Swapz.co.uk - Problem/Scam...

grumgrum

Hi Guys

I want to get your opinion on something.

I have used the site previously and had no issues what so ever but last week I setup a swap, my Phone for another Phone.

The guys seemed legit and we talked for a while about how we would get these to each other. Anyways we setup the swap and he said he sent his phone that day. I checked the tracking no and all seemed fine.

I sent mine the following morning. And supplied the tracking no etc. I queried his number as the next day i could get a look at it, put an O instead of a 0. But he said it was the wrong one and would send me the proper one when he got home from work. ALARM BELLS!:mad:

I had just sent my phone off but because of British law they could not stop the parcel I had sent to the fraudster.:mad: I contacted the site and they haven't really said much and have taken this week to just ask further questions about the transaction that are on the site itself!:mad:

Called the police in the local area of where it was delivered and they said to contact the site. going round in circles. I contacted citizens advice but still awaiting a reply.

I did block the phone on the day so he shouldn't be able to use it unless he ships it abroad.

I am out a £300 phone and pulling my hair out, does anyone know if the Swapz site actually will ever compensate? I didn't have insurance but I doubt they would have covered it as i willingly sent it to this guy.

any help will be welcome. thanks in advance.

MamaMoo_2

The Swapz site have it written into the T&Cs that they'd re simply a venue and are not liable for anything that goes wrong.

You could take him to small claims, however I would try the police again as it's nothing to do with the site (think being scammed on Gumtree, not their issue)

grumgrum

Thanks - I did see that but there is also a bit about claims a little lower down on the T&C's.

I will try them again - I did speak to Action Fraud, not sure if they have any use?

Would have thought Gumtree would be protected like ebay? as its an ebay company?

Swapz.co.uk I would have thought would need some kind of insurance as they say if you do it the swapz way then they can try and help you.

Hope there is a way aorund this otherwise im without a phone for 18 months lol

MamaMoo_2

Unfortunately, I think this just about covers it all.

You Agree that use of the service is at user's sole risk.

And whilst Gumtree and eBay are part of the same company, they operate in very different ways. Gumtree offers no buyer protection whatsoever.

grumgrum

Damn didn't see that one! Thanks again.

Fingers crossed some legislation might change in future to protect the consumer then.

brightonexpat

I've just joined and seen this post.

Been using swapz for over a year now with no problems.

Swapz is free to use and free of fees so how would consumer legislation work in this case? They don't charge you for your swap and they are not directly involved.

grumgrum wrote: »

Damn didn't see that one! Thanks again.

Fingers crossed some legislation might change in future to protect the consumer then.

grumgrum

Not if you use the paid for service or buy swap points. Or Bump an ad. Not that I did that. Its not very well maintained. I know its seen as a peer to peer sharing site but end of the day they say use their system the way they ask you to and it should protect you.

I have used several times once without opening a proper swap where we met face to face and was fine.

Another was a swap from distance each posting our phones off to each other fine.

This time however I went through the proper route and got screwed so a little angry at how to stay safe was in fact not safe at all!

maninthestreet

I'm not clear - has the other person sent you their phone or not?
You stated ' I checked the tracking no and all seemed fine'. So why have things now gone pear shaped?

grumgrum

I didn't receive the phone, and haven't been able to reach the guy. Although confirmed with the postman who delivered the phone it was to that address and the guy with the real or fake name signed for it.

grumgrum wrote: »

I sent mine the following morning. And supplied the tracking no etc. I queried his number as the next day i could get a look at it, put an O instead of a 0. But he said it was the wrong one and would send me the proper one when he got home from work. ALARM BELLS!:mad:

pinkshoes

Well at least you have his address, so if it doesn't turn up, you can send him a letter before action.

the_quick_and_the_scammed

I have had problems with this site too. Sent a console game for another. Never had one in return. So far site admin has done nothing! The person I did the deal had a 5 star rating from 7 other deals and used this as an excuse for me to post first.