I got one like this on an eBay item a couple of days ago. The first tip-off was that it came from the individual, not eBay. The second clue was that it didn't include my actual final bid amount. The third clue was that it directed me to contact the seller directly.
While some can be scams, I have a friend that sells on ebay for other people and often has multiple items that he will offer to the second highest bidder to keep from having to list them.
If it didn't come through the ebay system, you have no protection!
In this day and age, don't do anything without protection!
(every time I have gotten a second chance from an ebay auction & followed it up it has been bogus--audio & watches... not a universal experience--see ghostrider's comments, but I'd be damned careful)
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