Ever used paypay for a transaction?

[jhelgesen]

A friend here at work is considering purchasing a car from a seller located in the UK. Seller has asked for a deposit to be sent using the paypay service, then they will ship the car. The buyer then approves of the car and send the rest of the money.

We're all throwing up red flags here in the office, but he's overly committed to buying this car. Car is a US spec, supposedly titled in VA. Seller moved to the UK recently, then changed mind about needing the car over there.

What do you guys think?

[RickM]

I'd have a trusted individual verify the validity of the sale over in the UK. I would not send one dime without that certification and would utilize a well known escrow service....(not one suggested by the seller)

[serge944]

Tell your friend to ask himself - is this car such a deal that it is worth completely losing the deposit?

Sounds like a typical scam to me.

[TerryBPP]

You can have your bank confirm that you have a bank check it the amount of $$$ to the buyer. The buyer recieves a copy of the check and sends the car. When you recieve the car the check is released and all is well.

I almost fell for an overseas scam until my bank manager told me about this procedure.

[rrsrsr]

Those scams are a dime a dozen.

The ‘seller’ always for some odd reason claims to have a US spec car in Europe. Invariably there is some story about how it is exempt from import duties and taxes. The car is advertised for well below market & interested parties are told that a deposit will hold the car for them, hoping that a few suckers will bite.

Tell your coworker to email the seller to let him know that by lucky coincidence he will be in the UK in a couple of days and would like to pick the car up in person. … then just listen for the silence.

[serge944]

Tell the seller, "all I have is this 12,000 dollar cashiers check. Since you only need 2,000 for the deposit, I expect 10,000 from you in return."

[Porsche]

Very likely a scam. Don't do it.