problems paying for an ebay item

Kero · Post by **Kero** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 3:30 pm

So I won an item on Friday but was out of town and could do nothing. Sunday, the seller sends an invoice and payment is by visa/mastercard. However, the invoice just takes me to the ebay checkout system that sends an automatic email to the seller telling them I'm sending the payment. Thus far, there had been no instructions on HOW to pay. So I respond back to the seller asking them how to pay. No answer. On Monday night email again, this time using ebay's system to contact them, figuring I'd better leave a trail showing I'm TRYING to pay. Then today, I get an email telling me to call a number and their office will take my credit card number. Sketchy. Well, I call anyway, figuring that I will use my real credit card (rather than a debit card) for extra protection. What do I get? Voice mail. I left a message asking them to call me and tell me when they have office hours! So what do I do now? Does anyone else think this is a bit absurd? I'd just like to pay for my item! I'm supposed to get it within five days of payment sent - I was hoping I'd have it for the weekend - I guess not!!

Shampoo · Post by **Shampoo** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 4:44 pm

Unless its a travel agency or hotel I would be insanely
weary of reciting c.c. numbers over the phone and
especially on recording devices.

Personally, I think they are making you jump thru t hoops
when its as simple as sending a money order or paypal payment.

I'd be cautious and not send them anything over the
phone. At least forms leave electronic trails.

Just my 2 yen

Good luck!

Kero · Post by **Kero** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 4:59 pm

I tend to agree with you Shampoo! It's sketchy.

I find it quite interesting that here I am afraid to give my cc info over the phone and want the internet, while a decade ago (or more), it was the other way around!

Killua · Post by **Killua** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 6:24 pm

Sounds scammy, and this goes against Ebay's policies. Don't pay, and report them to Ebay.

ReiTheJelly · Post by **ReiTheJelly** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 7:21 pm

Aren't all sellers required to accept Paypal payments now? This sounds VERY fishy - I would definitely report this to eBay.

Kero · Post by **Kero** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 8:33 pm

I thought it was required too. However, I looked at the what payments the sellers could require. I think outside cc processors were allowed but they had to be web based. There were a variety of options, most of which I've never heard of.

I "chatted" with a customer service person from Paypal. They suggested I ask the seller for the website of the cc service or ask them for their Paypal email address. Otherwise report them to the Ebay Trust and Safety Team.

I've been using ebay for 7 years now and never encountered anything like this.

Kero · Post by **Kero** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 5:19 pm

So I politely wrote the seller and asked for a web based credit card processor. He just sent the exact information (he must have copied and pasted it!) - to call a number and give CC info. I contacted ebay's Trust and Safety Team so hopefully this will get resolved. Grrrr...