I Got Scammed on Gumtree but I Have Scammer's Address. What to Do?

LDienk on 22/08/2017 - 17:11
Last edited 22/08/2017 - 18:47 by 1 other user

Hello guys. Long story short:

I transferred $310 to person, to deliver to me a TV 55 inch 4k (yes, I know, dumb behaviour).

This person should deliver the TV 2 days after what never happen. I only had his name, number account and phone number.

2 days after he reposted the TV and sell it to someone else.

After an exhaustive searching on internet I found his facebook, relatives and I found his address (around 25 km from my house).

Now that I have everything, what would you do if you were in my shoes?

General Discussion

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Comments

  • Make it so on 22/08/2017 - 17:17
    +55

    Why on earth did you not offer cash on delivery?

    Do you even have any piece of paper that proves the arrangement you had?

    I doubt the police would act, though worth a try. Better chance with bikies…..

    • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 17:22
      +2

      Yes I know should not have paid but it is late now. I doubt as well…that's why I dont know what to do.

      • Make it so on 22/08/2017 - 17:26
        +26

        Consider it a useful lesson which you are not about to forget.
        Still go to the police, not in the least so that they know about the guy.

      • Slippery Fish on 22/08/2017 - 19:28
        +21

        A fool and his money are soon parted. By Thomas trusser I believe.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 23/08/2017 - 12:18
          +3

          One of the tenets of capitalism/economic Darwinism.

        • [Deactivated] on 24/08/2017 - 14:20
          +4

          If I was the OP my mother would have thrown that at me. Thankfully I would have been spared the snooty follow up, "By Thomas trusser I believe".

        • Cheeper on 24/08/2017 - 14:24

          "A fool and his money are soon parted."
          and in most cases continues to happen with most people.
          Not cool to say that but it is not being super cool or real groovy laying down for every con artist either :-(

        • Meconium on 25/08/2017 - 16:22
          +1

          @Mintynovember: Knowledge is power; France is bacon.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/08/2017 - 17:06
          +1

          Nods knowingly!

        • skazclaw on 27/08/2017 - 10:32
          +1

          @Meconium:

          yessssssss. finally aware of something

      • yanhaot on 23/08/2017 - 14:00
        +167

        Hi, the same thing happened to me as well. This is what I did:

        1.) Report to Gumtree for them to investigate via chat support. Provide the ad number and explain your situation while obtaining the following statements from Gumtree: 'locked the seller's account for further investigation', ask for a refund and prompt them to say 'we facilitate the buyer and user, but are not involved in transactions', ask for a case number and they'll give you 'the case number is xxx', then save the transcript (button is on top of page);

        2.) After 2 weeks have passed from the date of scam, print out the following: transfer receipt to the scammer's account, his facebook page, his name and bank account, the Gumtree transcript, the Gumtree conversation, a copy of the Gumtree ad. Highlight the relevant information neatly.

        3.) Bring the above documents to a local police station and lodge a police report, stating to the constable you gave the seller ample time to respond, you have obtained positive statements from Gumtree that this is a fraud and you tried claiming a refund from both the facilitator and Gumtree itself.

        4.) Print all the above documents from (2.) again plus the police statement and given reference number, provide it to the scammer's bank and request for a letter of demand to be sent to the scammer.

        5.) Follow up with the police, they should give you a reply in 7-14 days. I got my reply from the police in roughly a week and was informed that the scammer was jailed pending further police investigation and possible trials.

        I've done dozens of bank transfers with other fellow Gumtree users, never worried much because I assumed nobody would be stupid enough to scam while providing their bank account and personal details. Apparently I underestimated stupidity, and the price I paid is waiting for a year to get my $300 back.

        • Dienk on 23/08/2017 - 15:20
          +7

          Very helpfull post!

          Well I have done:

          1) I have reported to gumtree an already got a reply saying that there is no refund. I got a case number.

          2) I have plenty of information like you had.

          3) I went to the police office and I was advice to make a report at ACORN.

          4) I went to my bank (commonwealth) and I was told that I would need to pay $50 to open a dispute. I thought to good to his bank (his bsb is near my house) but the manager of my bank said this information is classified and I would not get any information there. What did you do?

