Is there such a thing as a "mini" escrow for FB purchase?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
Does anyone buy things from FB or Craigslist? I am interested in purchasing something for about $1k. The owner has asked for 10% deposit in good faith until I can come pick it up in 2 weeks (because they are out of town).
I'm not a newbie and know there are many online scammers, so I'm not comfortable just venmo'ing $100, but with the growth of online transactions, I'm wondering if there is some sort of legitimate "mini" escrow holding service that I just don't know about? Any other ideas? |
Anonymous
| That sounds scammy and I wouldn't do it. |
Anonymous
|
Well, I'm not going to just send them money. That's why I'm posting to see if anyone else has suggestions.
FWIW, I have bought and sold many things on FB/CL, including big-ticket items kitchen cabinets, but in most cases, people just show up w cash. |
Anonymous
|
Scam!!!
|
Anonymous
| I've wondered about this too. Do you use ebay? I'm not sure of the fees involved but they could sell it to you over ebay (or possibly etsy) with local pickup. |
Anonymous
| I thikn Paypal has buyer protection, maybe use that? |
Anonymous
|
Better to not send it, and take the risk someone else buys it up while the seller is "out of town"
Probably a scam |
Anonymous
+1. Also how can they sell it while they are out of town and, if so, why can't they just sell it to you? The rule of buying online is to make an offer with a prompt ability to pick up the item (1-2 days max) and not ask someone to hold something for you so this type of escrow arrangement really isn't necessary. As a seller I won't hold an item for someone for more than a few days, waste of everyone's time. |
Anonymous
+1. I could maayyyybbbee see doing this if I was the one who would be out of town but for the seller? No- who else is he going to sell it to if he can't sell while out of town? Why did he post it if going out of town? Scam city |
Anonymous
|
I travel a lot for work, and when I list somethign on eBay, I make sure the auction ends while I'm in town and I'll be in town for a few days after, so I can ship the itme promptly.
Sounds like a scam. Report it. |
Anonymous
| I might do this for a purchase over $1000, but only if there were some legitimacy to the escrow, like if there were a separate business that offered this as a service. Not just giving them some money. |
Anonymous
Scam. Tell them you'll check back in two weeks. |
Anonymous
|
OP here. Yes, it's unusual that they don't want it gone ASAP. The story is, they just sold in Georgetown and have a bunch of newish/ lightly used furniture and appliances they are getting rid of. They moved out of town and will be back in 2 weeks to empty the house.
It's true, it could be a scam. Rather elaborate but possible, that's why I'm being cautious. |
Anonymous
How will he sell it to someone else while he is out of town? |
Anonymous
| Super scammy. Never give a deposit, it’s the FB version of the Nigerian Prince scam. |