Tell me how I can get scammed on this deal.

[marmasatt]

Tell me how I can get scammed on this... seriously.

So I signed up for the Southwest Rapid Rewards program (and credit card) because I figured we may be going to Disney. One of the bonuses was 4 one way vouchers to anywhere SW flies. Great deal, I'm pretty sure I posted it in the Hot Deals section. Well as it stands, we can't swing Disney so I figured I would just unload these tickets for a few hundred and be done with it. Well, the more I thought about it, I decided to post on Craigslist and just advise that I'd like about 80% as a flat fee of whatever the cost was. (Knowing full well that I'm not going to let someone go from like DC to FL for like $149 a ticket when they could be used for Vegas or CA to the tune of $600 each.) These are the old rewards so they can be pretty valuable I guess.

Well I've had various conversations over the weekend with local folks and I've got a guy in CA (I'm in RI) who is the highest offer and wants to paypal me the money. And he is willing to let everything clear and also to move it to my bank account. I know PP can do anything, but what are the chances of them being able to tie up my bank account after alleged "real" money had already been moved to an account?

He is also asking me to accept a "flat fee" of $600. The rewards are fully transferable, but I literally have to make the person's itinerary. Other than getting "seller's remorse" when I book like $1800 worth of flights after I let them go for $600-$700, how can I get scammed in this situation? Am I missing something obvious? I spoke with him on the phone and he seemed like a nice enough guy actually. I don't think I can get him send me a bank check. I know I wouldn't. I'm skeptical. .Let me know. Thanks.

 

[RavenSEAL]

 

[olds]

Stolen CC that takes PayPal a bit to figure out?

 

[FoBoT]

you said craigslist and paypal

right there, scam scam scam

 

[olds]

 

[Brainonska511]

Craigslist = CASH only

 

[marmasatt]

Stolen CC that takes PayPal a bit to figure out?

That's what I was thinking.

But he offered Echeck too.

What *is* the best way to do this aside good ol AT FS/FT bank check or money order?

 

[marmasatt]

He literally admits to trolling the internet for them (due to their possible value) and they are getting harder and harder to find. So he claims.

 

[FoBoT]

http://www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/Crimes/Delivered/airline_tickets.htm
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/22/Tampabay/Seeking_a_deal_Don_t_.shtml
http://www.elliott.org/blog/scam-alert-dont-buy-southwest-tickets-on-craigslist/
http://slickdeals.net/forums/archive/index.php/archive/t-3357634.html

 

[marmasatt]

http://www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/Crimes/Delivered/airline_tickets.htm
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/22/Tampabay/Seeking_a_deal_Don_t_.shtml
http://www.elliott.org/blog/scam-alert-dont-buy-southwest-tickets-on-craigslist/
http://slickdeals.net/forums/archive/index.php/archive/t-3357634.html

Thanks for the links. But 3 out of 4 of those are people who purchased them. I'm the seller, and I'm not scamming anyone, lol. Per the SW website, they are fully transferable.

 

[marmasatt]

Update: So this guy paid me $700! I didn't even ask for it. Matter of fact, I mentioned I want a bank check. We never consummated or acknowledged a deal. He seems nice enough but he is a bit pushy for my liking and now this?! He has given me references of people he has paid via pp for these exact same things. He has a confirmed address, he is verified. He scours the internet trying to get all that are left and he gave me 6 of his last traders as refs. And I called one of the references today that appears to check out. I believe he is a travel agent of some sort who gets these and then possibly turns them over for even more than I get....

Thoughts?

If this payment "clears" and I can move it to my account. What is the worst that can happen?

 

[FoBoT]

What is the worst that can happen?

yeah, you are wrong about that
go read the landlord rent check thread and substitute your name and paypal/airplane voucher for tangojuliet and his $2500 rent money

don't come crying to ATOT when they freeze your paypal and linked bank account and clawback the stolen funds

 

[Brainonska511]

If this payment "clears" and I can move it to my account. What is the worst that can happen?

You get screwed in a couple months when it comes out that the funds were from a stolen CC or stolen account.

 

[Ns1]

If this payment "clears" and I can move it to my account. What is the worst that can happen?

Turns out funds were fraudulent, money backed out of your account, you go to collections, end up in the hospital with a broken anus because you need to sell yourself to pay back your creditors.


I have done the deal in the OP twice as a buyer. I would suggest you sell for cash at your local starbucks.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Have him send you USPS money order via registered mail.

That way you know the funds are valid.

And if you then renege, you will have the Postal Inspectors chasing you.

