About Andrew Wee
Andrew Wee | Blogging | Affiliate Marketing | Social Traffic Generation | Internet Marketing

BizExcellerated Internet Marketing: Achieve mastery in blogging, affiliate marketing, social traffic generation at Andrew Wee

4/09/2007

eBay Nigeria Scam Exposed

It’s easy to focus on the $6 billion money train that is the eBay “digital marketplace” (or auction site in everyday language – “Internet Marketers, Are you on the eBay Money Train Yet?” But if you’re not careful, you could fall prey to scam artists.

With a worldwide audience, that set of Pez dispensers could evoke a fierce bidding war between collectors in Belgium and Thailand, and the tussle could boost your sale price quite substantially. But again, beware the sharks out there.

Last week, I put up a cell phone for auction on eBay and within 4 hours, a buyer took up the “Buy It Now” option, purchasing the phone at the price I specified. This certainly was a bright prospect for my eBay plans. What’s more I got a PayPal payment notification from the UK buyer, along with an email that read:

Hello,
I just sent the payment for the item. I also included
an estimated cost of shipping to Nigeria for my son
company. Please let me know when you get a
notification from ebay that Slong Girl sent you a
payment. Send me the tracking number via auspost as
soon as you ship the item. I am having difficulties
getting across to my son that manage her father
company over there. I gave his address to paypal for
verification and it has been confirmed so it should be
in the payment notification.
His correct mailing address again is:

Atolagbe Agbede
03 Ijaiye Road
Opp Mobil Filling Station
Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos
Nigeria 23401

Thanks and I hope to read from you as soon as possible
cos I want this to get to him at the shortest period
of time.
Slong,
girl

—

A UK buyer asking for a cell phone to be sent to Nigeria?

Plus the PayPal “payment notification” looked dubious. The payment amounts were all wrong and it came from “Services@Paypal.com” instead of the regular “service@paypal.com” (a hallmark of scam artists = poor spelling).

Even better, the email was sent from: “pp.notification.status@post.com” and “pp.notification1@gmail.com” – pretty poor email spoofing if you ask me.

–

As if these weren’t bad enough, the “bidder” had the audacity to send more fake email:

Dear andrew wee,

We hereby notify you of the transaction that was effected by Slong Girl for the

payment of the item(s) purchased from you on eBayand provide guidelines on how your funds

would be released.

A notification of this transaction on PayPal as been sent to you immediately the payment

was effected, and we are yet to read from you. Please be informed that the money has

been deducted from Slong Girl account and is pending on PayPal database.

This money will be released into your account as soon as the tracking number for the shipment

has been sent to us at pp.notification.status@mail.com for verification. You are adviced

to ship this item and send the tracking number you recieve from the post office to us at the

above email address.

We will send you an email as soon as the funds has been released into your account, until then

we wait for the tracking number for the shipment. Ship the Item to the address included in the

email used to you notify you of the payment for your item(s) ONLY!

Thank you using PayPal.

Chris Campbell

PP Email ID 936

This was sent from the same mail.com and gmail.com emails.

–

So the scam works in this way:

  • They do a bait and switch on you: A US or UK eBay buyer will request for the item to be sent to Nigeria.
  • They’ll mail you saying the payment is “held” pending shipment of the item and for you to send them the tracking number.
  • If you fall for this, you’ll ship the item.
  • They’ll disappear.

If you’re unsure, mail eBay’s customer service and get assistance.

Other telltale scam artist signs:

  • The account was created a few hours or a few days ago
  • Yours is the first item they have bought (they seem to like cell phones, PDAs and small electronic equipment they can presumably offload into the black market easily)

Checking the eBay site a day later, I found the person’s account had been suspended.

They are persistant though, here’s a followup email I received:

Hello,
I just sent the payment for the item. I also included
an estimated cost of shipping to Nigeria for my son
company. Please let me know when you get a
notification from ebay that Slong Girl sent you a
payment. Send me the tracking number via auspost as
soon as you ship the item. I am having difficulties
getting across to my son that manage her father
company over there. I gave his address to paypal for
verification and it has been confirmed so it should be
in the payment notification.
His correct mailing address again is:

Atolagbe Agbede
03 Ijaiye Road
Opp Mobil Filling Station
Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos
Nigeria 23401

Thanks and I hope to read from you as soon as possible
cos I want this to get to him at the shortest period
of time.
Slong,
girl

—

If you’re newer to eBay, do realize that the protocol is to receive payments BEFORE you ship items to the buyer.

PayPal provides some level of consumer protection for buyers, but you need to be savvy if you’re a seller.

–

Update: A buddy who is an eBay powerseller recommends listing items at the Bidz marketplace (which has some similarities to eBay – take note, it’s primarily focused on jewellery auctions).

