Does this sound dodgy?

rising_from_the_ashes

Hi guys, I really need a 2nd opinion please ....:o

I've an add on Gumtree - the asking price is £100 (so a fairly substantial item) and would really help with the finances at the minute! I had a reply from a guy saying he'd take it and I asked him to phone to arrange collection etc.

In response, I got this ....

"Thanks for the response.I am willing to pay your asking price.I will pay by a check as its the only way i can pay you at the moment.I will make arrangement for the pickup after payment have been received by you.I don't mind adding an extra £30 so you can keep it in my favor.I would have loved to come take a look at it but i am presently out of town,send me some pictures.Reply with your name,phone # and mailing address where payment will be sent.I will let you know how i intend to pick it up."


Now, I'd would always take cash on collection/delivery and never a cheque (note it was spelled wrong) but he seems willing to send the cheque and let it clear before he wants to get it (which is the only way I would sell anything paid for in this way).

The "its the only way I can pay you at the minute" and "mailing address" (not how most people would ask this?) that worries me!

I'm not keen to send my name, address etc to a total stranger (although know I would be giving these out over the phone in similar circumstances).

What do you think?


Thanks:D

martinthebandit

Its dodgy, tell him its cash on collection only and the first person to turn up with the cash gets the item.

rising_from_the_ashes

Thanks Martin, that was my initial gut feeling (which I know should be listened to, EVERY time).

I just needed to hear it from someone else as I could really do with selling the item!

WRINKLES

rising_from_the_ashes wrote: »

Hi guys, I really need a 2nd opinion please ....:o

I've an add on Gumtree - the asking price is £100 (so a fairly substantial item) and would really help with the finances at the minute! I had a reply from a guy saying he'd take it and I asked him to phone to arrange collection etc.

In response, I got this ....

"Thanks for the response.I am willing to pay your asking price.I will pay by a check as its the only way i can pay you at the moment.I will make arrangement for the pickup after payment have been received by you.I don't mind adding an extra £30 so you can keep it in my favor.I would have loved to come take a look at it but i am presently out of town,send me some pictures.Reply with your name,phone # and mailing address where payment will be sent.I will let you know how i intend to pick it up."


Now, I'd would always take cash on collection/delivery and never a cheque (note it was spelled wrong) but he seems willing to send the cheque and let it clear before he wants to get it (which is the only way I would sell anything paid for in this way).

The "its the only way I can pay you at the minute" and "mailing address" (not how most people would ask this?) that worries me!

I'm not keen to send my name, address etc to a total stranger (although know I would be giving these out over the phone in similar circumstances).

What do you think?


Thanks:D

This sounds very much like a scam , i have heard of something like this before , they make a mistake with the cheque paying too much , phone you asking you to send them a cheque for the extra , have nothing to do with them .

los72

Sounds like scam, makes a change from one not being from Nigeria...:D

MiaowMiaow

Definitely dodgy!!! you gut instinct was right !

rising_from_the_ashes

Thanks all, that 1st gut instinct is often so right isn't it!

(When I think of many things in the past when I was swayed to do things that I'd initially thought "mmmm maybe not a good idea" - and they usually weren't!)

poppasmurf_bewdley

Paying by cheque is the only way he can pay???? Why can't he cash a cheque like any normal person would do????

The reason is the cheque he pays you with WILL bounce. He'll arrange to pick up the goods just BEFORE you hear that news from the bank.

RAS

They send the cheque, you pay it in and it clears. You send the goods and the extra money.

Then the cheque is identified as fraudulent and the bank removes the money from you account.

Usually bigger items than this - whole load of artists scammed like this a few years ago - lost the goods and the money.

Hovel_lady

Defiantely dodgy - avoid!