Possible Paypal scam

[Dropkick Murphy]

I got a message from BTowner (Account created about 11 days ago, zero trade rating) offering me a cash price for some models. We agreed on a price and he insisted he would only pay if I sent an invoice. I know a gut instinct isn't evidence, or proof, but something was off, alarm bells were ringing for me. In all my time here on Bartertown I've never run into somebody only willing to pay via invoice, so I did a little searching and found out that I would lose my seller protection if I sent an invoice, so he could charge back and I would be out the money, and the models. I could be entirely wrong, and I apologize if I am, but I just do not have a good feeling about this.

A few things I read about the invoice scams.

http://www.phonyinvoices.com/paypal-scams/

http://www.e-crimeexpert.com/scams/articles/paypal-scam

[pretre]

I think you're confusing some things. The 'invoice scam' is only when people don't understand how invoicing in paypal works.

1) You send invoice.
2) Person receives and reviews.
3) They pay.
4) You receive money.

The scam is when people ask for goods to be shipped before step 4. I send invoices for folks all the time and never run into a problem as long as you wait for step 4.

[MagickalMemories]

Your first link is when someone else sends you an unexpected PayPal invoice showing that you've already paid for something you haven't bought (basically).
The second link isn't necessarily what's happening with you.

As pretre said; it's normal to send someone an invoice. It's just their way of keeping track & having a paper trail. Also, it shows that you were expecting to receive the money, should it ever matter.

Eric

[Dropkick Murphy]

Thank you Gentlemen.