Gumtree scam ? But I don't get it!

Sazzie23

Advertised couple of items on gumtree, as I have done before with either no trouble or no interest, either way it's been fine.

I get a text about an item saying can you email me with details, so I email back saying what do you want to know and I get a weird email back obviously computer generated as it didn't relate to the item for sale. The email asks for PayPal details and says they'll send a courier to collect. I've binned the email without responding further.

I've searched the text mobile number on google and it's obviously commonly used in the same way I received it, but I don't understand what they get out of it, how does the scam work - just trying to think how to protect myself.

Thanks for reading.

jeffuk

Stolen credit card perhaps? They pay for and receive item, card owner does chargeback, you've lost item and the money.

soolin

Sazzie23 wrote: »

Advertised couple of items on gumtree, as I have done before with either no trouble or no interest, either way it's been fine.

I get a text about an item saying can you email me with details, so I email back saying what do you want to know and I get a weird email back obviously computer generated as it didn't relate to the item for sale. The email asks for PayPal details and says they'll send a courier to collect. I've binned the email without responding further.

I've searched the text mobile number on google and it's obviously commonly used in the same way I received it, but I don't understand what they get out of it, how does the scam work - just trying to think how to protect myself.

Thanks for reading.

There are two obvious and very well discussed scams possible here.

1- (the common one) you get PayPal payment, buyer sends man with a van then does an INR and seller has no valid tracking suitable for PayPal seller protection

2- PayPal email is false and says funds will be released once courier confirms collection. No funds no item.

torbrex

The 'courier' scam has been doing the rounds on Freegle as well but it is usually stuff offered from the scammers who then say they have had to move away urgently but will send the item by courier.

ETA
This is the warning we are attaching to Offers now:

A message from your moderators:
Never send money for a courier, it's probably a scam. If in doubt contact your friendly moderators at .......