RANT: Gumtree Scams

DebtHater

Trying to sell a PC on gumtree, put the ad up 2 days ago and have had several emails from people - all scams.

First of all, I get an email asking if the item is still available, which I replied yes to all of them.
Then, I get an email stating why they want the item sent abroad.

They are buying it for a friend, for a colleague, for the neice, for a Nigerian relation, they want it sent to their US office, they want it sent to India, they want it sent to their dog in Russia...........

Why so many scams? And why on such a low value PC, only asking £300 for it.

Fortunately, I have always been really savvy with these scams, can spot the signs and never accept money transfers etc such as Western Union.
But some people must get stung like this, otherwise surely they wouldnt continue to do it?!

cyberbob

In shock news the earth isn't flat!

Mupette

these scammers are everywhere, (been warned about Gumtree before, won't touch with bargepole)

Even DS was approached by several 'buyers' on ebay wanting to have (he was selling a mobile) it sent overseas to a very dear friend as a gift...... offered 100's of pounds rather than the £10 he had as minimum bid thank god that DS is learning to be savvy with scams on the net,

DebtHater

Mupette wrote: »

these scammers are everywhere, (been warned about Gumtree before, won't touch with bargepole)

Even DS was approached by several 'buyers' on ebay wanting to have (he was selling a mobile) it sent overseas to a very dear friend as a gift...... offered 100's of pounds rather than the £10 he had as minimum bid thank god that DS is learning to be savvy with scams on the net,

Gumtree in itself I have found to be quite helpful, I even purchased my cat from there (for a small £20 as well!) so some good can come of it.

I'm having a laugh with this scammer at the moment, going along with his scam etc. The idiot is actually thinking he is going to make money out of me, makes me feel better to waste his time lol

KimYeovil

Grrr. Where are my reading glasses? I was expecting some dirt on gummy bears.

maninthestreet

Receiving money via Western Union isn't a risk, but sending it is, particularly if you have never met the persob you are sending money to.

DebtHater

Been having a laugh with this scammer lol

So I wanted offers of around £300 for this PC, he wants it so desperately and wants to pay for the delivery himself from his end, and wants to Western Union the money to me.
Of course, the media is drilled it home to everyone that Western Union is a big no go for people you dont know, for sales, etc so I declined.
We agreed that Paypal is going to be the best method, I told him I want £1000 for the PC and he was like "yes ok my friend, I will send now"

Hehe, needless to say, the money still hasnt shown up. But I was careful to give him a paypal address that I have never used, and will probably never use. It just sits there with £0 in it lol

rl290

Gumtree has really gone downhill. Five years ago, plenty of my friends and I used it to find accommodation when moving to London. Now, everyone I know who tries to use it talks about scammers asking for credit card details etc. It's a real shame, as it was a very useful site.

R

Simon11

Debthater, You should have accepted Western Union but however asked for a small payment to your pay pal to cover postage fees like £20* You don't have any money at the moment, in lots of debt ect ect some sweet story

Once you have the £20 "you will sort out the western union."

See if its works next time. I've heard of people doing it and work!
Make money from the scammers!

rl290

Also, out of interest, why should we not receive money through Western Union. I can see the problem paying for items this way, but what's wrong with receiving payment??

R

kinglewis121

"In shock news the earth isn't flat!"

what a useful reply.....