Skip to main content

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.

Search Terms
buyer
online auction
scam
seller
spoof
Topics
Jobs and Making Money
Scams
All Scams
Phishing Scams
cakes
October 17, 2017
This just happened to me. Guy called himself Sargent Kevin Bright. When I questioned the extra money and I would not call, meet or give anyone any money he threatened me with the FBI. OMG REALLY? Pathetic!
HB
October 18, 2017
Thanks for all your posts. It saved me from making a big mistake today trying to sell my car.
Almost Caught Aussie
October 19, 2017
Reading the comments above was almost like re-reading my emails related over the last 24 hours. It only takes one day to be sucked into these scams! How can these rougues be stopped and, in particular, are we making enough effort in spreading a cautionary word to all our friends. It is also easy to see why older people, who may be seen as good trusting people, may be targeted. Thanks for getting back, i'm cool with the price likewise the condition as described on the advert, I work on a remote mine site in Darwin NT and the reception is terrible. We do not have access to phone at the moment, which is why i contacted you with internet messaging facility. Regarding the payment,i will be paying you through PayPal linked up with my ANZ bank account, please get back to me with your paypal details so i can process the payment. You can alternatively send your BSB and Account number you can receive a direct deposit into your bank account from Instant PayPal Bank Wire Transfer. I have also contacted my private courier service who will come for pick up and deliver it to my place in NT after the whole fund has been cleared into your bank account.” Sound familiar? Thank you all as you saved me from a very embarrassing situation.
GKW
November 10, 2017

In reply to by Almost Caught Aussie

ONE SMART AUSSIE! I got this exact same e-mail in response to a mattress set I am trying to sell. I got suspicious when the guy claimed he didn’t have any phone access yet was able to correspond with me by SMS and e-mail within 3 hours of my posting my item. My suspicions were futher raised when he said he would be able to contact his bank or PayPal and his courier within minutes of me approving his purchase. I wondered how this would be possible without a phone or computer in outback Darwin. I, also, would never purchase a mattress set sight unseen, and I would definitely never give my account details to an individual I have never met. SELLERS-BEWARE OF THIS PERSON.
Almost Caught Aussie
October 19, 2017
My guy’s name was Thomas R Valys and he wanted the additional money sent to his courier’s bank account, Malik Umar in Paris, via Western Union. Does this sound familiar? He was working in a remote mining area near Darwin ... happy with full price, insisted on sending his Private Courier Service to collect the purchased items, at the outrageously high price of $580 and despite me suggesting far easier options. Yes, wanted to use PayPal, and that is when I thought that I had better look into this carefully and do a little research - and I found you! Won’t mention some glaring mistakes he made during the selling period in case he and his cronies read this column. Grateful that you all took the time to tell your stories in order to alert others to this greedy, outrageous and shameful scamming, particularly when targeting older people.
Almost Caught Aussie
October 20, 2017
I checked at my local Post Office about the scammer’s Western Union service instructions, asking whether the PO manager was aware of such activity after items had been ‘sold’ through advertising on well publicised websites. As he is only one of about 20 WU agents in a relatively small city, he responded that they saw this type of request ‘all the time’. He always warned people that, if the seller did not know the purchaser, NEVER forward money anywhere - which is only common sense after all. Imagine the breadth and scope of this particular scam, worldwide! I reported the fake Email documents to both PayPal and the Trading Post. Try to count the number of people who have written about their experiences on this website alone, over many years too, and obviously from the same source! As I write, emails are still arriving from Thomas R VALYS, asking whether I had heard from WU yet and that he was ‘waiting to read back from me’. Straight to the bin unopened!
Matthew
October 30, 2017
Same communication I dont believe it: OH Okay, I am satisfied with the condition and your answers to my questions. I'm interested in making the purchase. Im presently at the Pentagon washington DC US Army base and I've been here for some time and due to my new job. I wont be able to come for it, I will have a pick up 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 my payment. Do let me know if you have a paypal account. Sgt Dailey
Disappointed5555
October 31, 2017
I am ready to sell vehicle....just now got emails with same wording as those in this thread. When I was in Army years ago, I never had money to buy my brother a vehicle for his birthday! I'm disappointed in scam creeps. I'm really glad I checked this site first....
Disappointed5555
October 31, 2017
I'm re-posting since I don't see mine... I'm selling vehicle, and I just got the emails with IDENTICAL portions of comments on this thread. Mine's a E5-SGT. I am so glad I checked here first...and I'm disappointed with scam creeps. Using our military? When I was in Army...no way did I have the cash to buy anyone a vehicle for their birthday!!
Tom
November 30, 2017

