A week or so ago I placed a few bids on an item on eBay. I kept getting outbid so I dropped it. I was contacted by "the seller" a few days later inquiring as to whether or not I'd like to make a best offer for the item. I did and he accepted. I received an "official" email from ebay congratulating me and telling me how to complete the transaction.

The payment option was through Western Union.... (what a dumbass I am! ) I paid the agrred upon price + a transaction fee of $22.

Then nothing.... I cannot get a hold of this guy and eBay claims it was done "outside" of them and now here I am... a week later... wondering if I just got taken for almost $200.

This was supposed to be a surprise for my oldest sons birthday....and fuck if I don't feel like a dumbass for this..... I have had pretty good luck in the other transaction I have had on eBay.....but now this...

Anybody else out there get duped by eBay?

Oh damn - I think you're fucked on that one mate

Mach said:

Gee thanks Machaela....



This is what I get for trying to be the good dad....

never bought anything from ebay. I looked at a household item once and then found it cheaper somewhere else.

I can't say I've ever been ripped off there, no ...

I'm sorry for you dude, there's some sick people out there but rest assured Karma will hit back with a vengeance

I have never had a problem on Ebay before. What kind of feedback did this seller have?

I am sorry this happened to you. I think it's so wrong that people take advantage of others.

Back in the day I bought loads of things on ebay and also sold some, most of the times it was okay.

pardonme4livin said:

your not supposed to do second chance offers, its likely they aren't real.
They even have headings and stuff just like ebay. You should try your best to ALWAYS pay using paypal. Paypal is owned by Ebay.

horatio said:

Thanks... I had a feeling...but was eager to please my son with something he really wanted... I wish I had known more about the PayPal situation....

One4All4Ever said:

Thank you... I hope so...

horatio said:

wouldn't he have a chance trying to get his money back through Western Union itself ??

MoniGram said:

Thanks Moni ... I am much smarter than this.... I let my ego get in the way....

Serious said:

I bought my truck on there and over the years, a few other things and have had pretty decent luck... I was really sucker punched on this one...

MoniGram said:

Oh and the sell...if indeed I actually paid the sller... had fantastic feedback on over 19,000 sales..... I thought I was playing it safe....

pardonme4livin said:

It happens, it's just awful that other's do that! Ruins it for everyone else. I hope it all works out for you.

One4All4Ever said:

I have sent a message to Western Union....no response yet....

pardonme4livin said:

I know, it gets all exciting and stuff. I was bidding on a sofa last night and towards the end the friggin page wouldn't load.

I cannot begin to describe how pissed I am.

I've heard of this happening before
I use Paypal all the time

veronikka said:

Like I said... I am USUALLY smarter than this....

One time when I first started Ebaying I listed a wool carpet.
And the highest bidder sent my a fake cashiers check the bank figured it out a couple weeks later and refused it. I hadnt sent the carpet off until I was sure it cleared.
Who ever it was called me using that service where the operator relays the message to you over the phone.
He/she was making threats that they were going to send the mafia to my house and kill me and all kinds of stuff.
I reported them to Ebay and they banned that account.
Typically it seems if you have very little feedback (few purchases or sales)
that is who those kinds of people prey upon.
They will watch an auction and see who the newbies are.
Then they will mail you after the auction closes posing as the person who listed the item, offering it to you a second time.
Usually they are people who live outside of the country.

i'm still waiting for something i ordered a year ago

pardonme4livin said:

It sucks, I hope you get your money back.

InsatiableCream said:

I've had that happen a few times, never received the items but thats whats good about paying with Paypal, it's pretty easy to get your money back

veronikka said:

i didnt have paypal then. thats $130 i'll never see again

InsatiableCream said:

lesson learned right?

InsatiableCream said:

Don't worry, Dez Dickerson will eventually send you his Greatest Hits 2-CD package, and you'll quickly discover that the only listenable song is "Modernaire".

InsatiableCream said:

Serious said:

Me too...

Actually... I would be VERY happy to receive the item...keep the cash y'know....

RodeoSchro said:

he heh.....

I was buying a Gucci bag and when I received the item it was fake and completely different than what I was bidding on. I put in a complaint and I got 75% of my money back. I was still pissed but glad I didn't lose everything.