Refunding a buyer, am I safe?

[bob78h]

Hi all,
This is my first time dealing with this sort of situation so I wanted to ask you more experienced folks for some advice.

I have a watch for sale on here. On Wednesday I received a PM from a member wanting to do the deal. The money arrived in my account Thursday, however, I noticed he sent an ACH transfer instead of the wire transfer I requested.

Now I read that unlike wire transfers, ACH transfers can be reversed under certain conditions for up to 5 business days, so I told him I would have to wait until next Wednesday to ship the watch to protect myself. He agreed to this.

However, he just contacted me today (Friday) saying he bought another watch and no longer wants my watch, and requested a refund. Aside from thinking this is not cool since we had a deal already, I haven't shipped the watch yet so it should be simple enough to refund his money. However, I want to make sure I'm not going to get scammed (like those Craigslist scams where they send you a fake money order then request you send money back).

If I send him back the money on Wednesday, am I safe from getting scammed? Is there any way he could reverse his original ACH transfer after 5 days? The guy seems like a decent dude and has a few references on here from a couple years ago, but after being scammed once I've learned to be extra cautious. What do you guys think?

Thanks!

[erhein]

If he can reverse the ACH transfer, wouldn't it be easier for both of you and, obviously, safer for you if he simply reversed the transfer? If I understand correctly, he has until Wednesday to reverse it?

[usling15]

A yellow flag just popped up. Why would he expect you to refund before you have confirmed funds. Interesting that once you said you would wait till funds cleared he reneged on the deal. He can certainly wait a couple of days.

[Andad]

I’d sit tight and do nothing.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by erhein

If he can reverse the ACH transfer, wouldn't it be easier for both of you and, obviously, safer for you if he simply reversed the transfer? If I understand correctly, he has until Wednesday to reverse it?

Thanks s seems like the simple solution unless I’m missing something here.

[offrdmania]

If he says an ACH can be reversed on his end, then I would have him initiate the reversal. That may be a part of the scam is you refunding on your end. Make him initiate it is my recommendation for a course of action.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by directioneng

I’d sit tight and do nothing.

This, wait it out and ask your bank

[Hanze]

I would definitely wait, no harm done in going down that road except peace of mind

[Knappo 1307]

Also depends on the member, are they new, do they have feedback, is it good?

[mfnj]

once your bank tells you that the funds have cleared your account and can't be recalled for any reason, i would then initiate the refund.

[tvad]

Originally Posted by mfnj

once your bank tells you that the funds have cleared your account and can't be recalled for any reason, i would then initiate the refund.

^This.

[bob78h]

Ok thanks guys. I'll call my bank next week to make sure, then send the refund.

[cajunron]

Originally Posted by Knappo 1307

Also depends on the member, are they new, do they have feedback, is it good?

^^and what Jason said.