Con artists hitting eBay users

Recently I've been listing a few items for a customer on eBay, and I'll be darned if the scammers aren't EVERYWHERE!

I want to share it, to help you better spot them in the future, so you won't become a victim.

Remember, most of all, they appeal to greed in one way or another. They know what a powerful movtivator it can be. If it makes you start thinking maybe you CAN get something for nothing, it should start throwing up red caution flags automatically in your mind. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

In this case the item was on eBay with a $2,600 minimum starting bid.

Here was the scammer's email:

Positive feedback: 0%
Member since: Jul-12-06
Location: bihar, Philippines
Registered on: www.ebay.com

"My name is (name removed),i need an immediate purchase of this item, i will pay $5000 for the item and $300 for shipping via ups or fedex courier express bcos of my ugrency.I will like to make a quick purchase on the item cos i am sending it to my son in africa,.My method of payment is paypal .If ok by you kindly get back to me with your details ...plz get back to me with your full name and address so that i can proceed with the payment asap. let me have ur e-mail also."

Red flag #1: I received it the day after the membership date.

Red flag #2: The Philippines is a con artist's haven.

Red flag #3: An American woman's name was used, which I've removed.

Red flag #4: Offering TWICE the starting bid and far more shipping cost than
would be necessary.

Red flag #5: The word "Africa" That's what truly gave it away as a con. (See
my previous posts on scam emails from or about Africa.)

Red flag #6: Wanting my full name and address so she could proceed with
payment, even though she says she will pay with PayPal, which
does NOT require her to have that kind of information.

Red flag #7: Wanting my email too. Yeah. Right.

I've also gotten a similar approach on a different item up for bid as well, so those of you selling on eBay be aware of anyone trying to buy your item for WAY more than you're asking.

Red flags. Remember to learn them and heed them!!