There is nothing wrong or shady about this transaction, but I purchased some wrought iron plant stands from someone in Bolton a week ago, and as soon as I won the auction, I paid and asked the seller if I could have a courier pick them up.

S/he said no, that it would ‘be better in person’.

So, thinking that this meant s/he just didn’t want me to use a courier, I said that my brother – who just lives in Whitworth – could pick them up on my behalf. Hence, I asked for his/her address.

Two days later, I get the same response. It would ‘be better in person’. It now dawns on me that this person will only let the stands go to me, personally, and won’t accept anyone else picking them up.

What’s up with that?!? They were only £20, so it’s not like either of us have a lot invested in this whole transaction, but I’ve never had a seller respond to me like a robot before, just saying ‘It’s better in person. It’s better in person.’

Weird.

They’re stalking you…

Just get your brother to pretend that he’s you.

simondbarnes – Member
Just get your brother to pretend that he’s you.

See above 🙂

you’ve never heard of the 3rd party courier ebay scam?

you’ve never heard of the 3rd party courier ebay scam?

Um, nope. Scams don’t generally cross my mind. What is it?

you’ve never heard of the 3rd party courier ebay scam?

you’ve never heard of the 3rd party courier ebay scam?

I’m a bit confused why the OP hasn’t even already thought of this – presumably your brother is you are going to pay cash when he you pick them up – is the seller going to demand ID?

Is that where you repeat the same thing 3 times?

I’m a bit confused why the OP hasn’t even already thought of this – presumably your brother is you are going to pay cash when he you pick them up – is the seller going to demand ID?

I’ve actually already paid by paypal (not Gift!). But no, I hadn’t thought of that. Silly, I guess, but I honestly don’t tend to think about how to work around stuff. That said, of course you are right. I should just do that.

Will you just come and collect your damn plant stands, I’m aching to meet you. In person.

^^ Lol! 😀

Anyway,
Sounds like an old Scholl seller perhaps newish to eBay?

Or the sex dungeon is ready and you’re the only component missing.

Either way, I’d send the brother. 😉

Either way, I’d send the brother.

😆

Paypal scam:

https://community.ebay.co.uk/t5/Trust-Safety/Collect-in-person-pay-with-Paypal-scam/qaq-p/1232901

Doesn’t quite fit with what the OP is saying tho..

As above, there is a scam where a courier or someone else is sent round to do the pick up and then they tell PayPal it wasn’t sent so the funds are reversed. Offer to pay by bank transfer instead

As above, there is a scam where a courier or someone else is sent round to do the pick up and then they tell PayPal it wasn’t sent so the funds are reversed. Offer to pay by bank transfer instead

All good to know, but the OP is the buyer not the seller lol

Perhaps it’s a police sting operation?

Is the OP kind of a big deal in the local criminal underworld?

Shermer75 – you shouldn’t accept PayPal without proof of delivery otherwise the payment can be reversed so as a seller I wouldn’t accept PayPal if buyer is collecting in person lol

All good to know, but the OP is the buyer not the seller lol

yes, but the seller thinks he is the scammer which is why they aren’t allowing a courier

sounds like an old scholl seller

Sounds a bit insole_nt to me. Give him the boot.

yes, but the seller thinks he is the scammer which is why they aren’t allowing a courier

Fair point! Apologies, I’m a bit hungover and hard of thinking today!

I still think the sex dungeon theory is more likely, and more fun. For the seller anyway.

Like I said, let the brother take one for the team..

Although, to be fair, getting the buyer to pick up in person isn’t going to help them avoid the scam!

If sellers eBay name is anything similar to Buffalo Bill I think you need to re-evaluate how much you need these stands.

If he is also selling lamp shades DEFINITELY send the brother.