There are so many scams created by these anonymous emailer's/ebayer's. I've come across several emails that is sent to your e-address claiming "they are in need of your help". Don't fall
for that. The letter is made to make you believe you have an interest in a 47.5 million dollar (or whatever insane amount that is in the letter) contract deal.
Do not be fooled by the $$ listed in these letters. Nothing but financial burdens will you gain from this venture. Now, the Nigerian scams are vast and newer ones are being created. I've recently discovered the EBAY 419 Scams. Maybe its been around for awhile, but I've just got word of it. To all the doting Ebay buyers/sellers be aware of these scam artists.
How does it work? Well, you list on your Ebay account a brand new laptop/netbook/notebook that you want to auction. You price it at $480.00. In less than a day you receive an offer for your product. Now, the buyer sends an inquiry through Ebay or sends an email requesting you stop the auction on your product. This anonymous person offers $1500 (s/h inclusive with the price) for your $480.00 product .
You start to feel the excitement. You reply back to the buyer, that you have removed the product from the auction bidding. He/she immediately requests that you send your Paypal address so they can deposit the agreed upon amount. This is the interesting part. You receive an email from Paypal stating a deposit was made to your account in the amount of $1500. The cost of shipping and handling is inclusive.
At the bottom of the letter, an address located in Nigeria is listed at the bottom of the page. To the right of this address is a small caption that reads: Paypal will hold the payment until a tracking number is confirmed. Hmmmm . . .this begins to sound fishy!
First off, Paypal doesn't retain money until a shipment tracking number is confirmed. Second, if you personally check your Paypal account, you will have a zero balance deposited. If you are still unsure of the transaction, contact Paypal yourself. Verify with them in regards to the "supposed" deposit.
Take precautions. Don't just follow in blindly. To sum up your loss from Ebay, lets do a calculation.
- Ebay Listing and incursion fee's: $6.00
- Your Product Listed Price: $480.00
- S/H Fee to Nigeria Via UPS: $50.00
- Box to Ship Express: $12.00
- Total Loss: $548.00
Be careful of these types of buyers on Ebay. Their feedbacks could say they are the greatest. But, reality says different. Double check all your deals to keep you safe.