Mixing
Overly generous offer from buyer
Clash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
I'm selling an item online. Someone contacted me and, after a question about whether the item is available, said the following:
"Good,Am okay with the price. but right now am currently out of the country for a business trip ,I want you to help me shipping it out to my colleague as his birthday gift to WEST AFRICA.I’ll paying you €100 EURO which includes for the shipping fees through the POST OFFICE, can I send you the money through western Union money transfer?"
The item costs 8 EUROS. Shipping costs around 30 to 40 EUROS.
My question is, is it a scam and, if so, how does it work? Thank you.
scams
edited 21 mins ago
stannius
2,6121924
asked 10 hours ago
Efthimios Chaskaris
94
New contributor
Efthimios Chaskaris is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
I'm selling an item online. Someone contacted me and, after a question about whether the item is available, said the following:
"Good,Am okay with the price. but right now am currently out of the country for a business trip ,I want you to help me shipping it out to my colleague as his birthday gift to WEST AFRICA.I’ll paying you €100 EURO which includes for the shipping fees through the POST OFFICE, can I send you the money through western Union money transfer?"
The item costs 8 EUROS. Shipping costs around 30 to 40 EUROS.
My question is, is it a scam and, if so, how does it work? Thank you.
scams
edited 21 mins ago
stannius
2,6121924
asked 10 hours ago
Efthimios Chaskaris
94
New contributor
Efthimios Chaskaris is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Does shipping make up the rest of the 100 euro?
– Lawrence
10 hours ago
No, there is still a 50 EURO difference.
– Efthimios Chaskaris
10 hours ago
1
Please see my answer on similar question money.stackexchange.com/questions/97535/…
– SZCZERZO KÃ…ÂY
10 hours ago
2
The goal of including "West Africa" in the message is to weed out careful people (like you). Scammers want to focus their time on the gullible. That's why we say "if it looks like a scam, it definitely is one".
– MSalters
10 hours ago
2
Possible duplicate of Someone wants to send me cash by DHL. How's this scam supposed to work?
– Pete B.
9 hours ago
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
I'm selling an item online. Someone contacted me and, after a question about whether the item is available, said the following:
"Good,Am okay with the price. but right now am currently out of the country for a business trip ,I want you to help me shipping it out to my colleague as his birthday gift to WEST AFRICA.I’ll paying you €100 EURO which includes for the shipping fees through the POST OFFICE, can I send you the money through western Union money transfer?"
The item costs 8 EUROS. Shipping costs around 30 to 40 EUROS.
My question is, is it a scam and, if so, how does it work? Thank you.
scams
edited 21 mins ago
stannius
2,6121924
asked 10 hours ago
Efthimios Chaskaris
94
New contributor
Efthimios Chaskaris is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I'm selling an item online. Someone contacted me and, after a question about whether the item is available, said the following:
"Good,Am okay with the price. but right now am currently out of the country for a business trip ,I want you to help me shipping it out to my colleague as his birthday gift to WEST AFRICA.I’ll paying you €100 EURO which includes for the shipping fees through the POST OFFICE, can I send you the money through western Union money transfer?"
The item costs 8 EUROS. Shipping costs around 30 to 40 EUROS.
My question is, is it a scam and, if so, how does it work? Thank you.
scams
scams
edited 21 mins ago
stannius
2,6121924
asked 10 hours ago
Efthimios Chaskaris
94
New contributor
Efthimios Chaskaris is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 21 mins ago
stannius
2,6121924
asked 10 hours ago
Efthimios Chaskaris
94
New contributor
Efthimios Chaskaris is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 21 mins ago
stannius
2,6121924
edited 21 mins ago
stannius
2,6121924
edited 21 mins ago
stannius
2,6121924
2,6121924
asked 10 hours ago
Efthimios Chaskaris
94
New contributor
Efthimios Chaskaris is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 10 hours ago
Efthimios Chaskaris
94
asked 10 hours ago
Efthimios Chaskaris
94
94
New contributor
Efthimios Chaskaris is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Efthimios Chaskaris is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Efthimios Chaskaris is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Does shipping make up the rest of the 100 euro?
– Lawrence
10 hours ago
No, there is still a 50 EURO difference.
– Efthimios Chaskaris
10 hours ago
1
Please see my answer on similar question money.stackexchange.com/questions/97535/…
– SZCZERZO KÃ…ÂY
10 hours ago
2
The goal of including "West Africa" in the message is to weed out careful people (like you). Scammers want to focus their time on the gullible. That's why we say "if it looks like a scam, it definitely is one".
