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crimp · 03-09-2015, 09:31 PM

Hello everyone.

Just a quick question. I have recently contacted a seller on Airstreamclassifieds about their post for a Caravel. I finally heard back tonight, and I am confused. The seller wants me to "send my full name and shipping address" to process the sale through PayPal. To quote "use PayPal vouchers for your proof and they will give you 3 days inspection period".

Has anyone heard of making a secure purchase with PayPal this way?

He claims, "the vouchers will remain in my pocket until I test the trailer" and he "will have the peace of mind that I'm a serious buyer".

I have searched "PayPal Voucher Scams" and haven't found anything. This just seems totally convoluted way to make a sale. Any thoughts?

Crimp

AWCHIEF · 03-09-2015, 09:36 PM

Scam, run away as fast as you can.

CBWELL · 03-09-2015, 09:49 PM

If this was on Airstream Classifieds on this forum, the moderator should be informed and the ad pulled, as this is a SCAM for sure. Be careful, as they are everywhere these days!

**DKB_SATX** · 03-09-2015, 10:42 PM

There is, as far as I know, no such thing as a "paypal voucher." I agree that this is a very scammy request and recommend that you have no further contact with the "seller." I have dealt with the ad in question.

D Bishop · 03-10-2015, 10:20 AM

Run as fast as you can, it is a scam.

Quote:

Originally Posted by crimp

Hello everyone.

Just a quick question. I have recently contacted a seller on Airstreamclassifieds about their post for a Caravel. I finally heard back tonight, and I am confused. The seller wants me to "send my full name and shipping address" to process the sale through PayPal. To quote "use PayPal vouchers for your proof and they will give you 3 days inspection period".

Has anyone heard of making a secure purchase with PayPal this way?

He claims, "the vouchers will remain in my pocket until I test the trailer" and he "will have the peace of mind that I'm a serious buyer".

I have searched "PayPal Voucher Scams" and haven't found anything. This just seems totally convoluted way to make a sale. Any thoughts?

Crimp

AirstreamPat · 03-10-2015, 10:43 AM

Hmmm... that sounds kinda fishy.

I would tell him I will send a refundable deposit to him through PayPal to secure the deal contingent on, and full payment only if the inspection and deal goes through. If it doesn't it's easy to get your deposit back through PP.

And not a big deposit neither. List those terms on the send money PP payment note. PayPal gives him your address only if he's a member in good standing.

He doesn't need it from you.

Pat

gecko · 03-10-2015, 11:12 AM

Sounds exactly like the SCAM that is going on with selling other stuff on line. In this case, it's very common for someone to offer a certified check. The way it works is that the certified check is either counterfeit or actually stolen. They make out the check for an amount greater than the sale price, and want you to refund the difference with your own check. You end up with a worthless piece of paper (which, by the way, is initially accepted by your bank, but 30 days later they close your account when they discover the nature of the check.) And by now, you may have also delivered your Airstream (although in the case of the other scam, they simply abandon the goods, but you're out the thing that you're selling, the cash that you refunded, shipping costs, and on the hook for a bogus form of payment.

RUN away from this!!!!! Or better yet, if you're so inclined, either contact your local District Attorney, or at the very least, notify PayPal of the scam.

inthralled · 03-10-2015, 01:24 PM

I have used PayPal for several years and purchased my AS using PayPal. They are very helpful and have retrieved my funds a couple of times form a bad seller. If you go to the PayPal site there is a number to contact them. I would call them and have them verify what this person is telling you.

thesignlady · 03-10-2015, 01:35 PM

Here is a payment option that I will be using when I finally have mine ready to sell, It will cost me a bout $250 to go this way. Maybe you could contact the seller and ask if he would be willing to go this option...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f349...om-131792.html

NavyCorpsman · 03-10-2015, 03:33 PM

Paypal is awful. It's the easiest way to get ripped off. Make sure what you are looking at exists. Trailer, valid title, bill of sale, signatures, hand him the cash and its a done deal. Welcome to the forum!

AWCHIEF · 03-10-2015, 03:33 PM

Cash! It takes all of the worry out of dealing with strangers.

Rich W · 03-10-2015, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Cash! It takes all of the worry out of dealing with strangers.

Cash... it's the only way to fly. I give you cash, you give me the trailer and the clear title. No warranty expressed, implied and should not be inferred. All sales final.

**Stefrobrts** · 03-10-2015, 04:38 PM

On that note though, I see folks all the time selling cars and and saying stuff like 'no test drives unless you have cash', and there is NO WAY I would take a wad of cash to a stranger's place to check out their car. I can always come back with the cash later.

AWCHIEF · 03-10-2015, 04:51 PM

What ever the situation when dealing with strangers it is prudent to use due diligence and maintain condition yellow (if you have to ask, Google it) until clear.

SteveSueMac · 03-10-2015, 05:19 PM

If possible - arrange the transaction at the local police station.

JeweloJalopy · 03-11-2015, 10:17 AM

What you want is an option contract, that's what we use when selling cars. It's a deposit with teeth. You write up a contract spelling out the terms of the sale. Purchase price, list the details of the trailer including VIN, length etc. List how many days you have to inspect the trailer and make the sale contingent on the inspection. If the inspection turns up items you aren't comfortable you get your money back. If you can't get it together in time the seller keeps your deposit to offset their time.

If they're serious they'll agree, if not just move on.

And while paypal is fine for a deposit, you want to use cash or a cashier's check to buy. I will take a cashier's check as long as I can call the bank and confirm it. Not by using the phone number they give me, but by googling the bank.

Your spidey senses will guide you.

Twinke58 · 03-12-2015, 10:02 AM

If this is the same person I got ask to use it for a 67 caravel in Florida. He wanted the same thing last night from me but it sounded to good for me and I had to ask to!

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forum

overlander63 · 03-12-2015, 10:45 AM

There is another scam going on, that takes advantage of a person's distress in a time of turmoil.
There was recently a death in my family, and someone called a relative of mine, wanting credit card info to process the funeral arrangements. It was not the place handling said arrangements, but somebody that found out about it, and tried to cash in.

crimp · 03-13-2015, 06:48 AM

Yes. Same $8000 1967 Caravel. Assured me it was "no scam". But he didn't have the nerve to call and convince me.

mojo · 03-13-2015, 07:57 AM

I have bought and sold vehicles using Paypal for a deposit to hold the vehicle. It is refundable. When picking up the vehicle, instead of using cash or check, use a Federal wire transfer, bank to bank. Once the transfer is complete in 15 to 60 minutes. Vehicle drives away. Clean and safe.