E-commerce
Is the eBay buyer who overpaid running a scam?
Quick answer
Yes. The 'overpayment' scam works like this: a buyer sends a check (or claims to have wired) more than the asking price, then asks you to refund the difference. The original payment bounces or is reversed days later — and your refund is gone forever.
Red flags to look for
- Buyer immediately offers more than asking price
- Sends a check, money order, or wire — never PayPal Goods & Services
- Asks you to refund the difference to a 'shipping agent' or different account
- Pressure to ship quickly before the check clears
- Buyer's account is new with little history
Real examples
Email after a sale
Hi! My shipping agent will pay you $4,500 — the extra $1,500 covers their fee. Once you receive it, please send $1,500 to the agent at this address. I'll arrange pickup.
Likely Scam
The 'check' from the shipping agent is fake or stolen. When it bounces (typically 5-10 days later), the bank reverses it. Your $1,500 to the 'agent' is gone.
What to do
- Refuse overpayment. Insist on exact amount.
- Only accept payment via PayPal Goods & Services or eBay-managed payment.
- Wait at least 10 business days for any check to fully clear before shipping or refunding.
- Never refund the difference — it's always a scam.
- Report the buyer to eBay/marketplace and block.
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Why scammers use this approach
Banks 'provisional credit' for deposited checks within 1-2 days, but a fraudulent check can bounce for up to 30 days. Scammers exploit this gap — by the time the check bounces, the refund and goods are both gone.
Frequently asked questions
What if the check seems to clear?
Initial credit isn't final. A check can bounce up to a month after deposit. Never act on a check until it's fully verified by your bank manager.