Paypal Nigeria scam??

[Variol (Farseer) Elmwood]

I'm selling some stuff on Kijiji and got an email saying that someone wants buy the item from me and have it sent to their son in Nigeria who is doing research. He said he would pay for the item and shipping by paypal.

I told him I would get the shipping cost and let him know.

My wife just called and said there have been some scams going on like this with regard to Nigeria. Apparently, when you get the paypal confirmation, it's not the real paypal site.

Does anyone know anymore about this?

[SpiritWarrior]

Nigeria would raise alarms in my head any day of the week. Be very careful. Most of the internet scams and fraud come out of this country - simple fact.

Now, if it is a scam, here is why they want to pay via Paypal. Because you can pull any payment you make via Paypal up to three months later. That means, you spend the money he pays you and he can pull it back a month later, leaving you negative that amount he paid and also with a free gift that you sent him. I would not accept paypal at all if you have an inkling of doubt. Paypal do not ask questions alot of the time, all he has to do is dispute a payment, say it was paid without his permission, or that he never recieved your item, and they will refund him from your account.

[Variol (Farseer) Elmwood]

So, should I ask for a certified check or money order?

[SpiritWarrior]

I'd probably say no and wait for another buyer. They usually know each form of payment and how to scam it. Any buyer knows that Nigeria raises red flags with sellers nowadays. Ebay wont even ship there without being verfied anymore.

[Variol (Farseer) Elmwood]

Is there any way to fox the fox?

[Bungleau]

Probably not worth your time, unless you really want to get involved on it. Think MMOG-level involvement... ya gotta be passionate about it

Here's a link to some Nigerian paypal fraud discussions, along with several other useful links in the thread.

Bottom line: I wouldn't ship to him unless I didn't care if I got paid or saw the product again. If you want to push it, tell him you won't send it to Nigeria, but you'll gladly send it to a Canadian (or maybe US-based) address upon payment via certified check, and that you'll complete shipment once the check has completely cleared your bank. Apologize for the runaround, but explain that it's the prevalence of low-life pond scum ruining the reputation of Nigerians everywhere by perpetuating numerous scams.

After all, if he's legit, he'll understand. And if not, can he really object to being called low-life pond scum?

[Variol (Farseer) Elmwood]

Originally Posted by Bungleau it's the prevalence of low-life pond scum ruining the reputation of Nigerians everywhere by perpetuating numerous scams.

..mind if I use that?

The person calls themselves Rose Larry: rose_sug@yahoo.com

I have sent them an email as per b's suggestion. I'll see what happens now....

[Yorick]

Originally Posted by Variol (Farseer) Elmwood Is there any way to fox the fox?

Rat the rat?
Ape the ape?
I know about that!

[Bungleau]

You're more than welcome to use it

Keep track of the emails... the header information can tell you a lot about where it's coming from. And you can always report it to abuse@yahoo.com if it turns nasty.

Hmmm... went looking to try to find rose_sug's profile. Looks pretty empty... like created with next to nothing!

Me smells a rat... oooh, I likes a good piece of rat!

[Variol (Farseer) Elmwood]

Originally Posted by Yorick Rat the rat? Ape the ape? I know about that!

..caught that one did ya'