Help! Scammers?

[StefanieSheehan]

Hi everyone! I would love someone's input on this as I have a weird feeling about a sale I just had..

I got a sale for two rings earlier today from someone but they were pending with Etsy, and later cancelled for once reason or another. Let's say their name was Mary Sharp (which it wasnt). Then, about an hour later I got an order for just one ring (one of them was the same as that previous sale) by a new Etsy screen name, which was also assumably someones real name, completely different from the last order, but it was being shipped to someone with the same last name as the declined sale, to a "Lucy" Sharp. This one was approved because it went through Paypal from some one else with ANOTHER completely different name. I processed that order normally because it went through with Paypal and everything was fine. Now, about three hours later I'm getting another order from the second buyer that is pending again with Etsy for the same two rings that were declined the first time.

I'm super confused and suspicious.
Do you think it's okay to send the ring that went through on PayPal? I'm afraid maybe someone is trying to steal identities since no ones name matches the person paying, and that this is possibly why it was being declined on the first transaction.

Can paypal screw me on my money if its a scammer?

I know this is really confusing but I would so appreciate anyones help or advice.
I don't want to be unprofessional and just not send this order if it is approved and it is just some nice person that isn't a scammer at all!

[Former_Member]

Have you tried emailing them first?
This is new to me. Hmmm

[StefanieSheehan]

First I emailed the email that was given on Etsy, which I never got a response to. I just emailed the PayPal account holder, supposevely. Can a scammer change the email that is linked with the PayPal account?
I dont know, I really think I might just refund and avoid this. I have a very bad feeling about it! She asked me to "call her" if I had any questions about anything and wanted me to ship it quickly.
Just very fishy.

[WithLoveFromLucille]

You always have to keep in mind that there are people using their parents' account.

But, if you have a feeling, you might be right.
As far as I know, we have the right, as shop owners, to refuse service.
Try to get in communication...that's your best bet.

If anything they say from now on sounds fishy, contact Etsy and Paypal.

Good luck Stephanie, keep us posted!

[SheEarth]

Yes, PayPal can cancel a sale and take the money off you even if you have done everything right.
You (Etsy Seller) can cancel the transaction through Etsy and the money will be refunded to the buyer via Paypal. If you do it through Etsy the buyer can not leave feedback (negative or otherwise) and you will not have to pay fees on the sale.

I would suggest you email the buyer requesting to confirm their name and postal address and/or any other relevant details, thus checking that it is the same as the one provided by Etsy and Paypal.
ALSO email Etsy and explain the situation, it may take a day or two for them to reply but they may be able to check on the buyer and see if there is any connection to the previous declined purchase and give you advice, remember Etsy encourage everyone to report suspect people and items - you may end up helping someone else.

My family and I have a saying "If in doubt, Don't" so if it were me and I just kept getting an uneasy feeling about it I would create some sort of excuse and cancel the transaction(s) and simply block the person so they couldn't do it again. However it is easy to say that sitting in the sunshine down in Aus - You have to do what feels or will sit right with You, because at the end of the day if something does go pear shaped it will come back to you.
Good Lucky

[StefanieSheehan]

Thanks so much!
Do you think the Paypal email is the most reliable way to get in touch with the person paying?(theres a different one for the etsy name) I would like to think a scammer couldn't change the email connected with someones bank account. In that case I have emailed them and hope I get a response soon. I will also be contacting Etsy about it.
Thank you SheEarth you have made me feel a lot better about just canceling if I get no response!

[StefanieSheehan]

How do I refund a PayPal transaction through Etsy?

[Spellbinderie]

by the way, just for the record as it doesn't need to affect your decision, but buyers CAN leave feedback after you cancel an order. there is a 48 hr window. so you might want to investigate a little before making a final decision, just in case all is ok. though it does sound fishy to me too. but who knows for sure. maybe contact paypal too? and confirm that they'd keep your money. that is news to me.

to cancel, you must first refund thru paypal by going to your transactions, locating that one, and refund. then return to etsy, cancel from your order page. you will be asked if you made a refund when you do this which is why you should refund on paypal first. all fees will be reimbursed.

[Spellbinderie]

just to add, you can call paypal and get help quickly. might give you some peace of mind.

[Former_Member]

They probably had a problem with their pay pal credit card and then asked mom or sister to use theirs as they wanted the ring. Message them and ask say you noticed it was the same name and was wondering if they were having trouble checking out.

[Former_Member]

That's crazy.

[CreationsByCarrieD]

I would call Paypal and get a quick resolution if possible. That way you can proceed with the order and get it shipped if it is on the up and up. Having said that, gut instinct is a good indication that you want to be cautious.

[LUSCIOUSLEATHERNYC]

I was was suspicious about a sale through pay pal
The address was a US but then said Dominican Republic at the end
maybe it was a mixture of new and old address?
In any event I emailed the person several times on etsy and regular mail to no avail. I did not know what to do and was about to cancel the order. Instead I called pay pal and asked pay pal to get in touch with the customer and they put me on hold and called the customer and he emailed me right away!
He must of have been busy and kept putting if off and once pay pal on it he called me and got right on it and I was able to solve his address problem
So I suggest you call pay pal.
Now my advice regarding pay pal is that if you get someone who does not seem helpful or understanding excuse yourself and hang up and call again. I have had many problems with pay pal addresses and lost packages and if someone seems indifferent they do not like their job and will not help you to the fullest, it can be the difference between night and day.
I have been known to call three times in one day to solve a problem looking for someone who sounds understanding and assures me they will help
good luck!
call pay pal ask to speak to a supervisor

[StefanieSheehan]

Okay, thank you so much for everyones input!
I emailed the paypal account holder and got a response. It looks like she has just been having some weird issues with her Paypal account and she confirmed the transaction as well a the shipping address. So it looks like all is well now! Stil waiting for her second purchase to go through though.
Thanks again everyone

[DarkenroseJewellery]

You can link several different email accounts to the same PayPal account - I have two tied to mine (personal email and business email).