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Was this a scam?
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RedImp_2
Posts: 546 Forumite


Maybe this is in the wrong place.
I was selling some upcycled furniture on FB marketplace. I had agreed a sale but was waiting for person to collect and pay (I specified cash only) someone who had previously asked about the item said they wanted them but couldn’t get to them but we’re prepared to pay extra £20. Suggested they would give cash to a courier who would come and collect.
To me this had loads of red flags so I just closed the chat and continued with the sale.
But I was wondering how this scam would have worked if I had said yes to him? Or perhaps it was genuine but I can’t see anyone giving a courier cash
I was selling some upcycled furniture on FB marketplace. I had agreed a sale but was waiting for person to collect and pay (I specified cash only) someone who had previously asked about the item said they wanted them but couldn’t get to them but we’re prepared to pay extra £20. Suggested they would give cash to a courier who would come and collect.
To me this had loads of red flags so I just closed the chat and continued with the sale.
But I was wondering how this scam would have worked if I had said yes to him? Or perhaps it was genuine but I can’t see anyone giving a courier cash
0
Comments
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Yes it's a scam. No idea how it works but I have had multiple identical messagesAchieve FIRE/Mortgage Neutrality in 2030
1) MFW Nov 21 £202K now £174.8K Equity 32.77%
2) £2.6K Net savings after CCs 6/7/25
3) Mortgage neutral by 06/30 (AVC £24.3K + Lump Sums DB £4.6K + (25% of SIPP 1.2K) = 30.1/£127.5K target 23.6% 29/7/25
4) FI Age 60 income target £16.5/30K 55.1%
5) SIPP £4.8K updated 29/7/250 -
If you google the key words you will get an explanation about this very common scam. It involves ‘pre paid insurance’ escrow and a naive seller.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the eBay, Auctions, Car Boot & Jumble Sales, Boost Your Income, Praise, Vents & Warnings, Overseas Holidays & Travel Planning , UK Holidays, Days Out & Entertainments boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know.. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.0
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