          5) Have you done it through ACORN as well?

        • So Was Red on 23/08/2017 - 16:37

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          "…the scammer's bank…" (obviously)

          Presumably because the process took a year but thanks to their experience we can probably do it a bit quicker.

        • yanhaot on 23/08/2017 - 17:00
          +1

          @Scrooge McDuck: The bank would help you send a letter of demand if you present everything in an orderly fashion. Then again, YMMV.

          Trials take time, so until a judgment order is given, I'll have to wait.

        • yanhaot on 23/08/2017 - 17:12
          +4

          @Dienk: With regards to your numbering:

          3.) I'm located in NSW. I had to persuade the constable with my evidence that literally all the relevant information to track down the person was provided, plus solid documentary evidence and a fortnight had passed, so it's not a frivalous or vexatious claim.

          4.) I did not go to my bank as it was not a direct transfer. I transferred withdrew cash from bank A and deposited it into bank B. You could go to his bank and give them the police report and reference number, it's classified information so only the police can deal with it.

          5.) I was not informed of ACORN. After a quick google search, I believe that would be one of the venues I would report to if I were in your position. Since the perpetrator in my case was already identified and incarcerated for other scams, I presume the police is in full charge of the matter.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 23/08/2017 - 17:19
          -7

          @yanhaot:

          The bank would help you send a letter of demand if you present everything in an orderly fashion.

          I've never heard of such an occurrence and seriously doubt that either the victim's or the scammer's bank would offer such legal assistance.

          It seems much more likely that you don't actually understand what a letter of demand is, which calls into question the credibility of your story…

        • yanhaot on 23/08/2017 - 17:23
          +6

          @Scrooge McDuck: sure, whatever. shrugs

        • So Was Red on 24/08/2017 - 14:49
          +2

          @Scrooge McDuck:
          Looks like your jar is full, move along, there's nothing for you here.

        • momov3 on 24/08/2017 - 15:29
          +3

          You actually got your $300 back? From whom? Not the scammer, as they are not compelled to pay back as they are serving their term. Not his bank, I tried that,and the bank said they had no right to force the scammer to refund. Not Gumtree, because Gumtree absolves itself from any non-face to face payment. I believe you are waiting for something that may never happen.

      • AustriaBargain on 23/08/2017 - 22:54
        +18

        Why don't you just show up with a few mates to help you carry it and tell him you're here for your TV. You still want the TV don't you?

      • aman00024 on 24/08/2017 - 15:19
        +1

        Tell him that u r going to complain police for the fraud

        Or ask ur bank to lodge the case sp u can get ur money

        • Dienk on 25/08/2017 - 15:03
          +1

          I need to pay $50 to open a dispute. And if he refuse to give back, there is nothing bank can do.

        • aman00024 on 25/08/2017 - 18:14
          +1

          @Dienk:

          Didn't know that they charge $50 to lodge the dispute.

          Ain't you with commonwealth?

    • citygal on 23/08/2017 - 12:10
      +3

      Cash on delivery is good - but doesn't really suit everyone sometimes. Many occasions I sold to people on Gumtree who live interstate or just don't have time to meet via bank transfer (some items are over $100). I posted the items every time. I guess Gumtree is just a hit and miss.

      • Ryballs on 23/08/2017 - 12:47
        +1

        My brother bought a $900 laptop on gumtree in a different state via bank deposit sight unseen and it arrived fine. (Not that I would do it..)

        • Plug on 23/08/2017 - 13:45
          +1

          I paid $200 for a set of interstate golf clubs and the seller sent them ok.

        • The Gent on 24/08/2017 - 00:35
          +3

          On the other side of the coin, I bought the Mrs a 1st Edition of Peter Pan back in the UK through a random 2nd hand booksellers website…the woman selling actually sent it to me to verify it before I had even decided to buy, without me even asking her, bless.

          She got the money quick-smart.

        • ankor on 24/08/2017 - 06:59
          +3

          @The Gent:
          She probably thought you were a gent.

