Page 6 - ROA Online Riview Library

Price is suspiciously low for a
restored GS. Listed as Classified,
no bidding. Location listed is USA,
not specific. Only contact available
is through email. Same photos
seen years ago on other sites.

The listing above appeared on eBay on May 14, 2019. The only details listed were that the car had 32,000 miles and was offered by a private seller.
I emailed and requested to speak with the owner. The owner was unable to speak or meet with me. The only contact would be through email.

ends up complaining for any reason, PayPal can tie up the Avoid accepting PayPal or other forms of online payments for
money for weeks. I recommend a bank transfer using a service anything more than the deposit. They take big fees and PayPal
such as Zelle, which all major banks use now. With Zelle you can and will reverse the charges against you if the buyer says
can send and receive money using the bank’s website or app they are not happy, tying up your money for weeks. As a seller,
on a smartphone. It’s instant and no fees are charged, unlike I accept $500 maximum through PayPal. Conversely, PayPal is
PayPal or a traditional wire transfer. Obviously, cash transac- great for a buyer’s protection – especially on eBay when buy-
tions are the best way to protect yourself as a seller. ing parts.
WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF Feedback on eBay really does matter. If the seller has a low
score of less than 20 or negative feedback on several transac-
AS BUYER OR SELLER tions, I would be very careful about doing business with them.

Whether buying or selling, never deal with anyone who will It only takes five minutes for a scammer to open an account on
only contact you by email or text and will not speak with you eBay and list a car. Then once the scam is complete, they will
on the phone. If they are serious, they will give you a phone simply open a new eBay account.
number. You can then run a reverse listing to verify the listing. I hope this information is helpful. The internet is a wonderful
If they are a dealer, verify their information on the internet and place to buy and sell, but like anything, it pays to be careful.
call to that advertised number. Also run a Google search on Good luck with your Riviera projects. Thanks to you all for
the person. You may be surprised! everything you contribute to our hobby.
Never buy from someone who will not allow you, a trusted
friend, or agent to view and inspect the car. If the car is un-
available for inspection, pass. Also request to view the title and
compare the VIN code. TODD A . UGLOW #15915 can be reached at
Get detailed information on the car’s condition, modifications, todd@todduglow.com.
and restoration, and request specific photos, including the
code plate. Ask for photos that can only be taken if the car was
in their possession. MORE ON SHOPPING ON EBAY
Be concerned if the seller won’t answer reasonable questions
about the car’s history or ownership, especially if they get eas- If you are interested in knowing more about shopping on eBay,
ily agitated for seemingly no reason. Ask what city and state there is a detailed three-part article published in the Riview,
the car is currently located. Scammers often post general loca- Volume 23, Nos. 3-5, released from May through October 2007.
tions like “USA” so they have flexibility with their story.
If the asking price seems too low, it’s probably a scam. Check The articles, written by Jason Zerbini, are entitled “The Good, Bad,
on eBay to learn what cars are selling for by clicking the box on and the Ugly” followed by “Buying on eBay” and “Selling a Riviera
the left side that reads, “Sold Item.” on eBay.” This very informative series can be viewed on our web-
When selling, insist on cash or wire transfer for payment. site by going to “Past Riviews” on the Member’s Only side of our
Never accept cashier’s checks, money orders, or bitcoin for home page at www.rivowners.org.
payment – ever.
6 July/August 2019 The Riview