[NYCshopGirl80]

I should have known better. I bought someting via eBay yesterday. I had emailed the seller a few questions about item during the auction. I didn't win, but she said she was looking to get more money and offered me a second chance. Then after I accepted, she told me that she didn't want to use paypal, even though it was offered on her auction. We went back and forth. I decided I didn't want to use bank transfer because it was unsafe. Even though I committed to the transfer I told her several times, only paypal. She went on and on about how they had taken her money and frozen her account once, etc. and how she felt safer using money transfer. I should have seen the red flags. I said I didn't feel comfortable, and then she suggested Western Union because I could pay by CC and get my money back if someting went wrong. Not thinking, I went ahead and sent $200. Thinking, well, it's the same thing as paypal really... So I told her when it was complete and she started writing me that the money wasn't sent fast enough ($40 extra charge) and I should cancel and send it faster. And what a headache I was causing and all she was doing to accomodate me. "I wasn't even the winner."... I started getting a sketchy feeling. Why did she want the cash so fast? So I called Western Union and told them to cancel. They told me they couldn't. The money was in her account and even though I paid with my VISA CC, they couldn't touch it. She would have to refund it to me. Last I heard from this seller, she was going to talk to her bank today and see if she still wants to deal with me because I'm so slow. I have a feeling she'll say she doesn't want to do it and then take my money. What do I do? If this is a scam, which I sense it is, do I have any ground to stand on? Should I still contact Ebay? My CC company? Help!!!!

[geniepr]

You just gave money away. Western Union is not safe for buyers and now you can't even leave feedback. The seller is not losing anything. There is no way I will send WU unless is a very reputable seller and I completed the transaction thru eBay.

I normally use moneygram because it is cheaper (only $14) but they have a disclousure explaining why is not safe to send money for online purchases. I guess WU do the same.

Try contacting your cc company right away but if the seller already took the money there's little they can do.

[geniepr]

also once you sent the money, the money wasn't going to just pop up in her bank account, she needed to go pick up in an agent location and again normally is ready to pick up within minutes even when is sent "next day"

[chipmunk-pnw]

I didn't know there was such a thing as speed with WU money transfers. That's crazy. I'd do a credit card chargeback right away. Don't wait, don't even tell her.

[b3stbuy]

i also didnt know western union accepts credit cards...geez

[forchanel]

Ahh I'm sorry to hear this

[NYCshopGirl80]

I spent a few hours on the phone with western union and finally got some who said they'd try and stop the transaction and it would probably be returned to me in a week... but might still end up in her bank account.

I also called my bank and they seemed confident that I could refute the charge, but had to wait until it cleared three days after initiating it. I'm really frustrated. This thing hasn't gone through yet, so you'd think I could stop it.

I didn't tell the seller it's likely stopped. She keeps writing me saying how awful this is and claiming to be helping me get my money to one of us. I know she just wants to see cash period and it's all bs.

I'm glad it's just $200. Still a lot of money, but it could have been more.

All of her listings also go pulled by eBay and I got a warning message. She says this is because she had trouble paying her ebay fees and her account got frozen. I've never seen a listing just vanish.

[SOLIDGOLD2]

if you had a bad feeling you shouldn't have gone thru with it

[b3stbuy]

i hope everything turns out well for you my dear :)

[Varied_obsessions]

This is awful! They spend so much time thinking of scams is just crazy!!Always follow your gut. I really hope that everything works out in your favor.

[lovinalotofbags]

Something I won, eBay wiped it clean, could find no evidence of it. Opened up a dispute but forgot about the deadline to escalate. Luckily, I did get my merchandise.

Ladies, intuition. If it feels bad, then do not go through with it.

[LV Rawks]

Oh boy...I hope that you are able to stop the transaction. This seller sounds wacky. Even if she is not scamming you, telling you that you are too slow is just rude! If she felt that you were acting slow, she should have agreed to accept payment through paypal as originally listed.

[mmmpurses!]

Originally Posted by NYCshopGirl80

All of her listings also go pulled by eBay and I got a warning message. She says this is because she had trouble paying her ebay fees and her account got frozen. I've never seen a listing just vanish.

So sorry this is happening, crossing fingers you are able to work it out and get your money back!

FYI as far as fees are concerned, you do not sell something and instantly 'have' to pay your eBay fees. Most if not all sellers accounts are set up to accrue thru a period then become due either (1) last day of the of the month or (2) sometime around middle of month.

Also eBay refunds the fees when listings are pulled, so whatever that seller is telling you is very full of you-know-what..

[RowdyAndPete]

Oh no this is horrible I hope you are able to re-coup your money!

[i_love_yorkie]

i have used WU many times before and as my understanding, it should be fast cash.
she said it was fast enough, how come when you call WU they said it is already in her "account"?
also, when i use WU, the receiver must come to any local agent and pick up the money, not to any kind of bank like paypal, that's why people dont trust WU.
so you should check again about that. you can alwyas stop ur payment as long as she hasnt pick it up.
call WU again and let them HEAR YOUR TONE...KWIM