Suspicious seller or am I just paranoid?

[midschooljon]

So a week ago I saw a bike for sale on FB the other day and the price was pretty cheap. Not a total bargain, but cheap enough for me to have a closer look. I sent the seller a message to see how long the top tube was and he said he wasn't sure. Anyway, I decided to walk away and didnt think too much of it.

Yesterday I was trawling FB again and came across the ad a 2nd time. I messaged the guy and asked if it was still available and he said yes. I asked if the hubs were sealed or unsealed and he said he didn't know. At that point I started to wonder what was going on as its supposed to be his bike but he doesn't appear to know much about it.

I then low ball him an offer which he accepts, but when I ask for his paypal he says I must send him mine so he can create an invoice.

now all of the above could be perfectly legit, but something has me spooked. Do I sound paranoid? or is the guy acting shady?

[nosepickben]

That is very odd. You're right to be suspicious, i would be. Tell him you've had 2nd thoughts and need more info.

[midschooljon]

Turns out after some facebook digging and reference checks the guy is sound as can be. I think I just need to chill out a bit. 

[snoopy72]

That's ok as long as he doesn't ask for you paypal password , now that would be dodgy.

[nosepickben]

Turns out after some facebook digging and reference checks the guy is sound as can be. I think I just need to chill out a bit. 

Good good. Better to be cautious though, especially when you're talking a few hundred quid.

[brummie]

if he sends you an invoice you would be covered by paypal anyways jon

[newlovetattoos]

Its a weird way to go about things though. If be cautious in the same circumstances. By the way, theres a pigeon stuck in your bank account.. it flew in there when the cleaner opened the door and ill need your details to let it out again.

[griff]

Its a weird way to go about things though. If be cautious in the same circumstances. By the way, theres a pigeon stuck in your bank account.. it flew in there when the cleaner opened the door and ill need your details to let it out again.

 

[dancetothedrummersbeat]

Pleased it's all legit, but it does sound dodgy and a strange way to go about things. I've never understood why people do things half arsed. For instance, advertising something for sale that somebody will clearly pay good money for, but not putting a decent photo up or answering basic questions about an item when they must know the answers. Really gets on my nerves.  suckers.

[CustardLips]

Hyper Metro Jon ?

[kalex]

I've had something similar and the bloke wouldn't let me send as gift and insisted I sent it as goods payment.

He said he'd been scammed before and now does everything correctly or not at all.

everything worked out right though