Sold something on Gumtree for $500 and the buyer sent me $500 via Paypal to which I realised the funds on hold and to be released in 3 weeks.
I asked the buyer and he advised he knows nothing about why they're on hold, checked Paypal Terms and the terms are some high value purchases are on hold.
Im concerned the item is sent via Post now and the funds could be withdrawn by the buyer?
Cannot believe with ebay/PayPal fraud so common that anyone would even consider using it for gumtree.
Just tell buyer unless the funds are clear, no goods can be released. This of course doesn’t save you from potential fraud later down the track.
Sorry OP, end well this will not
Gumtree Deja vu episode 1000… someone didn't watch the reruns on OzB forums?
The fact that funds are on hold is normal with PayPal and doesn’t necessarily mean fraud.
However, what means fraud is usually the below combination:
High value items + Gumtree + PayPal
This is a lethal combination that is likely to end in tears
Yeah it's mostly to do with the receiver, not verified etc
lol thanks—
I cancelled the whole order based on that advice.,
Jeez man. Ozb since 2009…
And 2000 odd comments!
It's was common on eBay for PayPal to hold the funds until either tracking showed item was delivered or 3 weeks, whichever came first.
It might be possible to upload the tracking details on PayPal to get the funds to clear earlier.
The buyer could initiate a chargeback but it doesn't matter whether funds are on hold or not, you'll probably lose the money either way.
I would advise against large value transactions through PayPal in the future
Initiate a refund from your end and get them to pay the fund using family and friends method.
Paypal notes suggest if I upload the tracking number it will release within a day, is this still risky?
yes, unnecessary risk.
Thanks.
So there is an option of Family/Friends where this is cleared immediately to me and they can't fraud me out?
People don't use it because they don't trust Scumtree Seller's as well .
They would only pay the other way if they had brains .
You can but the buyer can still get a chargeback from their credit card provider. Back transfer is a little safer (if you wait for it to clear and don't trust screenshots)
yep - did that and they declined.
anyway - cancelled order…I actually havnt shipped it yet
It's still risky because they can claim the item is not as described.
For your case, you've already posted the item so may as well upload the tracking number so funds clear quicker.
Friends and Family method is not foolproof either.
If they initiate a chargeback through their bank or credit/debit card then PayPal will take the money back from you
I thought PayPal on gumtree, didn't have buyer protection on transactions like eBay. I could be wrong.
Gumtree = CASH ON COLLECTION.