        • SupeNintendoChalmers on 24/08/2017 - 09:29
          +2

          @ankor: m'lady

                _
           /`_>
          / /
          |/
      ____|    __
     |    \.-``  )
     |---``\  _.'
  .-`'---``_.'
 (__...--``
    • Xebozone on 24/08/2017 - 11:07
      +1

      I was scammed on the other side of the story.
      I sold 2 old phones to a guy who offered me a reasonable price.
      I asked for the money first, but he said he had bad experience sending money and not receiving and will send the money after I post tracking number (big mistake).
      He sent me his address, I sent him the tracking number and after never heard from him again despite repeated contact.
      I tracked the package as delivered so he did get it.

      Contacted Gumtree, my local police and the Australian scammers website (ACORN).
      Gumtree said they couldn't do anything and to contact police. I contacted the police in his state who said to report it online or call crime stoppers. Local police said to report it to ACORN (which I did), but never heard back from them.
      I had the address of the guy, but I'm convinced now that the name was fake.
      Checked the address on Google Maps… looked like a nice, rich house in the suburbs… some bad kid I suspect…

      Probably lost around $80-90 worth.

      This was almost exactly 1 year ago…
      Sorry to hijack this thread, but any suggestions for me? :)

      • Dienk on 24/08/2017 - 11:16

        Just wait that someone will show up to say you were stupid, dumb, jokes, as they did with me. I have done the report at ACORN but I don't believe it will be resulted in something.

      • Omitsukasa on 24/08/2017 - 12:49
        +2

        Post on gay forum boards that there'll be a party at that house?

        Can you use white pages to get the phone number of that house?
        You can then subscribe that number to all sorts of unsavoury things.

        • huntress_love on 24/08/2017 - 16:27

          Any suggestions would like to do this to a scammer?

        • HansieSYD on 24/08/2017 - 16:51
          +1

          you are suggesting gays are unsavoury?

        • Omitsukasa on 24/08/2017 - 23:53
          +2

          @HansieSYD:

          Are you a PC police?

          People getting hypersensitive these days lol. Unsavoury was in another paragraph. It's up to your imagination and creativity but all I had in mind was telemarketers and sex lines. I guess your PC mind just jumped right there to assume a suggestion because ppl seem to like to find reason to be offended these days.

  • stueyh on 22/08/2017 - 17:18
    +19

    First step is see the police, go to your local station and present your facts and evidence

      • djkelly69 on 22/08/2017 - 19:26
        +54

        Fraud/theft/obtain by deception/whatever are not civil matters.

      • OzzyOzbourne on 23/08/2017 - 12:41
        +14

        They won't care, but not for that reason.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 23/08/2017 - 14:26
          -1

          Police: No fine or prestige, no care.

        • [Deactivated] on 23/08/2017 - 16:06
          +4

          they dont care in general unless it's big or they feel like it

        • ozbogan1 on 24/08/2017 - 09:51

          @holyland: or its not worth spending the resources on it

        • Ozpit on 25/08/2017 - 09:24

          Or it happened to a fellow member of the force, a mate or family.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/08/2017 - 17:22
    +15

    Bikies

    Are you 100% sure that it is their current address?

    • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 17:23

      Hum..i need to search on google 'cause I dont know what it is.

      • Make it so on 22/08/2017 - 17:27
        +32

        Bikies = members of a local motorcycle ("bike") gang who have powerful persuasive abilities. It is a joke - you should probably avoid making use of them, given your apparent lack of exposure to underworld figures.

        • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 17:36

          lol. If it was real….who knows xD

      • suicine94 on 23/08/2017 - 15:11
        +6

        Google "Bandidos Local Chapter" get a phone number and call them. They might we able to help.

        • ChatCPT on 23/08/2017 - 17:17
          +2

          their fee will definitely be more than the TV

        • johnwinkle on 23/08/2017 - 18:01
          +32

          @havok44: It's not about the money. It's about sending a message.

        • Marco1993 on 23/08/2017 - 22:20
          +7

          @didntknowicould: Plot twist: google search result gives scammer's phone number…

        • Gravy on 24/08/2017 - 11:51
          +2

          @Marco1993: I have an image of a serpent eating it's own tail in my head.

  • exc3113nce on 22/08/2017 - 17:24
    +3

    If a contract was formed between you both, then you can look at writing a letter of demand - as you know his address, you can personally deliver it to him.

