Friend been scammed - is there anything she can do

Qwiksilver

Good evening folks,

I think I know the answer already but thought I would ask the good people of these forums if all is lost as they know far more than I do.
Friend bought a caravan from ebay through a classified ad on the site. To cut a long story short, payment was made by bank transfer some 9 days ago. Bank asked for authorisation given large amount. of money involved. Thinking all was as it seemed she authorised the payment.
Delivery time has come and gone (along with the seller) and no means of contact.
Is there anything she can do to recover the money?

thanks in adavance

ThumbRemote

Her only hope is to contact the police, but realistically the money is lost.

waamo

In short it's gone. She has effectively been mugged.

DCFC79

I dont believe so as the money was sent via bank transfer. You should never use bank transfer to anyone you dont know eg ebay seller. Anything like a caravan should cash on collection.

Qwiksilver

Thanks for the replies folks.

Much as I thought. Wish I had know what she was planning before she paid.

All the more maddening that she is the sweetest most trusting soul.

wealdroam

Qwiksilver wrote: »

Good evening folks,

I think I know the answer already but thought I would ask the good people of these forums if all is lost as they know far more than I do.
Friend bought a caravan from ebay through a classified ad on the site. To cut a long story short, payment was made by bank transfer some 9 days ago. Bank asked for authorisation given large amount. of money involved. Thinking all was as it seemed she authorised the payment.
Delivery time has come and gone (along with the seller) and no means of contact.
Is there anything she can do to recover the money?

thanks in adavance

Get your friend to report this to Action Fraud.

If this guy has been reported before, they may be able to help.
But don't get your hopes too high.

davidwood123

It's a common scam.

Usually the people who fall for it are blinded by greed. The motorhome/caravan/car in question will be far too cheap.

It never existed. Next time tell her to pay the going rate to someone reputable.

Buy cheap, buy twice

takman

Why would she buy something so expensive without even viewing it?

But as the poster above said greed usually makes people act without thinking.

Agricolae

Your friend can still contact her bank and explain the situation. She won't get her money back but her bank may share that information with the fraudster's bank, who may then close that person's account.

Which? made a super-complaint about this kind of situation last year which the PSR responded to. It's probably only of interest to those of us on here who are nerds about this kind of thing, but you can find details here.