I just went through the same thing with a Jordan Bolhuis@ responding to a motorcycle for sale. Identical canned language. E5 in the Army buying for a surprise birthday gift for his brother. I smelled a rat from the beginning.

Emily
March 14, 2018

In reply to by Tom

jordanbolhuis @gmail. com.. is that his email? I'm selling a truck an someone responded saying to contact Jordan at that email that he would be interested an she was just helping with his search. I sent an email an got back an email from him... Copy an paste

Thanks for your e-mail Emily, First and foremost, I would like to introduce myself being in the military. My name is Jordan Bolhuis, but I go by my last name. I serve for the United States Army, I am currently not in town at the moment. I am the Captain of the The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) I am deployed and stationed out of Eglin AFB in Valparaiso, FL. We are not allowed to make or receive calls frequently as phones communication are limited but we do have internet access and that is our major means of communication to the outside world. So let’s get back to business! I'm purchasing it for my brother as a birthday gift and he's not aware of me doing this because am making it a surprise. So can you assure me I won't be disappointed buying this from you?

Also, I do have a few questions I would love to ask you about it. Any damages? What's it condition? Are you the first owner? Does it have any mechanical issues? Would love to know the reason why selling it? Do you have the title in hand? Is there a lien on the title? (If yes) how much you are owing? 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.

Greg k
November 04, 2017
Posted my used car yesterday. Within 1 day 3 replies saying they Were VERY interested but can only pay w PayPal. Don’t want to see the car and willing to pay asking or above. Also not able to come by due to work schedule. HUGE red flags.
Matt
November 04, 2017
(306) 700-1683 text me about a car. He said "Am a military man and am currently at the Air Man In El Paso Texas camp i only have access to my paypal account...I will have the hauler to come pick it up after payment have been made and cleared to you Once you link the Card with your PayPal account you will cash it out through it. So do get back to me with your PayPal email for the payment transfer" He even sent a photo. Please be careful!
SPerron
November 07, 2017
Paypal: I recently made a purchase through a site and signed into my Paypal account and paid. I called the seller and he stated he can see the money but cannot access it. I called Paypal and spoke with Jacob and supervisor Lester. Even though I made my payment through Paypal it was considered a personal payment (even though I was purchasing a product) and they will not refund my money. So the seller cannot get the money, I cannot get the money back and I was told by Jacob that it will stay in the account for a certain time then go into Paypal treasury?? Really? How was I know to know that this type of payment was not covered? I purchased a lot of items using Paypal. Please beware of this type of scams by a well know company.
johnpaul9927
November 16, 2017
Just got this today. Phone number 616-228-7166 Sound good I'm just asking about it to make sure it's in good condition, Am stationed at Air National Guard base, Battle Creek Michigan. I would have loved to see this item but am presently busy here at the base but I have a private pick up agent that will come for it at your location after the payment is cleared. I am Okay with your advert price and I will as well be sending your money via PayPal asap. Do you have PayPal account so that I can proceed with the payment? I will be deploying a pickup firm as soon as we have completed and finalized this deal via PayPal. Kindly get back to me with your PayPal info and also have the posting deleted Asap. Your PayPal e-Mail Address : PayPal Acct Name: Firm Price: Home Address/ Pickup location Info: Phone number: Remove the item from Ad Thanks
JustSomeGuyInGP
December 21, 2017

In reply to by johnpaul9927

I got the same exact email today from timothypatrick042 @ gmail.com John Paul 07:36 (14 hours ago) to me

