Ebay Seller won't use Escrow

[CarolF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close CarolF]

I have been trying to negotiate sale conditions with the seller of a timeshare on ebay. She refuses to use Escrow and won't say why.

She wishes the auction "winner" to put money (over AUD$6000) into her bank account, says she will then phone the developer to organise transfer of title, when all is satisfactory to both parties the remaining money is to be paid.

She offered to email me copy of the title to prove ownership, then "on advice of ebay and the developer" changed her mind because it contains personal info. Is there a suitable other way to protect myself or should I just forget it and wait for the next bargain to come along. Any comments/suggestions gratefully received.

[ChiefEngineer Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ChiefEngineer]

Forget it!!! Depositing the money into her bank account is no less than a free gift!

Jim

[Sydney Contributor - Bronze Find all posts View Profile Close Sydney]

Yes, too risky. The terms are very unreasonable. This should have been worked out before you bid. I always email the seller to work out alternative payment arrangements if it is unsatisfactory. Try again and work it out beforehand with the next seller.

Escrow costs money, if the seller is legit, this could be one reason he/she is unwilling to go that route.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Don't do it.....I don't know what that money amount is but anything wwith a 'thousand' in the number is too much.
I just sold a TS for $4300 and we did escrow (part of the $350 closing fee) to protect both of us.....

[joycapecod Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close joycapecod]

DO NOT EFT MONEY TO HER. Once in her account you have no rights. If you really want this unit then offer to pay the escrow fees yourself. I would oresume you are using a closing company; the closing company can hold the money in their escrow account and you will likely be charged very little.

This seller reminds me of the "I'm sending a bank check in the amount of $5000.00; please deposit and wire the difference of my purchase to my agent's account". We've all seen that scam. Don't fall for it with her.

Just MOHO.

Joy

[CarolF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close CarolF]

This should have been worked out before you bid. I always email the seller to work out alternative payment arrangements if it is unsatisfactory. Try again and work it out beforehand with the next seller.

Escrow costs money, if the seller is legit, this could be one reason he/she is unwilling to go that route.

The auction has not closed yet, I have not bid, the scenario I described is the result of communications with the seller. I offered to pay for the escrow costs.

I wasn't expecting to have the closing/escrow offer rejected. I'm totally confused about why someone would do this. I have asked "why" but she will not say. As I am still actively looking to purchase I would like to be prepared next time and know what to expect and also what "safe" options I have.

Thanks for everyones input, I appreciate the help.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

In short, it's a scam. RUN and don't look back.

BTW, if you're willing to transfer money, I can set up a special bank account that you can send money to me. If it makes you feel better I'll send you copies of titles I have to bridge and various famous buildings that I'll promise to transfer over to you once I've left the building with your money.

[Sydney Contributor - Bronze Find all posts View Profile Close Sydney]

In short, it's a scam. RUN and don't look back.

BTW, if you're willing to transfer money, I can set up a special bank account that you can send money to me. If it makes you feel better I'll send you copies of titles I have to bridge and various famous buildings that I'll promise to transfer over to you once I've left the building with your money.

[T. R. Oglodyte Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close T. R. Oglodyte]

Time to throw that opportunity back.

It's a buyers market, not a sellers market, so a similar deal will come along again, where the seller will accept reasonable terms and conditions.

[eal Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close eal]

Be sure to contact ebay about this suspicious seller

[zdxlc9p6 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zdxlc9p6]

You have done the correct thing; you asked before bidding. Just politely advise the buyer that without an escrow company (of your choice), they are loosing a potential buyer. As Steve said, look for another opportunity.

[Keitht Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Keitht]

Am I correct in thinking that any question you ask via the link on Ebay is shown at the bottom of the page? If so, I would publicly if the vendor really thinks it is reasonable for them to expect the purchaser to transfer funds direct to their bank account. Also ask why they are refusing to use an escrow agent.
Even if they don't reply your questions may serve to save others from being conned.

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

Am I correct in thinking that any question you ask via the link on Ebay is shown at the bottom of the page? If so, I would publicly if the vendor really thinks it is reasonable for them to expect the purchaser to transfer funds direct to their bank account. Also ask why they are refusing to use an escrow agent.
Even if they don't reply your questions may serve to save others from being conned.

Unfortunately, I believe the seller is the one who chooses to post questions or not.

[Keitht Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Keitht]

Unfortunately, I believe the seller is the one who chooses to post questions or not.

That being the case I would certainly be contacting Ebay to advise of my concerns about a potential fraud.

[CarolF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close CarolF]

That being the case I would certainly be contacting Ebay to advise of my concerns about a potential fraud.

I sent an email to ebay, not to report a potential fraud but to ask if there was any other methods that provide safe transactions.

This morning I got a stock standard response linking me their policy and procedure pages . Then I went to check the timeshare and it had disappeared . I guess it got sold before auction or big brother saw what a bargain it was and bought it himself