Potential scam?

[ern316]

Hello,

For my first item posted I accidentally listed an item as an auction. I will list red flags in hindsight. I wanted to take it down but realized that I had a bid. I saw the bid message which asked me to text them (red flag). First, they asked me to confirm my buyer ID to ensure they were talking to the right person. I asked if they could retract it and they said they wanted to buy it for their cousin so they'll put in an extra $50. I said no problems I can add an extra game as well - they then responded they would pay a total of $500 if I help them get vanilla (prepaid) cards. Red flag again. I remembered a common scam where prepaid gift cards are involved. I asked them to move the chat to eBay so I can get confirmation of all of this. They said they would and haven't responded for an hour replying that they will do it now.

So lots of lessons learned here. Making sure that I check the item isn't an auction before posting. Not having messages outside of eBay. Being wary of people praying on new baby sellers. 

[msau4301 · Accepted solution]

Not a potential scam, definitely a scam attempt. You were right to know not to message outside of eBay (anyone that asks is up to no good), the Vanilla Prepaid card thing yikes (glad you knew about this infamous ploy).

Don't worry about waiting for their response, they will not copy it over to eBay, they know they were in the wrong and hopefully now they know you are on to them they leave you be.

You don't have to wait for them to retract the bid, the seller can always cancel a bid as well.

You will need the item #, user name of buyer and reason you are cancelling. I've usually only done it when someone has asked me to cancel (which is a reason on the list), but I think there is one "Other", it would apply here since they asked you to contact outside of eBay is reason enough.