Sound good I'm just asking about it to make sure it's in good condition, Am stationed at Air National Guard base, Battle Creek Michigan. I would have loved to see this item but am presently busy here at the base but I have a private pick up agent that will come for it at your location after the payment is cleared. I am Okay with your advert price and I will as well be sending your money via PayPal asap. Do you have PayPal account so that I can proceed with the payment? I will be deploying a pickup firm as soon as we have completed and finalized this deal via PayPal. Kindly get back to me with your PayPal info and also have the posting deleted Asap. Your PayPal e-Mail Address : PayPal Acct Name: Firm Price: Home Address/ Pickup location Info: Phone number: Remove the item from Ad Thanks

2000watts
March 08, 2018

In reply to by johnpaul9927

I received this today so it is still in circulation. BEWARE. It was the exact same email.
Author
November 12, 2017
I think PayPal is not a good company, their policies favor scammers more than genuine sellers. They once collaborated with a scammer to defraud me 650$ saying that the buyers card company wants a refund
D ion eastcoast
December 21, 2017

I just rececived this email something sounds fishy !!!!

Thanks for your mail and am satisfy with the add and the listed price, I am ready to buy it now for my son as a surprise promise gift,And due to the nature of my work,phone calls making and visiting of website are restricted but i squeezed out time to check this advert and send you an email regarding it.i would be glad to pay for it as soon as possible though i will not be available to come for an inspection due to my tight schedule.Kindly get back to me with the following questions below: 1) Are you the Owner? 2) Pick up Location? 3) Your PayPal Email ID to effect the payment 4)your asking price for confirmation 5)Phone Number I will only be paying you via PayPal as that is the only method of my payment due to the nature of my job Thanks and God bless Hello,

lalalamb
December 21, 2017

Same thing with a Respetfully, SGT E-5 Mark Lam Sending e-mails by gmail. I think my e-mail account is much more secure than his LOL

rose
November 17, 2017
I received a email yesterday much the same I have a car for sale on don deal the buyer allegedly wants to buy but can’t come himself due to his work he will send someone to pick it up I have to have a pay pal account so he can transfer money to it he do t do banking on line his name is allegedly Adrienne Mathias lives in Donetsk
tracker
November 17, 2017
Battle them and prosecute them.
NDK_za
November 22, 2017
Well i just had fun, guy says he has just moved to U.K. bad news for him, i have family all over so told him to send me contact details and we will contact him, hahahahahahaha
Big boy bilz
November 30, 2017

Is this a scam? "OKAY,i will offer you $200 including the shipping cost, i will be paying through PayPal because i have a verified account with PayPal. What your PayPal email address and full name so I can pay now" I sent him a link from my PayPal account but he asked for my email instead.

Big boy bilz
November 27, 2017
Is this a scam? "OKAY,i will offer you $200 including the shipping cost, i will be paying through PayPal because i have a verified account with PayPal. What your PayPal email address and full name so I can pay now" I sent him a link from my PayPal account but he asked for my email instead.
Phil
December 21, 2017

In reply to by Big boy bilz

Almost the same with my situation. someone wants to buy stuff from me then he send me a link of PAypal to I can creat an account but I directly go to paypal.com to make the account. Then now he is asking for my email address and full name so he can pay immediatly... God Im scared. I might end up being scammed.Here is the name from Facebook Pyakurel Aagat

smcthinkaboutit
December 04, 2017
Mine was from Mason Taylor Marines at Quantico also wanted to add 1400.00 for courier fees iuf I would make transfer of that money to courier via western union. I told him I could ship the item cheaper less then 100.00 but I couldn't except 1400 extra dollars to send through western union. I already have a PayPal account along with a PayPal routing to get money sent to paypal which I simply sent to him to add money to the account. After I figured out it may be a scam I had my credit cards erased from my papal account due t o never using the link to send to people to get paid for items. Is there anythiing else I should do now that he has my name phone number. Can he do anything to.my account with PayPal? I haven't sent any merchandise or excepted money. Just sent him the tag to pay me for the merchandise.
FTC Staff
December 04, 2017

In reply to by smcthinkaboutit

If you're concerned about your account security, you could talk to someone at PayPal.

