway. Asked me to pay the shipping charge as "SHE" paid it for me. B y the way this is a marine biologist working offshore. There is even a Facebook profile for this person. The thing is why buy a bike in South Africa if you stay all the way in Norway? Sent me a copy of ID and all. Wow, how dumb do they think we are/
TD
October 18, 2017

In reply to by hopper

I also just got a request from Hanna Bolstad from Norway to buy my bike. I too am from South Africa
shannonpage3
January 11, 2018

In reply to by TD

Got Hanna Bolstad wanting to by my Blade in SA as well.Supposedly also in Norway with a paypal acc.LOL!!!!Not Happening!!!!
DiyaR11
January 23, 2018

In reply to by shannonpage3

Just got an email from Hanna Bolstad and she wants to buy my car without viewing and wants it in Norway??? Thanks for posting guys...
alisonabarr
January 29, 2018

In reply to by DiyaR11

I just got the same request for her but about buying a bed. Thanks for this, saved me potential issues!
DPRF
June 01, 2018

In reply to by DiyaR11

31 May 2018. Hanna Bolstad in Norway is still up to their tricks. Wants to by my bike here in Cape Town. Thanks for all this info guys & girls.
GP
September 18, 2019

In reply to by DiyaR11

This person wanted to buy a boat in South Africa. Paypal. Pay for everything. Transport etc. Good thing I checked google...
Sher
November 20, 2019

In reply to by TD

Hannah Bolstad wants to buy lounge suite from SA yet she is in Norway ...Lucky i read this comments online Thanks Alot
mike
November 30, 2018

In reply to by hopper

got an email from Hanna Bolstad wanting to buy a couch and wants to pay via PAYPAL, then arrange pick up of couch and send to Norway. hannabolstad402@ gmail. com
Noms
December 18, 2018

In reply to by mike

Wow... South Africans United! Hanna B “wants” to buy my car after posting it on gumtree, without viewing it she will pay for it in full and will arrange transportation to Norway... she thinks she’s dealing with 3rd world minded people. Lol what an idiot! I’m going to reply to her with this screenshot! Thank you all
El Matto
November 30, 2020

In reply to by hopper

Wow,, Hanna Bolstad is still at it 3 years later ! I just got a reply to my Gumtree advert for my GS800 in Cape Town from Hannah in Norway . Wanted my PayPal info... really glad that I checked this post... I think I might have some fun with her now !
John
August 30, 2017
Same thing happened to me. Listed a car on Cars.com. Immediate response. Would buy sight unseen. Only do Pay Pal. I sent in a complaint.
Peet
July 17, 2019

In reply to by John

Don't worry Hanna Bolstad is still at it, wants to buy my boat from SA and send it to Norway and pay through PAYPAL. Arent there any boats available in Norway?
Syncerus
October 21, 2019

In reply to by Peet

If Hanna had her way my boat would also be on its way to Norway. Shipping would be more than the boat's value. Has to be the only marine biologist with two brain cells.
TJ
September 03, 2017
Same here... Put my car on Cars.com. Got this from "Col Schuldt" - Oh! Thanks, I am satisfied with the condition and your answers to my questions, which makes me very interested in making the purchase. I'm presently at 10th Mountain Division Fort Drum, NY and I've been in the base for some time and due to my new job. I won't be able to come for it, I will have a pickup agent come for it on my behalf, I request this transaction be done via PayPal and the PayPal charges are on me, so I will like to proceed with payment. D I told him cash on collection only. THANK YOU for alerting me to this scam!
SD
September 20, 2017

In reply to by TJ

I got the same exact message and was very suspicious. Thank you for posting this!
Stillers58
November 30, 2017

