Shady goings on - post ebay transaction.

[darth_steeler]

So I won the following auction a little while ago:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=2259114514

I pay for the item via PayPal. The seller (BC, Canadian) contacts me to complete the deal. I was asked for my phone number, which I provided. I know that sometimes it is needed in inter-national transactions especially via FedEx or UPS.

Anyway, i get 3 messages on my answering machine today from a lady named Margaret stating that she needs my tax id no (Social Security Number) for customs purposes. Apparently I'm responsible for the duties on this item. All of this should have been stated in the transaction instructions. I did pay $30.00 shipping costs.

Anyway, there is no way in hell I'm giving her this number. She could send a freaking mountie after me or something. It's not happening. Has anyone else ever encountered this situation? Any advice on any action I could take, or should I wait for it to go away? Should I contact ebay?

Just looking for thoughts. Thanks!

[BigDumbWookiee]

Definitely contact eBay and PayPal and tell them the seller is requesting your Social Security Number, that's a load of nonsense.

[darth_steeler]

Well this "Margaret" lady is claiming that she is not affiliated with the seller. She is stating that she is a third party member responsible for customs paperwork and filings..

Yeah. Right.

[Habs98]

To many scams coming in from Canada these days, definitely contact Ebay ad Paypal.

[hasek3939]

i bought a lifesize rubies vader from a seller in canada, and when it hit the boarder it got stuck there, believe it or not i HAD to give them my social security# to get it across the boarder, it was through a third person as well,like a broker of some sort. so there may be something to it, not %100 sure though, being that small. i didnt have to pay any duties though??

[lpjp6]

I have bought many thing from Canada before not once have they ask for any type of personal information. I would take the advise of the other guys and contact ebay & paypal.

[darth_steeler]

Well I have the item. It arrived about a week ago.

Seriously, what could the tax be on an $250.00 US?

As I said earlier, they can send a mountie after me. No way I'm giving any info. Sorry eh..