– MSalters
10 hours ago
2
Possible duplicate of Someone wants to send me cash by DHL. How's this scam supposed to work?
– Pete B.
9 hours ago
 |Â
show 2 more comments
Does shipping make up the rest of the 100 euro?
– Lawrence
10 hours ago
No, there is still a 50 EURO difference.
– Efthimios Chaskaris
10 hours ago
1
Please see my answer on similar question money.stackexchange.com/questions/97535/…
– SZCZERZO KÃ…ÂY
10 hours ago
2
The goal of including "West Africa" in the message is to weed out careful people (like you). Scammers want to focus their time on the gullible. That's why we say "if it looks like a scam, it definitely is one".
– MSalters
10 hours ago
2
Possible duplicate of Someone wants to send me cash by DHL. How's this scam supposed to work?
– Pete B.
9 hours ago
Does shipping make up the rest of the 100 euro?
– Lawrence
10 hours ago
Does shipping make up the rest of the 100 euro?
– Lawrence
10 hours ago
No, there is still a 50 EURO difference.
– Efthimios Chaskaris
10 hours ago
No, there is still a 50 EURO difference.
– Efthimios Chaskaris
10 hours ago
1
1
Please see my answer on similar question money.stackexchange.com/questions/97535/…
– SZCZERZO KÃ…ÂY
10 hours ago
Please see my answer on similar question money.stackexchange.com/questions/97535/…
– SZCZERZO KÃ…ÂY
10 hours ago
2
2
The goal of including "West Africa" in the message is to weed out careful people (like you). Scammers want to focus their time on the gullible. That's why we say "if it looks like a scam, it definitely is one".
– MSalters
10 hours ago
The goal of including "West Africa" in the message is to weed out careful people (like you). Scammers want to focus their time on the gullible. That's why we say "if it looks like a scam, it definitely is one".
– MSalters
10 hours ago
2
2
Possible duplicate of Someone wants to send me cash by DHL. How's this scam supposed to work?
– Pete B.
9 hours ago
Possible duplicate of Someone wants to send me cash by DHL. How's this scam supposed to work?
– Pete B.
9 hours ago
 |Â
show 2 more comments
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
15
down vote
My question is, is it a scam and, if so, how does it work?
Yes this is a scam. No one pays EUR 100 for a EUR 8 item.
There are different ways this can proceed. At some point there will be a request for refund as the transfer was by mistake for a larger amount, or request for identification documents saying Western Union is asking etc.
Stay away from these things.
answered 10 hours ago
Dheer
48.4k959142
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
This scam is a common one, typically called overpayment fraud. The usual route is the scammer sends you a money transfer for an amount much larger than the total cost of the purchase. They will then ask you to give them back the difference.
The scam is that a short while later, the cheque will bounce or payment will in some way be revoked, so you will be short not only the amount the scammer 'sent' you but also the difference you gave back to them. The form of payment varies, but they will always ask for a refund.
Simply insist that they send only the amount to cover the items and no more. As you said, that is about half of the amount they are trying to send you. There is simply no legitimate need to send any more than necessary.
edited 2 hours ago
Freiheit
3,29811431
answered 10 hours ago
Roy
2213
6
This is a great and correct answer, right up to the point where you suggest "Simply insist that they send only the amount to cover the items and no more". If you believe with reasonable certainty that someone is attempting to scam you, you should simply discontinue communication. Allowing them to purchase your item at your asking price still exposes you to a scenario where you ship your item and then the payment bounces.
– Sam Hanley
2 hours ago
2
The "buyer" suggests payment by Western Union -- how can he/she reverse such a payment?
– mustaccio
1 hour ago
It smells like an overpayment scam, yes, except for the part about payment being through Western Union. How do you make a Western Union payment bounce?
– Mark
1 hour ago
@Mark Fake Western Union payment, maybe? I'm not sure, though.
– Nic Hartley
1 hour ago
Get agreement based on WU transfer, then switch to a different payment method for some supposed reason?
– David Aldridge
51 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If you are earning €8 gross, your profit margin isn’t a lot. By the time you factor in your inconvenience with money handling etc and perhaps even fuel costs to drive to the post office and back, you might have been better off just throwing the item away - even if the buyer is legitimate.