In reply to by TJ

I just got an almost identical text messsage, but mine was sergeant Daniel from the pentagon lol.
Jeannie D
September 04, 2017
I got a text similar to everyone else's, other than this is Labor Day, and he said he couldn't come get the camper because he had a doctors appointment and an appliance(whatever that had to do with anything, it certainly didn't make any sense) and he would send a mover to pick it up. I'm glad I called my son before I did something I'd regret.
Paul
September 05, 2017
Add Jay Pennington to this long list, From Lincoln University, PA 610-910-5539. Same script
Nubodyxs4k
September 06, 2017
Does this sound like a scam? My name is Eric Morgan, am very happy you get back to me about my enquirer regarding your post on Craigslist, Can you assure me that i won't be disappointed with it because i want to present it to my Son as a Gift... Are you the first owner ? if so I'm pleased with the condition. and I'm ready to pay your firm price. Do you have PayPal account?
Seller beware
September 10, 2017
I too just received an email saying wanting to buy my car for his dad and full price and hopes he wouldnt be disappointed in car. He stated he was in military and wanted to put money in paypal acct. Said to send email to his wife. I replied back no paypal ifyour wife wanted to come see Car and likedit then I will only accept cash orcashiers check. Lol never heard back. SELLER BEWARE. I had a similar email several months ago on somethng else i was selling on craigslist and told them only cash or cashiers check and they got angry and cursed me in an email.
Hobs
September 10, 2017
My scamster's name is Christopher Early.....720-599-6493......there actually is a Chris Early in Colorado, but...I'm guessing Chris's English is much better than "my Christopher"......who is "on assignment" and can't get that cashiers check issued........"that is why i am offering to have my bank account linked up with my paypal account (is THAT how that works..... ;) my guy has a "company courier agent" ready to come get my car................I don't think so....
Boba
July 16, 2018

In reply to by Hobs

same guy tried to buy my car but with a 303 number I never got any emails though Same exact scenario Same name beware
Bsafe
October 06, 2018

In reply to by Boba

yep, same guy, same scam, still going around. Someone with that name just tried to buy my car. What a wank
Steiner
November 27, 2018

In reply to by Hobs

I got the same one today selling a bike out of LA. Guy "Christopher Early" willing to pay nearly full price, 303-835-6887 trying to use PayPal and "company courier agent". I'm guessing they use a fake PayPal website to get you to enter bank info and other personal information. Seemed phishy the whole time but glad I googled the name.
kendi
November 27, 2018

In reply to by Hobs

Chris Earley from Colorado.....tried to buy my moms motorcycle from California....seemed a little odd but the story follows what everyone else has said . "On assignment", "Set up PayPal", "Set up a transfer" etc. Glad I saw these posts to solidify our suspicions.
Mitch from Virginia
December 27, 2018

In reply to by Hobs

Same thing. Christopher Early using (303) 835-6887 buying my motorcycle - Not very concerned with price. Wants me to send him Paypal Money Request and one it clears, he will have his "company courier agent" pick up the bike. I just texted him a snip of these comments and stated "Is this you?" He wrote back... "I don't understand." Deleted.
Gary 2017
September 11, 2017
Had the same today 11th September from ad in auto trader.... I am OK with your asking price and if you dont mind, I can only pay through PayPal at the moment due to my work and pickup agent is avail to come and pick it up after payment made,all i need is the email u use in setting it up and ur name so that i can make the payment and u will be notify by paypal as soon as am done.arrangement for the picking follows as paypal will update u on that after transaction completed
Canttrustanyone
September 25, 2017
I am selling an item on Craigslist and got a text from 817-592-2172 asking if it was still for sale. I replied yes it is. They responded with "Hope you're honest with the condition as posted on Craiglist? I am actually buying this as a surprise birthday present for my partner who works abroad , i am gonna offer $400 for everything if you promise it gets shipped in good condition. Do you have a PayPal account?" After saying no they replied with "You can easily set up one now www. PayPal. com PayPal is the safest and fastest means of sending and receiving money.I'm a serious buyer and i have no problem sending the money first." Sounds like a scam to me, would everyone agree?
SBennett
September 25, 2017

This email is a scam:jmsstone100@     This phone number belongs to the same person: 504-702-0238   Classic PayPal scam.