If you’re interested in checking it out:

Related Posts

Zemanta
« Older Comments

647 comments on eBay Nigeria Scam Exposed

  1. landlords insurance
    April 15, 2014 at 2:48 am (10 months ago)

    As a tenant-turned-reluctant-landlord, Cluett Peabody has plenty of
    landlords who are proactively addressing questions these tenants have
    about more of these properties. Profits at DIY sister chain
    Homebase crashed 50% to £22. On Jan 11, 2000, Ms.

    Owners of smaller apartment properties are billed four and five.
    Rodriguez/Getty Images12th Annual American Black Film Festival Closing
    Film” The Black Dahlia” in headlines. The biggest impacts of immigration have been
    felt in market towns and rural areas least used to an influx of people.

    Ahead of tenants the court system.

  2. lightbarrel286.exteen.com
    April 19, 2014 at 10:46 am (10 months ago)

    Amazing issues here. I’m very happy to peer your article.
    Thanks so much and I am having a look ahead to touch you.
    Will you kindly drop me a mail?

  3. youtube.com
    April 25, 2014 at 12:25 pm (9 months ago)

    Hi there, I discovered your blog by way of
    Google even as looking for a comparable matter, your website got here
    up, it appears great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hello there, simply turned into aware of your blog via Google, and found that it is truly informative.
    I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful should you continue this
    in future. Numerous folks will probably be benefited out of your writing.
    Cheers!

  4. temp
    May 18, 2014 at 2:53 am (9 months ago)

    What’? up friends, how is the ?hole thing, and what you want to say regarding this post, in my ?iew
    its actually ?mazing designed fo? me.

  5. Gist Africa
    May 27, 2014 at 3:39 am (8 months ago)

    Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and
    tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views.

    I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  6. mane and tail Shampoo and conditioner
    June 14, 2014 at 10:09 am (8 months ago)

    We’re a bunch of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.

    Your website provided us with useful information to work on. You have done a formidable job
    and our entire group shall be thankful to you.

  8. Burbank Car Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
    June 16, 2014 at 11:06 pm (8 months ago)

    I would have expected injuries and other obvious evidence,
    ” said Main. Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. Never make the mistake that your business can’t be sued.

  9. Official site
    June 25, 2014 at 11:42 am (7 months ago)

    amazon cordless stick vacuum

  10. rasperry
    July 17, 2014 at 2:08 pm (7 months ago)

    We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our
    community. Your web site offered us with valuable info to work
    on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be thankful to you.

  11. search engine optimization marketing services
    July 25, 2014 at 7:10 am (6 months ago)

    It’s amazing to go to see this site and reading the views
    of all colleagues regarding this piece of writing, while I am also keen of getting
    knowledge.

  13. ????????????????????
    July 31, 2014 at 8:08 am (6 months ago)

    Hello, I do believe your website may be having web browser compatibility
    problems. Whenever I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however,
    if opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, excellent website!

  14. Jacquelyn
    August 1, 2014 at 1:15 pm (6 months ago)

    excellent points altogether, you just gained
    a emblem new reader. What may you suggest about your publish that you just made some days
    ago? Any sure?

  15. NEW BALANCE (???????) 576
    August 2, 2014 at 11:03 am (6 months ago)

    I’m not sure where you are getting your information,
    but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding
    more. Thanks for fantastic info I was looking for this info for my
    mission.

  16. http://www.thefacestars.com/
    August 15, 2014 at 4:58 pm (6 months ago)

    These may not be quite adept at managing travel trailer insurances,
    because this is entirely funeral insurance a different ballgame.
    Naturally, the GOP greeted anything that the Obama White House did — from regulating pollution to flossing after meals — as
    something that replaces payment; it is now shrouded in mystery.
    747 million international tourists traveled worldwide between January and April 1992.
    Gillman said travelers should call their insurer quickly and get the idea some
    press.

  17. web site
    August 16, 2014 at 2:59 am (6 months ago)

    If you want to get a good deal from this piece of writing then you have to apply
    these methods to your won web site.

  18. squadron hobbies
    August 18, 2014 at 11:34 am (6 months ago)

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog.
    You have some really grteat posts and I think I
    would be a good asset. If you ever want too take some of the load
    off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your
    blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested.
    Many thanks!

  19. black zip up hoodie new look
    August 21, 2014 at 5:55 am (5 months ago)

    Hey! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok.
    I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to
    new updates.

  20. http://vt-064.grid.sinica.edu.tw
    August 26, 2014 at 9:51 am (5 months ago)

    Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks, However I am having problems with your RSS.
    I don’t know the reason why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anyone else
    having similar RSSproblems? Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond?
    Thanks!!

  21. Renaldo
    September 2, 2014 at 5:22 pm (5 months ago)

    May I just say what a comfort to discover someone who really understands what they are talking about online.
    You actually know how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
    A lot more people must read this and understand this side of your story.
    I was surprised you aren’t more popular since you most certainly have the gift.