Adam
December 04, 2017
Scammer trying to buy my Jeep listed on Craigslist. The number he was texting me from is 409-202-8979. I'm highly interested Kindly text me the present pics My name is Martin and you? I just want to be sure they are recent pics and what is your Zip Code so that i can send it to my hauler to determine the cost of the pick up from your location. I will be glad if this transaction can be done via PayPal so the PayPal charges will be on me, I will have my hauler to come for the pick up once the payment has been made and clear and they will schedule a pick up date and time with you. Get back to me with your paypal e mail address and your name associated with that account Me: I prefer a cashier's check from a reputable Bank. Im sorry but i have the fund on my paypal account
Big Jim
December 04, 2017
I received the following email regarding some drums I am selling on Gumtree. Thanks for your response,I want you to consider this a deal as i am willing to pay your full asking price! i actually want to buy them for a relative who is in need of them, i have checked through your advert and i'm fully satisfied with them. Unfortunately, i would not be able to come personally to collect but would send my courier agent to collect after you have fully received your money, i work offshore so i don't have time at all, but like i said i am 100% OK with the advert. However, I will pay you via PayPal once you are ready and send my courier agent after you have received your money as that is the only means of payment available to me at the moment. I would also appreciate if you could remove the advert asap. If that's Ok with you please get back to me with a suitable collection time.See More from Simon Ashton -- Regards Anna Jose
Joe L
December 04, 2017

I have been bouncing text with a clown this morning wanting to buy my Harley via PayPal. Same song and dance. The best part...his phone number 512-862-1165 comes up in a Google search as some sort of adult entertainment site.

Robin G
December 04, 2017
Add 312-509-9990 to the list of phone #s of scammers being used. Same basic wording - in my case, he is a "marine engineer" who is at sea, gift for his father, it's a surprise, paypal info and full name and email please... Don't fall for it - if it seems too simple and easy, it is!
Brook
December 05, 2017
Recently had an army lieutenant email me wanting a Christmas present for his brother. Went by the name Ortegas Pacita. He wanted me to sent a handler 980.00 then paypal would disperse my money. That just didn't sit well with me. Glad I started searching. Called paypal and they confirmed it wasn't them. I asked them to send out a mass email warning people. Glad I ran into this site. :).
Trb
December 05, 2017
So anyone go through and try to scam these people back and succeed in actually getting money first ??
IsabelleS
December 11, 2017

I just got this message after I got text asking if my car was still available and what is the condition. He asked in the text to reply to his emai which was timothypatrick042 @ gmail.com : <> I'm glad I made some research! I knew that was fishy but I could'nt figure out what the scam was!

almopower
December 11, 2017
Wow Thanks for the heads up post here. I received the same 74D military message stating wanting to purchase my truck for his son's birthday. I got a text from Matt first asking me to email his friend Carlos Bright. Claim they saw my truck on Craiglist.
A.P.
December 13, 2017

Yes. this exact thing happened to me. Thankfully I got suspicious and the UPS store had not yet shipped the package so we didn't lose the items. The people had the audacity to keep on emailing masquerading themselves as Paypal. (service @ paypay.com) was the address they used.

Ilovemybabes088
December 19, 2017
I purchased a PlayStation really cheap off Makari immediately they cancel the order and told me to text them telling me to pay through PayPal. In the message they also said that it's a secure way of paying to avoid scams but how can I be sure it's not a scam that way. What if the PlayStation never arrives and I try to dispute the transaction but I have no proof that it was being sold it to begin with. What kind of proof do I need to dispute a transaction if the item never arrives
FTC Staff
December 19, 2017

In reply to by Ilovemybabes088

Before you buy an item from a website, read the website policy about sales and disputes.

Before you send money, read the warnings in this blog about PayPal scams. Scammers might send you a link to an account that is not really PayPal.

wiser now
December 21, 2017

Many thanks for your excellent information. Easy for genuine folk to be sucked in by this PayPal scam. Not sure where to report it in Australia - I had advertised on Finda.com

FTC Staff
December 21, 2017

In reply to by wiser now

Glad we could help. You can search for a national, state or territorial consumer protection agency online. The website you advertised on may take consumer complaints as well.