Paying €42 postage for an €8 item sounds excessive. Adding an additional €50 of messy money opens the way for all sorts of scams, including money laundering.
To maximise whatever profit you get out of the €8 item, you are better off selling to a more straightforward cash buyer, especially if it is a one-off sale.
answered 10 hours ago
Lawrence
2,5941512
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
15
down vote
My question is, is it a scam and, if so, how does it work?
Yes this is a scam. No one pays EUR 100 for a EUR 8 item.
There are different ways this can proceed. At some point there will be a request for refund as the transfer was by mistake for a larger amount, or request for identification documents saying Western Union is asking etc.
Stay away from these things.
answered 10 hours ago
Dheer
48.4k959142
add a comment |Â
up vote
15
down vote
My question is, is it a scam and, if so, how does it work?
Yes this is a scam. No one pays EUR 100 for a EUR 8 item.
There are different ways this can proceed. At some point there will be a request for refund as the transfer was by mistake for a larger amount, or request for identification documents saying Western Union is asking etc.
Stay away from these things.
answered 10 hours ago
Dheer
48.4k959142
add a comment |Â
up vote
15
down vote
up vote
15
down vote
My question is, is it a scam and, if so, how does it work?
Yes this is a scam. No one pays EUR 100 for a EUR 8 item.
There are different ways this can proceed. At some point there will be a request for refund as the transfer was by mistake for a larger amount, or request for identification documents saying Western Union is asking etc.
Stay away from these things.
answered 10 hours ago
Dheer
48.4k959142
My question is, is it a scam and, if so, how does it work?
Yes this is a scam. No one pays EUR 100 for a EUR 8 item.
There are different ways this can proceed. At some point there will be a request for refund as the transfer was by mistake for a larger amount, or request for identification documents saying Western Union is asking etc.
Stay away from these things.
answered 10 hours ago
Dheer
48.4k959142
answered 10 hours ago
Dheer
48.4k959142
answered 10 hours ago
Dheer
48.4k959142
answered 10 hours ago
Dheer
48.4k959142
48.4k959142
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
This scam is a common one, typically called overpayment fraud. The usual route is the scammer sends you a money transfer for an amount much larger than the total cost of the purchase. They will then ask you to give them back the difference.
The scam is that a short while later, the cheque will bounce or payment will in some way be revoked, so you will be short not only the amount the scammer 'sent' you but also the difference you gave back to them. The form of payment varies, but they will always ask for a refund.
Simply insist that they send only the amount to cover the items and no more. As you said, that is about half of the amount they are trying to send you. There is simply no legitimate need to send any more than necessary.
edited 2 hours ago
Freiheit
3,29811431
answered 10 hours ago
Roy
2213
6
This is a great and correct answer, right up to the point where you suggest "Simply insist that they send only the amount to cover the items and no more". If you believe with reasonable certainty that someone is attempting to scam you, you should simply discontinue communication. Allowing them to purchase your item at your asking price still exposes you to a scenario where you ship your item and then the payment bounces.
– Sam Hanley
2 hours ago
2
The "buyer" suggests payment by Western Union -- how can he/she reverse such a payment?
– mustaccio
1 hour ago
It smells like an overpayment scam, yes, except for the part about payment being through Western Union. How do you make a Western Union payment bounce?
– Mark
1 hour ago
@Mark Fake Western Union payment, maybe? I'm not sure, though.
– Nic Hartley
1 hour ago
Get agreement based on WU transfer, then switch to a different payment method for some supposed reason?
– David Aldridge
51 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
This scam is a common one, typically called overpayment fraud. The usual route is the scammer sends you a money transfer for an amount much larger than the total cost of the purchase. They will then ask you to give them back the difference.
The scam is that a short while later, the cheque will bounce or payment will in some way be revoked, so you will be short not only the amount the scammer 'sent' you but also the difference you gave back to them. The form of payment varies, but they will always ask for a refund.
Simply insist that they send only the amount to cover the items and no more. As you said, that is about half of the amount they are trying to send you. There is simply no legitimate need to send any more than necessary.
edited 2 hours ago
Freiheit
3,29811431
answered 10 hours ago
Roy
2213
6
This is a great and correct answer, right up to the point where you suggest "Simply insist that they send only the amount to cover the items and no more". If you believe with reasonable certainty that someone is attempting to scam you, you should simply discontinue communication. Allowing them to purchase your item at your asking price still exposes you to a scenario where you ship your item and then the payment bounces.
