Warning: New eBay/PayPal Scam

[GOAT72]

I know there are a coupla guys on this forum who don't want to see any postings about eBay scams or scammers, because they were misinformed that reading eBay posts has caused cancer in laboratory rats.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

...but if you're selling cars or parts on eBay, you'd better at least take note of this latest scam.

This week there was a mass-mailing of phishin' email.
I got one, in fact.

They wanted me to click on a link to "update my eBay account".
The form looked very, very real so I filled it out with alotta words that began with "F". http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anyway, here's the latest.
These "phishers" are getting the eBay passwords and plugging them into PayPal.
You see, some people think it's easier to have the SAME password for eBay and PayPal, so in many, many cases the scammer gets into their PayPal account within minutes after receiving the filled-out bogus form.

The first thing they do is "lock out" the true owner of the eBay/PayPal accounts by changing the password.

Then they start buying items all over eBay.

The transaction looks real enough when they pay you, but they will usually OVERPAY you.
Then they tell you their "agent" or "secretary" made a mistake and they want the money returned to them via cashier's check, or Western Union.

Once this is done they will either attempt to cancel the auction (looking for a full refund) or they will let you ship the item to the scammed eBay member who never actually bid on it.

Imagine if a front bumper for a '57 Fairlane just appeared on your front porch from UPS one day? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

What the scammer also does is report you to eBay if you don't return the over-pay *AND* they leave nasty feedback as well! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Finally, when the true owner of the PayPall account gets his/her account back the BANK is gonna want you to return the stolen cash!

So...
If you sell a car or part on eBay and get a huge overpayment. Report it to eBay and PayPal, but return ALL THE $$ to the PayPal account where it came from.

I know that sounds wrong to return a theif's money, but so far it's the only way to protect yourself.

Sorry if this post offended anyone.

Mac
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[396L35]

That is messed up Mac. This post shouldn't offend anyone around here, I know everyone is tired of hearing about ebay scams, I myself, but what pisses them off worse is when people post this stuff in other forums. As for the lounge anything goes here and it is the perfect spot to post this stuff... I cant speak for Rick and Joe but I would think they would have to agree on this... Mark http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Mr70]

That is a good heads up Mac.
I don't mind where it gets listed on this site,I just think it should be labeled EBAY in the topic title,whenever it has something to do with EBAY specifically,that's all.
Just my .02 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[JoeG]

I think it should be in every forum as a subliminal message-------gotta keep that e-bay stock up----- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Mr70]

Everyone's Better Around You JoeG. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[SuperNovaSS]

Why wouldn't they just paypal money to themselves and cash the check? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif


Jason

[GOAT72]

[ QUOTE ]
Why wouldn't they just paypal money to themselves and cash the check? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif


Jason

[/ QUOTE ]

That's an excellent question, Jason.
One that had me scratchin' my head. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

But as far as I can figure (and I could be wrong) is that a mailed check would constitute mail fraud, which brings the FBI into the fold.

The other thought is that the check would have to go to an address, which should be traceable. And a wire transfer would have to go to a legit bank account.

The scammers work Western Union, and they always request that or a Money Gram. Sp when you forward the "over pay" via WU, they grab it and run.

That's about all I can come up with.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Mac

[Canucklehead]

This is'nt a new scam, they've been doing this for quite sometime. I had that same e-mail early this year.

[All American Racer]

I had the same thing happen to me quite a few months ago also Canuck. What helped me see through this very official looking email was the Ebay warning that they will never ask you for your password or screen name. You see that warning over and over but it doesn't strike you until you get something like that in your mail. Kudos to Ebay for drilling that into peoples heads. The document looked realistic with the Ebay and PayPal logos but it was a clone!