How Do I Recover Money From Gumtree Fraud?

Ldezir on 08/12/2016 - 13:29
Last edited 08/12/2016 - 14:31 by 1 other user

Hi everyone, I'm a new member and this is my first post here, so apologies in advance if I am posting this in the wrong space.

About a month ago I committed to purchasing an item off Gumtree. It was valued at $2500, a sum I had agreed to with the seller. I am in Sydney, he is in the Gold Coast. We agreed that I would send him $1000 before shipment, $500 during shipment, and $1000 on arrival. I have sent him the first payment via bank transfer (I'm not here to be lectured on why I shouldn't have done this. I have learned my lesson). Long story short, he didn't send the item to me for 2 weeks (kept delaying and giving excuses) and so I asked for a refund. It has been almost 3 weeks since I asked and no refund has been given yet. He is still responding to SMS messages, delaying for one reason or another or continually promising that he will return it in the next few days.

I have records of all sms communication. He has deleted his ad and (seemingly) his entire account from Gumtree. I have a copy of his driver's license and his proof of address, and his social media profiles too. All details correspond.

I spoke to the police 2 weeks ago, who gave him a call immediately telling him to return the money, however that didn't accomplish anything. They told me they could pursue it however they may not be able to return my money.

Is there any method for me to retrieve my money? I've heard things about going to small claims court and hiring a debt collector but I have no idea whether that would be appropriate for this situation.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

Related Stores

Gumtree

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  atris17 on 08/12/2016 - 13:37

  Got his address… that a start

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  buckster on 08/12/2016 - 13:47

  +5

  Can you be sure that the licence/proof of address isn't fake or altered? Ultimately he's obtained property by deception and if the police are willing to act I would definitely go down this route. While the cops may not have the power to give you your money back (IDK in the slightest if they can or not) if they charge the bloke then you would have a simple job of getting a small claims case won against him.

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  geoffs87 on 08/12/2016 - 13:57

  +7

  Bikies

  They're pretty good on the GC i hear

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  MITM on 08/12/2016 - 14:12

  -6

  What about getting a cheap air fare and go to GC for the day with the sole purpose of going to his address to pick up your item if you still want it. Obviously you'll have to give him $1500.
  I'm sure there are a few fellow OzB on GC who will accompany you.

  Incidentally, what did the police actually say his offence was ?

  edit. In fact, I'd arrive unannounced at his doorstep. But before that I'd call in to the local police station and let them know what you intend to do and then politely ask if they would care to escort you.
  Now they would have a duty of care to dissuade you or accompany you.

  So to set the trap, contact the fraudster and let him know you're in town and 5 minutes away and you're coming for either your $1000 or to finish the purchase with the balance $1500 - his choice.
  Then turn up with the cops and settle your transaction.

  Stand up for yourself.

• 

  toniyellow on 08/12/2016 - 14:28

  Have you reported to your local police or ACORN? https://www.acorn.gov.au/learn-about-cybercrime/online-tradi… They may do nothing but worth reporting at least.

  Then I would start reading here
  http://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/Pages/representing/lawassist…

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  try2bhelpful on 08/12/2016 - 14:47

  We aren't going to lecture you, but it is another reminder to people as to why a bank transfer to people you don't know is a bad idea. Given people have to provide the 100 points before an account can be opened you think the bank account would be a reasonable way to track someone down. Then again maybe fake ideas are just too easy to create.

  • 

    SBOB on 08/12/2016 - 15:09

    Then again maybe fake ideas are just too easy to create

    all my ideas are real

    • 

      try2bhelpful on 08/12/2016 - 15:11

      sorry, IDs - really need to recheck my posts.:) However, given the reliance on "social media" nowdays, maybe I was right in the first place. (Freudian slip).

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  boomramada on 08/12/2016 - 14:53

  Is it possible to reverse the transaction, since it is a bank transaction?

  • 

    Hellfire on 08/12/2016 - 15:42

    Not without the agreement of the recipient (or a court order).

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  SBOB on 08/12/2016 - 15:10

  +1

  If it was easy to recover money via such (obvious) scam transactions, then those doing the 'scamming' wouldn't be bothering

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  altomic on 08/12/2016 - 15:21

  What was the item?

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  [Deactivated] on 08/12/2016 - 16:08

  +2

  i always sell stuff on gumtree and will never give my address. Will meet at the nearest maccas = more visibility and less chance of getting shafted

  always get cash in hand

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  abovethelimit on 08/12/2016 - 17:31

  For transactions over $250 interstate, I have always send and receive via PayPal only. That way, I can always dispute the transaction and get the funds returned back to me. As a buyer and seller on ebay and Gumtree, that's my preferred method of transacting anything north of $250 if the buyer/seller isn't local. Lesson's learnt, its going to be hard to get your money back. You could call your bank for options perhaps? I see no other way than pursuing it legally and cop it on the chin about the lost 1K. Good thing that you didn't send the whole lot in one go. Good luck.