– Sam Hanley
2 hours ago
2
The "buyer" suggests payment by Western Union -- how can he/she reverse such a payment?
– mustaccio
1 hour ago
It smells like an overpayment scam, yes, except for the part about payment being through Western Union. How do you make a Western Union payment bounce?
– Mark
1 hour ago
@Mark Fake Western Union payment, maybe? I'm not sure, though.
– Nic Hartley
1 hour ago
Get agreement based on WU transfer, then switch to a different payment method for some supposed reason?
– David Aldridge
51 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
This scam is a common one, typically called overpayment fraud. The usual route is the scammer sends you a money transfer for an amount much larger than the total cost of the purchase. They will then ask you to give them back the difference.
The scam is that a short while later, the cheque will bounce or payment will in some way be revoked, so you will be short not only the amount the scammer 'sent' you but also the difference you gave back to them. The form of payment varies, but they will always ask for a refund.
Simply insist that they send only the amount to cover the items and no more. As you said, that is about half of the amount they are trying to send you. There is simply no legitimate need to send any more than necessary.
edited 2 hours ago
Freiheit
3,29811431
answered 10 hours ago
Roy
2213
This scam is a common one, typically called overpayment fraud. The usual route is the scammer sends you a money transfer for an amount much larger than the total cost of the purchase. They will then ask you to give them back the difference.
The scam is that a short while later, the cheque will bounce or payment will in some way be revoked, so you will be short not only the amount the scammer 'sent' you but also the difference you gave back to them. The form of payment varies, but they will always ask for a refund.
Simply insist that they send only the amount to cover the items and no more. As you said, that is about half of the amount they are trying to send you. There is simply no legitimate need to send any more than necessary.
edited 2 hours ago
Freiheit
3,29811431
answered 10 hours ago
Roy
2213
edited 2 hours ago
Freiheit
3,29811431
edited 2 hours ago
Freiheit
3,29811431
edited 2 hours ago
Freiheit
3,29811431
3,29811431
answered 10 hours ago
Roy
2213
answered 10 hours ago
Roy
2213
answered 10 hours ago
Roy
2213
2213
6
This is a great and correct answer, right up to the point where you suggest "Simply insist that they send only the amount to cover the items and no more". If you believe with reasonable certainty that someone is attempting to scam you, you should simply discontinue communication. Allowing them to purchase your item at your asking price still exposes you to a scenario where you ship your item and then the payment bounces.
– Sam Hanley
2 hours ago
2
The "buyer" suggests payment by Western Union -- how can he/she reverse such a payment?
– mustaccio
1 hour ago
It smells like an overpayment scam, yes, except for the part about payment being through Western Union. How do you make a Western Union payment bounce?
– Mark
1 hour ago
@Mark Fake Western Union payment, maybe? I'm not sure, though.
– Nic Hartley
1 hour ago
Get agreement based on WU transfer, then switch to a different payment method for some supposed reason?
– David Aldridge
51 mins ago
add a comment |Â
6
This is a great and correct answer, right up to the point where you suggest "Simply insist that they send only the amount to cover the items and no more". If you believe with reasonable certainty that someone is attempting to scam you, you should simply discontinue communication. Allowing them to purchase your item at your asking price still exposes you to a scenario where you ship your item and then the payment bounces.
– Sam Hanley
2 hours ago
2
The "buyer" suggests payment by Western Union -- how can he/she reverse such a payment?
– mustaccio
1 hour ago
It smells like an overpayment scam, yes, except for the part about payment being through Western Union. How do you make a Western Union payment bounce?
– Mark
1 hour ago
@Mark Fake Western Union payment, maybe? I'm not sure, though.
– Nic Hartley
1 hour ago
Get agreement based on WU transfer, then switch to a different payment method for some supposed reason?
– David Aldridge
51 mins ago
6
6
This is a great and correct answer, right up to the point where you suggest "Simply insist that they send only the amount to cover the items and no more". If you believe with reasonable certainty that someone is attempting to scam you, you should simply discontinue communication. Allowing them to purchase your item at your asking price still exposes you to a scenario where you ship your item and then the payment bounces.
