Selling a relatively high-value item on Craigslist (> $1000). A person inquired about it a few weeks ago but didn't end up coming to see it. The potential buyer contacted me again yesterday, says he's still interested and can come see it next week but asked if I could take a Paypal payment since he wants to use a 0% interest credit card. Offered to pay my Paypal fees. I haven't responded yet.
I've read up on common Paypal/Craigslist scams, and this doesn't have the usual telltale signs. He's not offering to use a shipping agent. When he contacted me previously he asked questions like a serious buyer.
I'd like some advice on protecting myself just in case. I know how to spot fake Paypal payment notification and phishing emails, but the scam that concerns me is the "stolen Paypal account" scheme where payment appears to post, but then a couple weeks later there's a chargeback because the payment came from a hacked account.
Thinking the way to protect myself might be the following: (1) Ask him to send me the Paypal account e-mail address he intends to pay from in advance, send an email to that address to confirm his identity; (2) Ask for driver's license when he comes to view the thing I'm selling & take a photo of it; (3) Have him send me the Paypal payment while he's at my place, in person, using either his phone app or my laptop, then log into my account afterward to confirm it; (4) transfer funds out of my Paypal account immediately after the transaction.
Any holes in this strategy? If a scammer hacks a PayPal account would my email to that address go to the real account holder or to the scammer? Should I just say no and insist on cash? Thanks.