Virginia Seller
September 26, 2017
cantum822 is at it again. Texted me from 404-596-7148 in response to a cars.com ad. Insisted on paying through paypal and that they would send an agent to pick the car up. Gave their names as Miguel and Rebecca Cantu
Cincinnati Seller
October 20, 2017

In reply to by Virginia Seller

I got the exact same message from Rebecca and Miguel Cantu for my ad on cars.com, but I was suspicious they wanted to buy it site unseen and only via a Paypal account. Thanks for the confirming the scam.
I can relate!
September 28, 2017

Listed my car on Autotrader/Kelly Blue Book. Guy reached out with the exact same scam. It felt hunky to me, but I am so glad for these posts because it allowed me to confirm my suspicions. Here's what I received with fake link to PayPal. Beware!!! Do you have the extra keys, Do you have the spare tire, Where did you get your car serviced, Have you ever had any transmission repairs and Is there any rust on the vehicle? I'm ready to pay your asking price but not cash in person because I am serving in the US army and currently been deploy to Fort Huachuca Military Base , Arizona and calls are restricted at the moment and my only quickest payment option is PayPal, its safe fast and secure and i will be responsible for the PayPal transaction charges so you can get your expected amount. If you don't have an account with PayPal, its pretty easy to open one, Just log onto www. paypal. com and sign up. I hope we can make the purchase as fast as possible? As I am buying the vehicle for my dad and I'm very sure he will love this vehicle, his a mechanic and a handy man, so if there is anything that need to be fixed in it just let me know he will handle it. I have a mover that will come for the pick up once payment clears in your account and he will handle the title for me.I would appreciate if you email me with more pictures (if available) too since i won't be able to see this in person. I look forward to hear from you with the information below. I look forward to hear from you with the information below. Your PayPal e-Mail Address : Full name: Phone Number- Firm Price: Zip code for pickup: Thanks Gomez

JM Enci
September 28, 2017

So glad I checked here. Below is the email exchanges we had.

Pamela dennis To: Yahoo Sep 28 at 9:58 AM Thanks for getting back to me, I am Sgt currently deployed to a remote area until ? October 30. Can you assure me that it's in good state as it appears and that i will not be disappointed with it It is strictly no calls here due to security reasons, otherwise I would have called you to seal the deal,but i can actually try to use my phone applications to text you with my laptop.I have read through your ad and from what I have seen,it is priced favorably compared to others so I want you to consider it sold to me ''AS IS'' for the asking price but you have to assure me it is as described.

I am comfortable paying you via PayPal to complete this transaction because of their security when it comes to online transactions. Let me have your PayPal details ( Account name,PayPal Email, Pick Address and Mobile #) so that I can initiate the payment. If you don't have a PayPal account kindly set one up because it is absolutely free.

Furthermore, I will hire shipper that will come for the pickup, and also do the necessary paperwork on my behalf as soon as we are done with the payment part of the transaction.I'll like to see more recent pictures if you still have. If you don't , then lets proceed

Show original message John To: Pamela dennis Sep 28 at 11:42 AM Sounds good, let me send you some more pictures tonight. I do have a paypal account, that's not a problem. I want to make sure you get all the paperwork (title, manuals, warranties, etc.) at the same time the paypal wire is sent so we can do the transaction securely so neither one of us is at risk. I understand the lack of cell phone use, can you face time/video conference on your computer so I can show you the bike? For now I will hold it for you.

Pamela dennis To: Thanks for getting back to me...i am okay with everything you have said concerning the Vehicle and i want you to know i am really interested buying it from you and i want you to consider it sold to me.... and once the payment part is done my private mover will be there for the pickup..do get back to me with your PayPal email address..,Full name..,Mobile number..,Firm price..,Pickup address so as to makeout the paymen

Happyireadthis
November 05, 2017

In reply to by JM Enci

I put an ad on Autotrader’s yesterday and at 2:52 am (suspicious on its own) I got a text from Sgt Pamela Dennis. “She” is a busy girl. Thank you for posting!
Matt
January 14, 2019

