Anyone bought through ebay motors?

[rovers90]

A friend and I have purchased a vehicle through ebay. The seller has sent an invoice which states it is involved in the Vehicle Purchase Protection (VPP) program. This provides protection up to £50,000 against certain losses with some types of fraud. The money is paid in to an account managed by ebay inc. and they hold the money until we have received the vehicle, are happy with it and then inform them and they pay the seller.

 

My concerns are there is no mention on the ebay web site of the VPP and the bank account name we have to pay is a foreign name, albeit a Barclays sort code and account number - not ebay holding account as you would expect for one of their representatives accounts.

 

After being on the telephone to ebay "help desk" for 20 minutes I have just been cut off! The lady did not inspire me with confidence as she seemed to know less than I did.

 

Any one used this system before???

[redmoosefaction]

never heard of it but....

 

eBay Motors - Purchase Protection - Overview

[Ty Unnos]

I reckon it is a scam. There does seem to be something called VPP in the US but you do not pay any money into a holding account. It is blanket cover for all vehicles bought of ebay motors. And it only cover motors in the US and Canada not UK.

[Ty Unnos]

Do a search for 'ebay vpp scam' - seems it is quite a common scam.

[rovers90]

It does seem to be more of a US facility. Searching google it would appear most of the scams happen when people have bought outside of ebay, ie on Craigslist, and are then offered ebay VPP.

 

I just wish the operator I spoke to had been UK based and knew what she was talking about!

 

I think paying through Paypal would be safer myself.

[nick channer]

why cant you just go pick the car up with bankers draft or cash.. i recently bought an audi Q7 off ebay and did exactly that.. i bought my volvo tractor unit and trailer off there too and did same.. both times it stated pay through paypal but i wasnt gonna hand 30 grand over till i see the veichle with all paper work infront of me amd to be honest anyone who does needs there head testing....

[Stereo]

Sounds dodgy. What is being proposed is called 'escrow' where a third party holds funds until the deal is completed to the satisafction of the buyer. It also gives the seller protection against fake money / fake drafts etc.

 

But, I have never heard of this for eBay motors in the UK.

[MikeTM150]

stinks to me, wouldn't do it.

 

I'd do as nick has said, take a big mate or two if ur not a brick out house and pay when u've seen it!!!

[Johnnyboxer]

why cant you just go pick the car up with bankers draft or cash.. i recently bought an audi Q7 off ebay and did exactly that.. i bought my volvo tractor unit and trailer off there too and did same.. both times it stated pay through paypal but i wasnt gonna hand 30 grand over till i see the veichle with all paper work infront of me amd to be honest anyone who does needs there head testing....

 

+1

 

Bought loads of vehicles via Ebay, never had a dud...............just treat it like a normal private sale, turn up with cash, get a receipt and examine all paperwork and kick the tyres before handing over cash

 

DO NOT DO IT ANY OTHER WAY

[MR TREEBUS]

+1

 

Bought loads of vehicles via Ebay, never had a dud...............just treat it like a normal private sale, turn up with cash, get a receipt and examine all paperwork and kick the tyres before handing over cash

 

DO NOT DO IT ANY OTHER WAY

 

 

Same as above,but only bought one through ebay......was always dubious about vehicles on there but saw a van on there over twelve months ago and touch wood its been a cracker........but i did go and kick tyres and see it/test drive before handing over cash..........