That is one reason why scammers do not like to send items through the mail. They would rather pay the costs of FedEx or UPS to protect themselves

 

[EagleKeeper]

Update: So this guy paid me $700! I didn't even ask for it. Matter of fact, I mentioned I want a bank check. We never consummated or acknowledged a deal. He seems nice enough but he is a bit pushy for my liking and now this?! He has given me references of people he has paid via pp for these exact same things. He has a confirmed address, he is verified. He scours the internet trying to get all that are left and he gave me 6 of his last traders as refs. And I called one of the references today that appears to check out. I believe he is a travel agent of some sort who gets these and then possibly turns them over for even more than I get....

Thoughts?

If this payment "clears" and I can move it to my account. What is the worst that can happen?

Before you cash the check; call up the issuing bank and verify the funds are legit. Then you are good to go.

 

[Schfifty Five]

Update: So this guy paid me $700! I didn't even ask for it. Matter of fact, I mentioned I want a bank check. We never consummated or acknowledged a deal. He seems nice enough but he is a bit pushy for my liking and now this?! He has given me references of people he has paid via pp for these exact same things. He has a confirmed address, he is verified. He scours the internet trying to get all that are left and he gave me 6 of his last traders as refs. And I called one of the references today that appears to check out. I believe he is a travel agent of some sort who gets these and then possibly turns them over for even more than I get....

Thoughts?

If this payment "clears" and I can move it to my account. What is the worst that can happen?

Refund it to him and reply saying that you will only accept a United States Postal Service Money Order.

Assuming he's legit and an honest buyer, if he's willing to wait for a paypal payment to clear and all, he should be able to wait for a USPS MO to clear too.

Though, I've heard even USPS MOs can be forged. But I'm sure it's safer than Paypal.

 

[marmasatt]

Turns out funds were fraudulent, money backed out of your account, you go to collections, end up in the hospital with a broken anus because you need to sell yourself to pay back your creditors.


I have done the deal in the OP twice as a buyer. I would suggest you sell for cash at your local starbucks.

What does this mean exactly?

Trust me, I know I'm in a jam. It's just so tempting. His story checks out though.

 

[Ns1]

What does this mean exactly?

Trust me, I know I'm in a jam. It's just so tempting. His story checks out though.

1. Post on craigslist
2. Meet @ Starbucks with laptop
3. Get money from buyer
4. Book ticket for buyer


that's how I did the transaction in the OP. I was the buyer. I'm paranoid as fuck and would never take paypal for craigslist transactions over state lines. That's just asking to get fucked in the ass.

 

[j&j]

OK, if he is paying with Paypal and you aren't shipping anything it's an EASY PEASY TARGET. I mean easy, if you aren't physically shipping anything, all he has to do is open a dispute saying "item not received" and he will win, NO MATTER WHAT. The big no no on Ebay is to post listings for electronic items as a savvy scammer can purchase your item and you send him the code, etc. by email and Paypal does not consider that proof of delivery and will always side with the buyer.

if the dude sent you money, send it the fuck back.

 

[marmasatt]

OK, if he is paying with Paypal and you aren't shipping anything it's an EASY PEASY TARGET. I mean easy, if you aren't physically shipping anything, all he has to do is open a dispute saying "item not received" and he will win, NO MATTER WHAT. The big no no on Ebay is to post listings for electronic items as a savvy scammer can purchase your item and you send him the code, etc. by email and Paypal does not consider that proof of delivery and will always side with the buyer.

if the dude sent you money, send it the fuck back.

Now this is the best argument I've heard. Hypothetically what could go wrong..

 

[Q]

OK, if he is paying with Paypal and you aren't shipping anything it's an EASY PEASY TARGET. I mean easy, if you aren't physically shipping anything, all he has to do is open a dispute saying "item not received" and he will win, NO MATTER WHAT. The big no no on Ebay is to post listings for electronic items as a savvy scammer can purchase your item and you send him the code, etc. by email and Paypal does not consider that proof of delivery and will always side with the buyer.

if the dude sent you money, send it the fuck back.

noob poster might actually be the best answer here. :thumbsup:

 

[MotionMan]

OP, is the buyer's name Harvey?

(Serious question!)

MotionMan

 

[Meghan54]

yeah, you are wrong about that
go read the landlord rent check thread and substitute your name and paypal/airplane voucher for tangojuliet and his $2500 rent money

don't come crying to ATOT when they freeze your paypal and linked bank account and clawback the stolen funds

You are wrong about that, the bolded part. While Paypal can and would freeze your Paypal account and leave you with a negative balance, Paypal cannot access your linked bank account without your permission.

 

[Ns1]

You are wrong about that, the bolded part. While Paypal can and would freeze your Paypal account and leave you with a negative balance, Paypal cannot access your linked bank account without your permission.

That is true, but they can put your account into a negative position and send your ass to collections.