– Sam Hanley
2 hours ago
This is a great and correct answer, right up to the point where you suggest "Simply insist that they send only the amount to cover the items and no more". If you believe with reasonable certainty that someone is attempting to scam you, you should simply discontinue communication. Allowing them to purchase your item at your asking price still exposes you to a scenario where you ship your item and then the payment bounces.
– Sam Hanley
2 hours ago
2
2
The "buyer" suggests payment by Western Union -- how can he/she reverse such a payment?
– mustaccio
1 hour ago
The "buyer" suggests payment by Western Union -- how can he/she reverse such a payment?
– mustaccio
1 hour ago
It smells like an overpayment scam, yes, except for the part about payment being through Western Union. How do you make a Western Union payment bounce?
– Mark
1 hour ago
It smells like an overpayment scam, yes, except for the part about payment being through Western Union. How do you make a Western Union payment bounce?
– Mark
1 hour ago
@Mark Fake Western Union payment, maybe? I'm not sure, though.
– Nic Hartley
1 hour ago
@Mark Fake Western Union payment, maybe? I'm not sure, though.
– Nic Hartley
1 hour ago
Get agreement based on WU transfer, then switch to a different payment method for some supposed reason?
– David Aldridge
51 mins ago
Get agreement based on WU transfer, then switch to a different payment method for some supposed reason?
– David Aldridge
51 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If you are earning €8 gross, your profit margin isn’t a lot. By the time you factor in your inconvenience with money handling etc and perhaps even fuel costs to drive to the post office and back, you might have been better off just throwing the item away - even if the buyer is legitimate.
Paying €42 postage for an €8 item sounds excessive. Adding an additional €50 of messy money opens the way for all sorts of scams, including money laundering.
To maximise whatever profit you get out of the €8 item, you are better off selling to a more straightforward cash buyer, especially if it is a one-off sale.
answered 10 hours ago
Lawrence
2,5941512
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If you are earning €8 gross, your profit margin isn’t a lot. By the time you factor in your inconvenience with money handling etc and perhaps even fuel costs to drive to the post office and back, you might have been better off just throwing the item away - even if the buyer is legitimate.
Paying €42 postage for an €8 item sounds excessive. Adding an additional €50 of messy money opens the way for all sorts of scams, including money laundering.
To maximise whatever profit you get out of the €8 item, you are better off selling to a more straightforward cash buyer, especially if it is a one-off sale.
answered 10 hours ago
Lawrence
2,5941512
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
If you are earning €8 gross, your profit margin isn’t a lot. By the time you factor in your inconvenience with money handling etc and perhaps even fuel costs to drive to the post office and back, you might have been better off just throwing the item away - even if the buyer is legitimate.
Paying €42 postage for an €8 item sounds excessive. Adding an additional €50 of messy money opens the way for all sorts of scams, including money laundering.
To maximise whatever profit you get out of the €8 item, you are better off selling to a more straightforward cash buyer, especially if it is a one-off sale.
answered 10 hours ago
Lawrence
2,5941512
If you are earning €8 gross, your profit margin isn’t a lot. By the time you factor in your inconvenience with money handling etc and perhaps even fuel costs to drive to the post office and back, you might have been better off just throwing the item away - even if the buyer is legitimate.
Paying €42 postage for an €8 item sounds excessive. Adding an additional €50 of messy money opens the way for all sorts of scams, including money laundering.
To maximise whatever profit you get out of the €8 item, you are better off selling to a more straightforward cash buyer, especially if it is a one-off sale.
answered 10 hours ago
Lawrence
2,5941512
answered 10 hours ago
Lawrence
2,5941512
answered 10 hours ago
Lawrence
2,5941512
answered 10 hours ago
Lawrence
2,5941512
2,5941512
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
Efthimios Chaskaris is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Efthimios Chaskaris is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Efthimios Chaskaris is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Efthimios Chaskaris is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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Does shipping make up the rest of the 100 euro?
– Lawrence
10 hours ago
No, there is still a 50 EURO difference.
– Efthimios Chaskaris
10 hours ago
1
Please see my answer on similar question money.stackexchange.com/questions/97535/…
– SZCZERZO KÃ…ÂY
10 hours ago
2
The goal of including "West Africa" in the message is to weed out careful people (like you). Scammers want to focus their time on the gullible. That's why we say "if it looks like a scam, it definitely is one".
– MSalters
10 hours ago
2
Possible duplicate of Someone wants to send me cash by DHL. How's this scam supposed to work?
– Pete B.
9 hours ago