Ok How Is This Scam Going To Work?

[ToraToraTora]

I put an ad on Gumtree for a car, I got a text asking me to email her "husband" who is interested in my car. Ok so I replied to the text but that bounced "not sent touch to try again" - I think because they have a system to keep your number from the public so I sort of thought that's explainable. Anyway, I emailed the email and it did look like it was a proper name etc (it would I guess). Anyway the guy got back saying that he'd give me the asking prioce + £50 to take it off the market and he'd pay by paypal if I let him have my paypal handle and he'd arrange for the car to be collected. I've done nothing further. Has scam written all over it but how? anyone any experience of this? thanks.

[bhg481]

I've seen this scam explained somewhere very recently (within the last week) but I can't remenber exactly where. You've already given away your email address (hence the text bouncing). I'll look further and see if can find the article.

[TWR]

Be wary TTT, if the person is that interest the will contact you again, contact Gumtree to be safe.

[albaqwerty]

similar question about this a few days ago TTT

The person responding to the advert wanted the sellers banks details so the 'buyer' could pay via paypal.

[ToraToraTora]

no the text bounced before that bhg. Gumtree tend to not give out your number directly so the text from them to me passes through a system of some sort. I assumed that they'd similarly protect enquirers to the ad.

[ToraToraTora]

I'm wary chaps I just can't see how it can work, I have nowt in my paypal anyway.

[albaqwerty]

the guy might be legit, but if emails you to say he has a problem with his paypal and needs your bank details to transfer the dosh, run for the hills !!

[bhg481]

TTT - you said you emailed them when the text bounced. That was when you gave them your email address.
I thought I'd read an article in a magazine but albaquerty's post makes me think it was on here.

[Old_Geezer]

If it's a scam, and I feel certain it is, then why not offer something to keep the opportunity open ?

Must be something to do with ensuring the money is pulled back by PayPal somehow.

[mccfluff]

its do with picking it up, they 'll send you either a fake or real receipt, from paypal but paypal hold the money till the buyer confirms receipt - they then tell you they need you to wire them money to pay the person who is picking the car up (they will tell you they will add this onto the purchase price blah blah)

[albaqwerty]

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Shopping/Question1571792.html

[yogi-bear]

Definitely a scam, TTT..........

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Question1385372.html


I would delete it maybe getting clarification of scam by sending message to send Gum tree phishing scam dept......

[email protected]


Have been getting HMRC scams lately and sent to them to investigate and action. On first name terms now as they send message to you saying received, definitely a scam, and they'll action.

Best of luck selling your car TTT :-)

[albaqwerty]

ooooh, Yogi xxx !!
do hope you and the brood are well, have missed you xx

[yogi-bear]

Forgot to say I think the scam works by them saying a problem has occurred just before transfer of paypal funds on THEIR side and ask you to transfer on Western Union .....you know the rest.

[yogi-bear]

I've missed you too, alba xx.......should be on more here when I can, now back from summer commitments abroad.

Brood fine thanks, my lovely...growing too quickly though.....hope all well with you and yours.....really good to see your posting. xxxxx

( Thanks TTT )

[pixie374]

This happened to my friend selling a car. Luckily they realised, but the "buyer" was arranging to pay through Paypal- had offered extra for a quick deal and bombarded them with messges saying he needed extra information such as their PayPal identity etc. (He didn't) . When they told him he didn't need those details to pay, he quickly disappeared.

[mccfluff]

errm, its not a theory, mate tried to sell car on gumtree, seller contacted, they were overseas and wanted to pay by paypal immediately, mate (stupidly) accepted offer, then was asked to transfer money to pay for the collection agent. seller then cancels transaction with paypal.

[mccfluff]

oh and hi retro, would say it was nice to see you back but....