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. 

[reallynicestamps]

I saw the bid message which asked me to text them (red flag).

I agree that this is a scammer.

Cancel the bid as Other-> request to communicate off site.

And Block the bidder.

One concern.

When there has been communication, it would not be a good idea to cancel the auction, since this can lead to eBay thinking you have acquiesced to the off-eBay sale.

Blocking the bidder and leaving the auction up is the best move, in my opinion.

I assume since you meant this to be a Fixed Price listing, that the opening bid is your FP asking price? If so, you can't actually lose money if a real bidder comes along.