I don't use paypal so what is a way to buy a bike from a random person on and internet forum?

GervisLooper

Hmm I had been discussing arrangements for this other bike now and when it has come to getting their bank details that name they have given is completely different to the name they have given both on the forum and by email.

elsien

Well, having a different name on the forum isn’t unusual unless you are genuinely called Gervis Looper. I’m certainly not called Elsien in real life. 

My email also bears no relation relation to my real name, And parent is called for example Anna Jane - Everyone knows her as Jane and that is the name she’d use to sign her emails but her bank account is in the name of her passport, which is Anna.

I would expect a good fraudster to have everything lined up to match so that there are no alarm bells ringing. 

But if you’re genuinely worried, then make the effort to go and pick the bike up yourself. 

sheramber

Why not ask him why it is different?

GervisLooper

elsien said:

Well, having a different name on the forum isn’t unusual unless you are genuinely called Gervis Looper. I’m certainly not called Elsien in real life. 

My email also bears no relation relation to my real name, And parent is called for example Anna Jane - Everyone knows her as Jane and that is the name she’d use to sign her emails but her bank account is in the name of her passport, which is Anna.

I would expect a good fraudster to have everything lined up to match so that there are no alarm bells ringing. 

But if you’re genuinely worried, then make the effort to go and pick the bike up yourself. 

Thanks, that does put my mind at ease somewhat.

Of course people use handles online and if it were completely random then it would not have raised suspicion, it is just it was what seemed to be a 'normal' name. For example if someone calls themselves Earnest Baker on a forum and the same name for an email then it may give the impression that is their real name. Then if the bank name is Harry Bellfry then that does not line up with the 'track record'.

If the forum name is "Fluffy Cupcakes" certainly one would not expect that to be their real name.

I did mention my misgivings and they said it was an old nickname or such and they have said payment on the day no problem and they weren't expecting me to pay beforehand anyway.

saajan_12

GervisLooper said:

elsien said:

Well, having a different name on the forum isn’t unusual unless you are genuinely called Gervis Looper. I’m certainly not called Elsien in real life. 

My email also bears no relation relation to my real name, And parent is called for example Anna Jane - Everyone knows her as Jane and that is the name she’d use to sign her emails but her bank account is in the name of her passport, which is Anna.

I would expect a good fraudster to have everything lined up to match so that there are no alarm bells ringing. 

But if you’re genuinely worried, then make the effort to go and pick the bike up yourself. 

Thanks, that does put my mind at ease somewhat.

Of course people use handles online and if it were completely random then it would not have raised suspicion, it is just it was what seemed to be a 'normal' name. For example if someone calls themselves Earnest Baker on a forum and the same name for an email then it may give the impression that is their real name. Then if the bank name is Harry Bellfry then that does not line up with the 'track record'.

If the forum name is "Fluffy Cupcakes" certainly one would not expect that to be their real name.

I did mention my misgivings and they said it was an old nickname or such and they have said payment on the day no problem and they weren't expecting me to pay beforehand anyway.

Odd logic.. could be someone's dog's name or a beloved grandparent or what they would have named a child.. all would sound like 'normal' names. 

I'd focus more on the actual transaction away from the forums.. does the name on the bank acc match their id? do they have proof of purchase (ie not stolen)? can they demonstrate its working, and what do they offer if it turns out to be broken? 

Remember its not just outright scammers you're watching for.. if you have a different idea of what 'good condition' is, or it gets damaged in transit, you could be looking for recourse. 

born_again

If in doubt. Walk away.

Go to a shop & buy one, given the fears you seem to have. 🤷‍♀️