Hi folks,

does UPS have some kind of a deposit account where you can pay for something and have them not release the money to the seller until the product is received and approved?

A friend of mine has been looking for a bike over the net, and received the following info from a bike, uh "store", and to say the least, it looks like a scam. But figured I might check the facts just in case I'm being mean 'cause his English is lousy: (I know I could check directly with UPS but this could be useful in case someone else here gets the same kind of offer)

"Hi ,
Price including all taxes you don't pay another taxes

We will have to use an UPS Agency to complete this deal, an agency which will look for our best interest.

I already arranged with UPS to use their escrow service, a service which will handle the payment and shipping for us.

If we decide to proceed with this transaction, I will have to contact UPS company and provide them all the necessary information, so they can start the process right away. I will need your full name,address, telephone number

Regarding the payment, you will be instructed to deposit the money, to a UPS company account. I require the payment in advance at UPS company because I'm sick of people who are just looking around and not serious about buy. UPS company will hold and insure your money until you check the bikes and decide if you want take it or not.

As soon as the funds have been deposited into their account, they will immediately start the shipping process The Bike will be delivered at your address in no more than 2 working days.

You will be given a 5 days inspection period from the day you receive the Bike and If you decide to hold the Bike, then you will have to authorize UPS company to release the funds to me, and the transaction will be completed.

If you wish to proceed with buying the Bike, please provide me these details:

Full name:
Address:
City:
Country:

Once I will get these details I will forward these to UPS and they will contact you with the shipping and payment instruction.

If you are interested in buying the Bike pleases REPLY BACK and I will send you all the details about how UPS works, step by step.

Thank you!"