Bearcha 6
December 20, 2017
My Paypal emailed to say a phone was purchased for $100 on my account. When I clicked the links from the email, BAD IDEA, it asked for detailed info about me. When I got to the part where I enter my social, I click CANCEL. Then I went to Paypal and checked my account. All was in order, and the bogus charge was not on there. Same week I had a guy named OLIVER JAMES purchase a table from me on Craigslist. Sent a fake check, and started demanding that I deposit it! Got that fraud handled by filing a report here and to our local authorities!
AlmostScammedb…
December 26, 2017
Listed a VINTAGE Fender Bass Guitar Speaker Cabinet on CraigsList 12-25-2017. Within minutes I get a text from (512) 360 0911 Mr. Grant Sherwood. Mr. Sherwood said due to the nature of his job he could not meet and pay cash but if I provided him my Pay Pal Email address he would pay full price plus cost of "HIS MOVER" prior to having the "Mover" pick up at my location. Also if I didn't have a Pay Pal Account he would provide a link and instruct me on how to set up a Pay Pal account so I could be paid for the Speaker. I didn't provide him any info but offered to meet him as he said he was in Texas (about a 2 Hr. Drive for me). That and other options were rejected by Mr. Sherwood and he continually returned to the "give me your Pay Pal email address" and he would handle getting my money to me. As a "FORMER CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR" my suspicions nature took over and I reversed the situation asking for his contact info, family, work history, etc... Mr. Sherwood kept going back to Pay Pal Email address etc. I finally texted him back and told him he had been texting a former Criminal Investigator and it seemed to me he was more interested in my Pay Pal account than the Vintage Fender Bass Speaker Cabinet.... CLICK... NO MORE texts,,, info, or contacts... Strange... lol
Jon b
January 02, 2018

The message I received. Today 12/30/17

Thank you for your e-mail and I would like to introduce myself to you. First of all. My name is Gregory Bradley. I serve in the U.S. Air Force,as a Chief Master Sgt (E-9) I am presently not in town at the moment, I am currently on Base,

We do not have access to phone communications, its being restricted but we have internet access and it is our major means of communication to the outside world. So let’s get back to business! I'm purchasing the Vehicle for my father as his birthday gift, I am doing this without his Knowledge because I am making it as a surprise for him. So can you assure me I won't be disappointed buying it from you? Also, I do have few questions I would love to ask. What's the condition of the vehicle? Are you the original owner and why are you selling it? Can you send me some few more photos of it? Does it have any mechanical issues? Do you have the title in hand and is there a lien on it? Do you have a verified account with PayPal? Do you have any other offer's yet? How many miles does it have? what's your final asking price? Looking forward to hearing back from you and I hope you can respond and answer my questions appropriately in your next email. Respectfully,

dontbescammed7212
January 01, 2018
Got a text about a truck I’m selling from ‭+1 (213) 478-7634‬ calling himself “Larsen jay”. Saying pretty much this exact scenario. I’ll pay whatever I just what the truc etc. wouldn’t even look at it or even make an offer. Just said he’d send the “Auto Movers Transport Company” to pick it up as soon as I received payment. Super fishy.
Baydude408
January 05, 2018

In reply to by dontbescammed7212

Ha, I just got the same text and convo! I found this buy googling the number he used.
Nearly got caught
January 06, 2018
"If it sound too good to be true, it probably is" - this played in my mind after receiving very similar email re buying our truck and excavator. His name is Thomas R Valys. Same story about being up in a remote site in Darwin. Who do I report this to?
FTC Staff
March 09, 2018

In reply to by Nearly got caught

You can report that at FTC.gov/complaint. The information you give goes into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

Chicke
January 10, 2018
Anyone been scammed by a Hedge Benson? Also military
Armand
January 10, 2018
Anytime and I mean anytime you get a call, text or email stating they want to purchase your item but can't come to see it because of (whatever reason it's a scam). I accept all checks (I'm gonna scam the scammer). Once I receive the check, I send text telling them I received the check (and it's usually for way more than my selling price) they start to give me instructions which is usually to send extra money to pay for shipping via MoneyGram. This is when I text them back and say scammed the scammer. IF YOU'RE IN NEED OF MONEY PLEASE PLEASE DON'T FALL FOR THS SCAM OR ANY OTHER. IF YOU HAVE TO SEND MONEY BACK IT'S A SCAM!
Return to top