Description

Potential Scam

## Ebay Warning: Don’t Get Caught by This Common Scam!

Hey everyone, recently I dodged a potential bullet and thought it was important to share the story to help others avoid a similar situation.

I listed my watch on eBay for $750 and the next day, received an email from a buyer in Sydney. The account seemed legit, but had very little activity.

The buyer offered to pay the full price and mentioned they’d cover $90 for expedited shipping to Miami, Florida. Something about this felt off.

Turns out, this is a common scam tactic. Here’s how it usually plays out:

**The Scam:**

* **Overpayment:** The scammer sends money *in excess* of the agreed-upon price.
* **Request for Refund:** They then ask you to “return” the extra amount, usually through a payment method that favors them (wired transfer, gift card, etc.). This money often turns out to be fraudulent.

**How I Avoided It:**

I did some research and came across many similar stories online.

* **Checking Buyer History:** Had I dug deeper into the buyer’s profile, I might have found red flags or negative reviews.

**My Advice:**

* **Be cautious:** Don’t trust overly generous offers or requests for unusual payments.
* **Verify payment:** Wait for the full payment to clear through eBay’s secure system before shipping.
* **Use eBay’s buyer protection:** This program can help you recover your money in case of a scam.
* **Trust your instincts:** If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to block the buyer and report them to eBay.

Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry! Stay savvy and enjoy dealing with legitimate buyers.