We have a website selling framed paintings. A couple days ago we got an email like this:
Dear Sir,
My name is Julian Tan and I am a buying agent from Singapore,
I have a client that is interested in buying your product. We help expat customer, because most of them don't really understand how to import to Asia specially taxes & custom rule.
Our client interested to purchase your item and will complete the payment directly to you. What credit card are accepted for payment??
As an agent I will put agency commission fees on top of your price and we'll arrange pickup the order from your place.
Please let me know if this is workable with you. Thank you.
Regards,
Julian Tan
Caronaseno Agency
Buying agent & Custom broker
Singapore
Then after we exchange emails he agrees to buy 4 of our products which is about $700. He said he will add $235 commision fee and let the customer pay the total. After that, we will transfer him $235 for the commission. I wonder if this is a hoax. We are asking him to transfer the money to us by Paypal. Is there a way to secure the payment? Is it a typical hoax?
Thank you for your help!