  22. Shayne
    September 3, 2014 at 7:39 am (5 months ago)

    It’s remarkable in favor of me to have a web page,which iis helpful in support of my know-how.
    thanks admin

  23. pozycjonowanie stron gliwice
    September 15, 2014 at 7:57 am (5 months ago)

    Ka?dy z nas zetkn?? si? z faktem, zalecam zaznajomienie si? z punktem.

  24. acne lesions
    September 21, 2014 at 3:11 am (4 months ago)

    obviously like your web-site but you have to take a look at the
    spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife
    with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to inform
    the truth nevertheless I’ll certainly come again again.

  25. penile enhancer
    September 21, 2014 at 6:39 am (4 months ago)

    hi!,I really like your writing so much! share we keep
    in touch more approximately your post on AOL?
    I need a specialist in this space to unravel my problem.
    May be that’s you! Taking a look ahead to peer you.

  26. dealing with panic attacks
    September 21, 2014 at 12:58 pm (4 months ago)

    You wont find Adiphene in your native pharmacy or some huge
    store like Walmart or Walgreens. It’s conceivable to accomplish
    this objective the conventional path moreover through an equalized
    eating methodology and exercise. Adiphene Weight Loss Supplements Offers a Unique 25% Discount n select package fr Online B Worldwide If the
    online critiques are something to go by, Adiphene is an efficient weight-loss option.

  27. site de rencontre gay cam
    September 21, 2014 at 8:52 pm (4 months ago)

    Hello very cool site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also?
    I am satisfied to seek out numerous helpful information here within the post, we’d like develop more strategies in this regard, thanks
    for sharing. . . . . .

  28. ALL KWs
    September 25, 2014 at 11:38 pm (4 months ago)

    I every time spent my half an hour to read this website’s posts
    everyday along with a cup of coffee.

  29. fitness blogs
    September 26, 2014 at 3:35 am (4 months ago)

    These are really wonderful ideass in about blogging.
    You have touched some nice poinmts here. Any way keep
    up wrinting.

  30. pinterest
    October 8, 2014 at 7:51 am (4 months ago)

    It should come as no surprise, then, that Pinterest is fast
    becoming a top social networking tool. This tool (once called
    Pin – Clout) is very similar to Facebook Insights. See the action on the left hand column of the home page.

  31. Brandi
    October 9, 2014 at 4:38 am (4 months ago)

    I amm now not sure whwre you are gettibg your info, however
    good topic. I needs to spend some time sstudying more or figuing out more.
    Thannk you for magnificent information I used to be looking foor this info for my mission.

  32. Cisco.fr
    October 14, 2014 at 8:30 am (4 months ago)

    Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and
    I’m inspired! Very useful information specifically the closing
    part :) I take care of such info a lot. I was seeking
    this particular info for a long time. Thanks and best of luck.

  33. fury today
    October 15, 2014 at 8:57 am (4 months ago)

    It’s enormous that you are getting ideas from this post as well as from our discussion made
    here.

  34. healthywaterdrinks.wordpress.com
    October 17, 2014 at 3:19 pm (4 months ago)

    I always emaild this web site post page to all my friends, because if like to read iit next my contacts will
    too.

  35. pinoy tv mmk
    October 20, 2014 at 1:06 pm (3 months ago)

    In the second case, it is better to use speakers to improve the volume and quality of the sound you would get.
    India will tie-up with leading movie production houses to bring local Bollywood movies online.

    Since you’re interested in watching online
    movies on television, you do not want to compromise on the Internet connection speed
    part.

  36. stomatolog gdynia forum
    October 21, 2014 at 12:48 am (3 months ago)

    Niezwyk?e spojrzenie na sytuacj?, ka?dy powinien rozczyta? i zaznajomi? si? z motywem.

  37. marketingchris.com
    October 22, 2014 at 4:54 pm (3 months ago)

    It’s actually very complex in this busy life to
    listen news on TV, thus I only use web for that reason,
    and obtain the newest information.

  39. casetas de madera para perros
    November 17, 2014 at 5:27 pm (2 months ago)

    A mi perra le estoy dando el acana puppy large breed pero no le sienta nada bien,
    me gustaría probar con criadores cachorros mas querría una muestra antes para poder
    ver si le sienta bien, puesto que es un tanto delicada de estomago.

  40. doral billiards
    January 12, 2015 at 2:13 pm (3 weeks ago)

    Quality posts is the secret to attract the people to pay a
    quick visit the web site, that’s what this web site is providing.

7 Pingbacks & Trackbacks on eBay Nigeria Scam Exposed

  3. Scam Warning | Mr Bunny Chow
    December 1, 2011 at 4:39 pm (3 years ago)

    […] Oh lookie here.  Someone else has mentioned the scam on the web. […]

Leave a reply

© Copyrighted Andrew Wee | Blogging | Affiliate Marketing | Social Traffic Generation | Internet Marketing 2015.Powered by WordPress.