SMS from Gumtree Ads

grumbler

After placing my first ever add I received a text from Gumtree Ads asking to 'message' some supposed buyer to *********@gmail.com if the item is still available.

In the above email address I see some sort of 'i' instead of '@'.

Is it normal that buyers can't call/text me directly? There is some 'Reveal' button next to my mobile number, but I am not sure how it works for buyers.

Is there any reason for a buyer to ask for emailing instead of calling/SMS?

JuzaMum

I guess no credit on their phone might be a reason to email rather than text however when you email through Gumtree it uses its own mailing system so your email address (and the potential buyers) remain anonymous.
I always ask people to text me when I use Gumtree but get calls and email too. Unfortunately there are too many people either lacking common sense, unable to follow instructions, form simple sentences, use manners or who simply enjoy wasting time.
Recently I offered some childrens clothes (free) on Gumtree. Collection was arranged and at the agreed time I got a text saying the person was outside my house. I looked out, saw a car parked nearby so took the bag to the front door however they didn't get out the car and come to the house! I wasn't inclined to go out in the rain so didn't. They drove off! I texted that I was in and they said they thought I was out so left:huh:. I would of thought that knocking on the door would be a good way of seeing if someone was in. I replied that I would leave the bag outside and they collected in later.
Good luck with whatever you are selling

grumbler

JuzaMum wrote: »

I guess no credit on their phone might be a reason to email rather than text

It was a text from "Gumtree Ads", but without any phone number so I was unable to reply by SMS:

Message details

Type: Text message
From: Gumtree Ads
Received: **:**, 19 Jan

The message didn't make any sense to me:

Do you still have the ***?? pls msg me to ************[FONT=&quot]¡[/FONT]gmail.com

Here "[FONT=&quot]¡[/FONT]" is an exclamation mark upside down.
My messages inbox at Gumtree is empty if it makes any difference.

theonlywayisup

I think (from memory so don't quote me as it's been a long time since I did it) that a gumtree buyer sees a premium type number on the 'reveal'. Emails will obviously be free.

grumbler

I don't think this is the case as I checked other adverts and see normal landline and mobile numbers. That's why I don't understand what's the point in this 'Reveal'.

bingo_bango

It's to stop screen scrapers.

Automated systems can't see the full number. Only when a real person clicks on reveal will the whole number show up. Less of a PITA than Captcha if you ask me.

As for people not wanting to call, they might just be shy! They might not be comfortable dealing with new people or may not have a great spoken command of the English language.

KRDmum

grumbler wrote: »

After placing my first ever add I received a text from Gumtree Ads asking to 'message' some supposed buyer to *********@gmail.com if the item is still available.

In the above email address I see some sort of 'i' instead of '@'.

Is it normal that buyers can't call/text me directly? There is some 'Reveal' button next to my mobile number, but I am not sure how it works for buyers.

Is there any reason for a buyer to ask for emailing instead of calling/SMS?

It is most likely as a scammer, who, once got a reply from you, will tell you that they are disabled and buying it for a relative, they'll emphasise that they will even pay you a full price but it has to be couriered, all you have to do is set up a PayPal account etc etc.

Had one of those when I was selling my pram through gumtree and my friend was selling a car at the same time, message was pretty much same, just different names.

grumbler

LOL
You were 100% right. Just received a reply:

Great! please consider it sold as i am willing to pay your full asking price because i need to buy it for my cousin asap, i have read through the advert and i'm totally satisfied with it,sadly i would not be able to come personally to collect due to my hearing loss and me being in wheelchair.
I would appreciate if you email me with more photos (if available) since i'm unable to see it in person.
I have a courier agent that would help me to pick it up at your preferred location after you have received your money and i'll pay you via PayPal today.
Where is the pick up location so that i can inform the courier agent about it now?

I think I can post the e-mail address: selena111anderson@gmail.com

KRDmum

Honestly, I don't know how they're getting away with it! Just hope that there are not that many gullible people out there

forgotmyname

Give them a fake email address, hopefully help shorten the life of the paypal account they are using.

Send them a nice email back saying how sorry you are for their condition and offer them a discount and then slap in a fame email address for your paypal one..

George_Michael

I was thinking the same thing and giving them the address of a police station.

To be fair, you've got to feel sorry for poor selena. She has hearing problems and is in a wheelchair:

Great! please consider it sold as i am willing to pay your full asking price because i need to buy it for my cousin asap, i have read through the advert and i'm totally satisfied with it,sadly i would not be able to come personally to collect due to my hearing loss and me being in wheelchair. I would appreciate if you email me with more photos (if available) since i'm unable to see it in person.
I have a courier agent that would help me to pick it up at your preferred location after you have received your money and i'll pay you via PayPal today.
Where is the pick up location so that i can inform the courier agent about it now?

And this is after she has recently recovered from heart surgery:

Great! please consider it sold as i am willing to pay your full asking price because i need to buy it for my cousin asap, i have read through the advert and i'm totally satisfied with it,sadly i would not be able to come personally to collect due to my hearing loss and I'm just recovering from heart surgery so I'm home-bound.
I would appreciate if you email me with more photos (if available) since i'm unable to see it in person.
I have a courier agent that would help me to pick it up at your preferred location after you have received your money and i'll pay you via PayPal today.
Where is the pick up location so that i can inform the courier agent about it now?

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