DISCLAIMER: I DID NOT WRITE THIS A USER OF THE FORUMS DID


Introduction:

I've seen a multitude of people being scammed by this relatively unknown method. This is a simple guide to avoiding this new type of scam lurking around. This guide will touch on the flaws of PayPal and its system.

What is it called?

I personally call it the "invoice" scam. The base of it is a flaw within the PayPal money transfer service that can possibly with proper manipulation be used to convince/deceive a trader that they have been paid.

How Can I Avoid It?

Step 1: Check the SteamRep of the traders you are dealing money with. Some may have unconfirmed scam reports against them and you should probably avoid them.



SteamRep Website [www.steamrep.com]



Step 2: If the sender of the payment is sending an amount of money that is ridiculously high in comparison to other buyers (200 US Dollars for a 100 US Dollar Knife), you should start to take evidence (screenshot the chat, their profile etc.). Start to exercise caution and expect them to be a scammer (not always but most probable)



Step 3: If an amount has been settled, You should have prompted them to send the money to you.

ALWAYS ASK TO BE PAID IN GIFT/FRIENDS AND FAMILY.[/b]
If you are paid in Goods and Services, the sender of the payment is able to dispute/initiate a claim about it with PayPal. This can cause a reversal of the funds you have been sent resulting in a possibly negative balance preventing you from closing your account or removing your credit card.

Friends and Family IS NOT AVALIBLE in some regions such as Singapore, China and Brazil, make sure to screen buyers extra when they do not have this option.



Step 4:

• Is to never send/trade the item unless you see the balance (equal to the price of the item you're selling) on your paypal account. This is very basic

• as well as checking your email address for paypal payment notification email and make sure the sender is member@paypal.com because there's a way to send fake "paypal payment notification email" that looks so legit but is not. If you take a closer look, you'll see that the sender is member@paypl.com or any variation that alters a single or two characters just like those on phishing links which if you're careless can really trick you.

• Finally, in my opinion and experience you can be 80% confident when payment is sent as gift but be aware of payments sent as gift using credit cards and paid via paypal mobile. For scammers might use the "unathorized purchase" claim to get a reversal. If I receive a payment via paypal mobile. I automatically refund the payment and ask the buyer to pay via desktop web browser. If he/she doesn't want to do it. Then don't trade with him/her at all.



Continuing On,

When he/she informs you that the payment has been sent. I cannot stress it enough, MAKE SURE IT READS “PAYMENT FROM”.



If it reads INVOICE FROM[/b].


IMPORTANT> Example Transaction Image [imgur.com]<IMPORTANT



You will not be paid.



An Invoice in it’s simplicity means that they are REQUESTING/ASKING for the amount of money displayed.



IMPORTANT> Example Of An Invoice Page [imgur.com]<IMPORTANT


From This Point On You Should Be Gathering As Much As Possible Evidence


After You Finish Gathering, File A Report On The Scammer on SteamRep

Conclusion:

Thanks For Reading Through This Guide.

I will be updating this guide with more pictures very soon. Meanwhile, Watch Out For Scammers.

I was forced to black out names due to my countries technology law. :/