Gumtree money transfer - urgent advise please!

emid_2

Hi guys my first post please advise me.

I have found a good deal on gumtree and got in touch with the seller. He seems a genuine person giving me all details of the item and even in the initial stages at some point I told him I can't pay that much and we moved on. Looking for the same items on other websites I realized that he is asking a reasonable price so again I got in touch with him. He was happy to see me again and I insisted him to deduct some more amount which he agreed but even him being very cooperative and reasonable I am feeling something fishy now. He is saying I must send him money either by paypal friends and family or BACS. Friends and family because he doesn't want to loose any more money after his deduction. I asked him what if I come down to see him after which his response was a bit cold that I am not available and if I want the item I should send him money tonight. He can only post the item on friday though through parcel service. I am thinking of accepting his initial asking price which is without any deduction, as he is happy to accept paypal payment transaction with buyer's protection against fraudulent behaviour like we usually have on ebay, amazon etc. That way I will have peace of mind at least.

Does this sound genuine? If I pay him via paypal, will I be ok to send him money via the safe method I mentioned? Please advise me asap, as his last message was I should pay him tonight to avoid disappointment as many other are contacting him.

Many thanks

custardy

No,Gumtree is for face to face transactions.
their reluctance to do this speaks volumes.
Move on and well done on asking before sending money. There is no protection for you with paypal gift.

Flyonthewall

emid wrote: »

Does this sound genuine? If I pay him via paypal, will I be ok to send him money via the safe method I mentioned? Please advise me asap, as his last message was I should pay him tonight to avoid disappointment as many other are contacting him.

No and no.

You have no protection paying via BACs or Paypal Friends and Family.

Gumtree is for cash on collection, face to face, transactions only.

He's being nice and offering details to persuade you to give him the money. Saying others are interested is a classic sales technique.

He's clearly trying to avoid you collecting the item which suggests there is no item to collect.

Avoid!

emid_2

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I do agree with you.
Just for interest, what about paypal safe service payment? I really don't know much about these things apart from using paypal for ebay or amazon for home goods where I know my transaction is safe. Even never heard of BACS, he told me.
Another thing to put the last nail is I will give him option to meet him tomorrow as I previously wanted to see him on saturday after which he was a bit cold. There must be no difference if I pay him tonight or tomorrow but only some hours.
Thanks again.

soolin

emid wrote: »

Hi guys my first post please advise me.

I have found a good deal on gumtree and got in touch with the seller. He seems a genuine person giving me all details of the item and even in the initial stages at some point I told him I can't pay that much and we moved on. Looking for the same items on other websites I realized that he is asking a reasonable price so again I got in touch with him. He was happy to see me again and I insisted him to deduct some more amount which he agreed but even him being very cooperative and reasonable I am feeling something fishy now. He is saying I must send him money either by paypal friends and family or BACS. Friends and family because he doesn't want to loose any more money after his deduction. I asked him what if I come down to see him after which his response was a bit cold that I am not available and if I want the item I should send him money tonight. He can only post the item on friday though through parcel service. I am thinking of accepting his initial asking price which is without any deduction, as he is happy to accept paypal payment transaction with buyer's protection against fraudulent behaviour like we usually have on ebay, amazon etc. That way I will have peace of mind at least.

Does this sound genuine? If I pay him via paypal, will I be ok to send him money via the safe method I mentioned? Please advise me asap, as his last message was I should pay him tonight to avoid disappointment as many other are contacting him.

Many thanks

Sorry but I'm going to be brutal, step away from your PC and stop looking for bargains until you know how to keep yourself safe.

A bank transfer means you are basically sending cash to a stranger, which you cannot reclaim. PayPal friends and family is exactly what is says, so if this isnt a friend or a family member you trust why on earth are you even considering it?

You sound like a victim waiting for a scammer, please please stick around sites like MSE , learn about staying safe online , learn about scams, learn how these rotten scumbag scammers prey on people like you and keep safe.

emid_2

Flyonthewall, I just saw your message after posting mine. Thank you very much for advising me. I am also feeling fishy.

Soolin, thank you. No that's why I asked you learned people before any transaction. Thanks again.

emid_2

I have just rejected him via gumtree message service.

Thank you very much guys for your learned views which must have saved me from disappointments and unnecessary stress. I will make sure to read the forum and be part of it.

Bests.

[Deleted User]

emid wrote: »

I have just rejected him via gumtree message service.

Thank you very much guys for your learned views which must have saved me from disappointments and unnecessary stress. I will make sure to read the forum and be part of it.

Bests.

I hope you reported the seller to Gumtree as well as it may save others in the future.

emid_2

treboeth wrote: »

I hope you reported the seller to Gumtree as well as it may save others in the future.

Yes, reported. All his ads and his correspondence with me look too genuine.