MetaChat - How does this scam work?

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29 November 2007

How does this scam work? I'm selling some stuff on eBay and I got this message...→[More:]

Dear seller, I saw this item much envitiable to what i'd need as a gift for my Son who is on an intensive programe with chevron abroad and i hope it will be better for him . Firstly i have know the perfect working condition of this item and if you'll be able to allow me to purchase it right away,if yes then i'll be glad to offer you £350.00 including the shipping and handling AUps or ems, and also i'll like to ask if you be able to released item for shipment upon receiving the payment confirmation from paypal stating that your money has been confirmed.Basically i will be paying you via paypal cos is fast and secure pls if this is ok by you kindly get back to me with your details like Full name and your valid email address so that i can make the payment right away .looking forward to read from you.

As they're offering to pay for the item up front using eBay, then how does this scam work? How do they get money out of me?

post by: seanyboy at: 06:16 | 12 comments

They're paying using stolen credit card details, which they've attached to a PayPal account. When the real cardholder gets the bill and queries the payment, PayPal will recoup it from you.

posted by essexjan 29 November | 06:24

So why don't they simply put a bid against the item rather than going with a badly spelt obviously fraudulent email?

posted by seanyboy 29 November | 06:29

cos there are ppl out there who are not as intelligent as you??

posted by Wilder 29 November | 06:48

Because they want the transaction over quickly. The whole idea of using skimmed credit card details is to do a whole series of quick hits over a day or two, before any suspicious activity is noticed.

posted by essexjan 29 November | 06:52

I always marvel at the folks who fall for this shit.

"WOW, THE KING OF NIGERIA JUST SENT ME AN EMAIL!"

posted by chuckdarwin 29 November | 07:20

For some weeks now I've been getting spammy emails from someone named Jesus Champagne. I suspect he's in the Far East, and has chosen the two names he believes will give him gravitas, class and credibility with gullible westerners.

posted by essexjan 29 November | 07:39

It's an essexjan Criminal Masterclass seminar!

*takes notes*

posted by chrismear 29 November | 08:06

Have you let ebay know yet?

posted by brujita 29 November | 08:14

I scroll through and delete about 2000 pieces of spam mail per day (I'm the admin). That isn't an exaggeration. Here are just a few of the titles from today's batch of 3277 penis enhancement messages.

Kindle a passion in her heart with your magic stick.

Hot babes turn up their noses at small d'cks

Large muscular rods make women go wild

Pound her cervix with your blunt instrument

etc, etc

posted by chuckdarwin 29 November | 08:17

For some weeks now I've been getting spammy emails from someone named Jesus Champagne

I now want to become a glam rocker, just so I can take the stage name "Jesus Champagne."

posted by BoringPostcards 29 November | 08:28

I think the "released item for shipment upon receiving the payment confirmation from paypal" suggests they're going to pay by phoney eCheck, which take a week to clear (or fail), but when they're initiated you get a fairly confusing "You've received a payment" email.

posted by cillit bang 29 November | 08:31

It's my understanding that if you sell to someone before auction's end (and not through Buy it Now) that you're not protected by eBay at all.

posted by drezdn 29 November | 11:03

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