Suspicious buyer at eBay, what would you do?

[mibworld]

I sold 2 domains at eBay recently for a total around $400. 24 hours later I received the payment through Paypal. I’ve sold or bought more than 100 names at eBay, but this transaction in particular looks very suspicious to me:

1) The buyer registered at eBay less than a month before and has only 1 positive feedback.
2) The Paypal account of the buyer is unverified and from a country different than USA (Canada).
3) The buyer provided a telephone number. I called and received a message that the number doesn’t exist.
4) The buyer uses a different email for Paypal, eBay and Godaddy accounts.

What would you do in this case? Would you transfer the names or try to cancel the transaction.

I have not answered anything to the buyer yet, but I’m considering reimbursing his payment and requesting the cancellation to eBay. Will I have any problem if I do this? Should I contact eBay regarding this situation?

Please don’t ask about the domains or name of the buyer. At this point I prefer not to disclose that info.

Thanks for your help.

 

[labrocca]

I wouldn't transfer. I wouldn't reimburse yet either. Sit and wait. If anything contact paypal asking about the validity of the buyer and your suspicions.

If buyer contacts you tell him you are in discussions with Ebay and Paypal over the validity of the payment to ensure a safe and secure transaction. Tell him you can change DNS information if he needs immediate domain usage.

 

[.Andy]

Sounds like me honestly (besides the part of being from out of us) I have a different email for godaddy ebay and paypal. Its eassier to manage. I bid alot on ebay and I'm tired of the junk emails I recieve. Godaddy Is important so It goes to my phone and so does paypal. (except not password info)

 

[Domagon]

Ask the buyer for references - in particular, their username on domain forums.

Don't mention the name of the various domain forums - if they're already a forum member, they'll know you're referring to DNF, NP, etc. And then PM them on the forums to verify the username they gave you is associated with them; privately ask other members about the username, if still unsure.

PayPal is reversible, especially if they are using a hijacked PayPal acct and/or the funding source (credit card, bank acct, etc) is questionable, as in stolen.

If their PayPal acct is legit and they funded from PayPal balance, you may, in rare instances, win a dispute.

However, if they funded from bank acct / credit card (even if legit), you will most likely lose.

Non-tangible goods (ie. domain names, software, etc) are NOT covered under the Seller Protection Policy (SPP).

If still unsure and/or for more protection, suggest using Sedo escrow (update the dns to Sedo parking first to get the 10% flatrate) ... or even safer, though likely will result in a no sale, insist on Western Union (do not transfer until after picking up funds; WU is legally reversible in many jurisdictions prior to funds pickup) or USPS Money Order (cash at PO; do not deposit).

Hope this helps.

Ron