eBay sellers BEWARE of new scam targeting high value coins and collectibles

silvereaglecoins · February 10, 2006 11:46PM

I recently sold a lot of (100) Australian kookaburras on eBay to a buyer with 100% positive feedback and a PayPal Confirmed Address:

Shipping Address:

Nick Morello
202 US Route One PMB186
Falmouth, ME 04105
United States
Confirmed

Unfortunately, the day after I shipped, I was notifed by PayPal that the transaction was possibly fraudulent and that I would be charged back the entire amount!

I then discovered that the "Confirmed Address" was in fact a mail drop at a "UPS Store". Had I know that little fact, I most likely would have not shipped the goods. So, even with 100% positive feedback and a confirmed address, the SELLER is still liable for fraudulent transactions which simply amazes me.

If fact, two days later, I received another order for (100) Australia lunar coins (not from eBay) shipping to a PayPal "Confirmed Address" which in fact was another UPS Store in Salt Lake City. Luckily, I held the goods and have not shipped this order.

So... eBay sellers beware of this "loophole" in the eBay and PayPal security policy. NEVER, EVER ship to an address that looks "suspicious". Most UPS Store or Mail Boxes Etc addresses will have a street address plus a PMB number or odd looking Suite number. PMB stands for Postal Mail Box which the criminal can use as a mail drop to commit fraud. If an address looks strange, simply enter the zip code into the UPS Store Locator Website to see if your buyer is shipping to a mail drop. I'm not saying that everyone who uses mail drops are criminals, just that there are many criminals out there who use them. Stay safe.

satootoko · February 10, 2006 11:55PM

<< PMB stands for Postal Mail Box which the criminal can use as a mail drop to commit fraud. >>

Actually, it stands for "Private Mail Box", and the Post Office requires the term to be included by all mail drops, not just UPS, but also Mailboxes Etc., and the others.

In other words, even if a UPS search doesn't give you a matching address, any PMB address is a mail drop and as such the equivalent of a PO box.

The old gimmick of using an apartment or suite number in the address to conceal the nature of the address is technically illegal, and can result in mail addressed that way being returned - if the route clerk is on his/her toes.

wybrit · February 11, 2006 12:16AM

Unbelieveable. Thanks for posting this and I'm very sorry about your loss. I guess even PayPal is now requires a mandatory waiting peroid before shipping (like personal cheques)!!

wybrit · February 11, 2006 12:17AM

BTW do you have the ebay user ID for this transaction? I would like to block his ID, FWIW.

docday2003 · February 11, 2006 12:26AM

thanks for the informative heads-up! and sorry to hear about your loss.

coinpictures · February 11, 2006 2:05AM

<< Unbelieveable. Thanks for posting this and I'm very sorry about your loss. I guess even PayPal is now requires a mandatory waiting peroid before shipping (like personal cheques)!! >>

Problem is that if you don't ship within 7 days you are not covered by the seller protection policy, so you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

Just out of curiosity, to the OP: You say the buyer 100% positive feedback. What was the feedback score?

cosmicdebris · February 11, 2006 3:03AM

NARUED

2ndCharter · February 11, 2006 3:45AM

Classic M.O. for a scam artist - joined eBay a few months ago, made a few transactions for $10 or less to pick up a modest feedback and then, BINGO, goes for the score.

Sorry about your loss. Hopefully, somebody can nail this clown.

CIVITAS · February 11, 2006 4:52AM

Can you notify local Falmouth police and have them waiting at the PMB when he picks up his package?

IlikeZARcoins · February 11, 2006 7:20AM

Some nice pieces in your World Gold Civitas....

silvereaglecoins · February 11, 2006 7:57AM

Thanks Roy for the clarification on PMB. Either way, PMB = Red Flag.

I should have looked at his past transactions a little closer but he was "PayPal Verified", had a "Confirmed Address", and a "perfect feedback rating". He even went to the trouble of putting together an About Me eBay Page which made me believe he was a legitimate eBay buyer/seller.

Luckily, I got the Falmouth, Maine police involved and called the local UPS Store. They are going to attempt to intercept the package and arrest this criminal. I am crossing my fingers...

AndyNC2005 · February 12, 2006 2:48PM

He also received a positive feedback score from you. Another reason to wait until the transaction is fully completed before giving feedback.

Andy

danglen · February 12, 2006 10:53PM

<< He also received a positive feedback score from you. Another reason to wait until the transaction is fully completed before giving feedback. >>

I second the motion!

mrearlygold · February 13, 2006 1:11AM

<< Thanks Roy for the clarification on PMB. Either way, PMB = Red Flag.
I've been using a mailboxes etc ( now ups store) for over 15 years since I left Heritage and opened my own business. Your "red flag" is nonsense. Just because you didn't do your own due dilligence doesn't give you the right to slander everyone who uses a PO or PMB box.

My best connection in the business who does over 25 Million a year in Numismatc business uses a PMB box as well.

Get real

coinpictures · February 13, 2006 1:27AM

Dude, try some decaf.

No reason for you to take it as personal attack, nor respond as such.

Also, no one was equating "P.O. Box" with "PMB" until you implied that.

mrearlygold · February 13, 2006 1:34AM

mact · February 15, 2006 8:26AM

<< I should have looked at his past transactions a little closer but he was "PayPal Verified", had a "Confirmed Address", and a "perfect feedback rating". He even went to the trouble of putting together an About Me eBay Page which made me believe he was a legitimate eBay buyer/seller. >>

<< Your "red flag" is nonsense. Just because you didn't do your own due dilligence >>

What more is one expected to do regarding due dilligence?

eBay sellers BEWARE of new scam targeting high value coins and collectibles

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