I tried to buy a car out of Houston on Ebay. It was only like $4,500, with a $500 deposit required. Well, the buyer sent me an email as soon as the auction closed that they did not want to go through paypal, they wanted me to wire them money. I told them either I could pay when I picked it up or use paypal. Well, they said no to both options. I went ahead and paid the $500 deposit, since the auction terms gave me 72 hours for the deposit and 14 days to pay for and pick up the car. They ended up stalling, not wanting me to drive to Houston, saying they would ship the car after I wired the money. Well eventually I said I am coming to Houston today to get the car, or I want my deposit back (I recorded the call). They said I couldn't come pick it up without wiring the money first. I challenged it through paypal, and they set up a 3 way call with an investigator and the seller. I played the audio from the call and had my money back in minutes, plus the buyer paid me to not leave negative feedback (guess he didn't know I couldn't leave less that neutral feedback at this point). I don't use ebay much anymore. There are better deals out there.
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