In reply to by Happyireadthis

Same, got the same exact email, same person Pamela Dennis, still scamming in 2019
MattL
January 14, 2019

In reply to by Happyireadthis

Same, got the same exact email, same person Pamela Dennis, still scamming in 2019
Kingfisher
October 02, 2017
Had similar today with Gumtree. colinsloop70 was the address he used, but initially sent a text. HE was buying a car for his son, but it had to be done by paypal. Didn't respond to his email.
attaboy
October 02, 2017
I received a text within 30 minutes of posting my car for sale on Craigslist. Said "My name is Mark... is this listed add still available? Send an email to Hanks.gilbert1 .com he is interested. I am just helping him out." I emailed Hanks and I got the same email about being in the Air Force and buying it for his brother. I emailed him back and told him I found the email on a scam website. I texted the number back and told him the same thing.
MR NM BROOKS
October 04, 2017
I received this :- I'm on deployment , I texted you from the camp sms, the shipper will come for the pick up after the payment cleared , kindly get back to me with your paypal email address .
Disappointed Dan
October 12, 2017
More ranked officers, I am curious about military tech though since they let them use phone apps on laptops. I use my phone for my phone apps and my laptop for my laptop apps. I am so far behind. Thanks for getting back to me, I am Sgt currently deployed to a remote area until ? November 30. Can you assure me that it's in good state as it appears and that i will not be disappointed with it It is strictly no calls here due to security reasons, otherwise I would have called you to seal the deal,but i can actually try to use my phone applications to text you with my laptop.I have read through your ad and from what I have seen,it is priced favorably compared to others so I want you to consider it sold to me ''AS IS'' for the asking price but you have to assure me it is as described. I am comfortable paying you via PayPal to complete this transaction because of their security when it comes to online transactions. Let me have your PayPal details ( Account name,PayPal Email, Pick Address and Mobile #) so that I can initiate the payment. If you don't have a PayPal account kindly set one up because it is absolutely free. Furthermore, I will hire shipper that will come for the pickup, and also do the necessary paperwork on my behalf as soon as we are done with the payment part of the transaction.I'll like to see more recent pictures if you still have. If you don't , then lets proceed. Thanks
Texasgolfgiirl
October 13, 2017
We received the same scam. Thank you for getting back to me, Do you have the extra keys, Do you have the spare tire, Where did you get your car serviced, Have you ever had any transmission repairs and Is there any rust on the vehicle? I'm ready to pay your asking price but not cash in person because I am serving in the US army and currently been deploy to NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany and calls are restricted at the moment and my only quickest payment option is PayPal, its safe fast and secure and i will be responsible for the PayPal transaction charges so you can get your expected amount. If you don't have an account with PayPal, its pretty easy to open one, Just log onto www. paypal. com and sign up. I hope we can make the purchase as fast as possible? As I am buying the vehicle for my dad and I'm very sure he will love this vehicle, his a mechanic and a handy man, so if there is anything that need to be fixed in it just let me know he will handle it. I have a mover that will come for the pick up once payment clears in your account and he will handle the title for me. I look forward to hear from you with the information below. Your PayPal e-Mail Address : Full name: Firm Price: Phone Number- Zip code for pickup Thanks
HaHa in Michigan
October 13, 2017
Yup. Same thing w/ military, "Gary". I played along for awhile on phone/text, just to waste his time. Had a 2nd one asking questions that I clearly already had on ad. Finally I doubled the price and they agreed & threw in shipping. I responded shipping was included. When I respond COD, NO PayPal SCAMS. I never hear back from them. Had to change my ad to include that. They are quick, pouncing. No more scammers contacting me :)
Aggravated Vet
October 16, 2017

this is the email I got from James Wiltord in response to a Craigslist post to sell a car:

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 my Son as a Birthday Surprise gift and he doesn't know about it, .I am currently deployed wont be back till December. 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. paypal. com.

I also have a few questions for you. Whats its condition, any damages? Are you the original owner and Why are you selling it? and last asking price? I hope you consider my offer. I am ready to buy, so you can take the add off . 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

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