Edcase

After requesting a sum of money from someone, once you 'see' the money in your paypal account, is that as good as cash (ie is it safe to send out the goods) or do you need to wait until its transferred to your bacnk account to be safe?

There's no way to spoof / retract payments etc??

Sorry if its a silly question, just being 110% sure.

cheers

Ed

mad_dr

They'd have to contact PayPal or their bank to process a refund request if you had already accepted the payment as far as your PayPal account. Once you accept the money, it's on it's way.

Edit to add: even so - I'd want to see the money in my Back Account before I shipped anything.

gsm1

Doesn't matter whether it is in your bank account or not. The buyer can claim the money back if they don't receive the goods or if Paypal suspect it is a dodgy payment (stolen card). If it is a stolen card (or suspected) they will take the money back out of your account. To avoid the buyer claiming they didn't get the goods make sure you send the item via a recorded postal service so you can prove to Paypal that it was sent.
The best thing to do in all cases where you have fears about the buyer is to ask for more details such as their home telephone number etc. or checking the electoral roll.

Edcase

Thanks.

I have home number, mobile number and address. He did actually want to meet in person and do the deal but I prefer not to do that on ebay.

Spoke to him on the phone and he seems genuine, has paid immediately as promised.

So what happens if I send the guy the item and then paypal decide to take the money back cos its a stolen card??? I'm screwed??? That seems pretty risky given the amount of card fraud nowadays?

gsm1

Well if he has given you his home number and wanted to meet in person then there is very little chance he is using a stolen card. I wouldn't worry about it.

Edcase

So as soon as I see the 'money' in paypal, I'm safe to send it?

Spoon

What is written above is simply saying because he gave you his phone number and address he is unlikely to be using a stolen credit card.

It's not saying you are safe, maybe safer but not safe.

However, you are even safer to not accept paypal, end of.

Edcase

Hmm, yeah I never usually use it TBH, hence why I'm asking.

Think I'll go back to stipulating they pay it in at a bank or online.

cheers

Ed

gsm1

Well, yes the money is there in your account. It's not like a cheque where it has to clear. It can only be taken out for the reasons explained above. Given what you have told me I'd send the goods quite happily.

gsm1

Using Paypal or any other online merchant service can be dodgy no doubt but it also has many benefits.

The best way is never to rely on Paypal or Ebay to prevent fraud. You have to do all the checking. Another check you can do is search the buyer's history on Ebay. If they have little or no feedback and have bid and won numerous items (many of the same) recently then that is certainly suspect. IME the fraudsters mainly bid on electrical and designer goods - basically stuff they can sell on easily.

Spoon

Having been shafted for a lot of money by a known associate/friend I speak from experience.

It wasn't Paypal however but it highlights what is possible unless it's cash.

That said, if cash was the only method of acceptance the whole world would collapse.

So we all continue to take risks.