    • mylovelyminion on 22/08/2017 - 22:40
      +7

      OP, a contract does not have to be a written signed agreement. The details listed in your Gumtree conversations would be sufficient. Write a letter of demand, you can find a sample letter of demand on http://financialrights.org.au/sample-letters/ send it via registered mail. If they don't respond to you, file a claim in your local small claims division in your local court. The filing fee is really small.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 23/08/2017 - 13:17
        +10

        The two replies above are my advice too. Well done on uncovering his address OP, that has empowered you to pursue this solution.

        Further, you will need to serve him the statement of claim, arrange for someone else to do this, or have the court post it to him. If he doesn't reply you can apply to the court for a default judgement for the amount owing to you to be garnished from his bank account or wages/dole.

        My knowledge is centred on NSW so you should check your state's government legal assistance websites for a guide to the process. You may like to start here:

        http://www.courts.qld.gov.au/going-to-court/money-disputes/c…

      • Rochie on 26/08/2017 - 11:39

        Agreed. A contract be as small as a text message agreeing to sell said item for set price. If you have this evidence I would say this is enough to file a claim to your local court. You may not even have to go that far if you make the claim to him and threaten to take details to the court he may just let up.

  • supatight on 22/08/2017 - 17:34
    +6

    I hope scammer gets busted sorry to hear but not all gumtree users are like that. I have sold heaps and posted heaps to buyers never cheated anyone never will.

    • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 17:40
      +3

      I dealt plenty of time on gumtree. Always run good…but this time I missed the beat.

    • altomic on 22/08/2017 - 17:47
      +28

      No. go to the police present all your information and ask them for advice. And if they think it is a good idea then say "I have spoken to the police and provided them with your name, bank account details, phone number and address. Return my money."

      Go to the police first and report it.

      • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 17:51

        Thanks. I will to the police first but I am sure they will say to report it on ACORN.

      • Make it so on 22/08/2017 - 17:51
        +18

        Agree, go to the police.

        If that gets you nowhere, phone his mum, and explain that you are about to take her son to court, which will provide him with a criminal record. You would be surprised how much more powerful a mum can be compared to the police.

        • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 17:57
          +25

          I talked to her in facebook she said that I should go to the police and he deserves to be charged (unbelievable)

        • Make it so on 22/08/2017 - 18:06
          +5

          @Dienk: Keep a screenshot of the message to show to the police. If she admits to his actions, it may make things easier.

        • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 18:16

          @Make it so: Fair enough. I will show it to the cops.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 23/08/2017 - 13:57
          +5

          @Dienk:

          I talked to her in facebook she said that I should go to the police and he deserves to be charged (unbelievable)

          Sounds like she's quite happy for the state to relieve her from the burden of his care.

    • exc3113nce on 22/08/2017 - 17:49
      +47

      Do not lie about anything. Do not make threats.

      • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 17:50
        +2

        Thanks. I wont do that!

      • Scrooge McDuck on 23/08/2017 - 13:23
        +5

        Do not lie about anything. Do not make threats.

        Do not lie. But legal threats are OK (legal action, interest, etc), not criminal threats (violence, other criminal offences, etc).

  • Aniseed Steed on 22/08/2017 - 17:44
    -1

    Contact your bank as soon as possible and ask them to reverse the transaction.

    • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 17:49
      +1

      Too late. And worst: I need to pay $50 to open a dispute!! Ridiculous!

    • Make it so on 22/08/2017 - 17:50

      Can't with bank transfer.

  • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 18:05

    Should I send a message with his address (showing that I know where he is) or is not a good idea?

    • Make it so on 22/08/2017 - 18:08
      +14

      Confronting criminals is unlikely to be a good idea. If his own mum does not support him, she knows he is up to no good, and that he has probably done bad things before. Just go to the police and do not get yourself in trouble. Your original mistake implies you do not know what some people are capable of, so you're best off keeping some distance.

    • Marioedd on 22/08/2017 - 18:10

      NO. That is threatening and technically doxing him and could land you with a charge. Listen to the ozbargainers above and go to the cops before talking to him. Then send him a non-threatening messages stating that you have contacted the police, and he can either give you back your money or you will pursue further legal action.

      • geoffellis on 23/08/2017 - 22:03
        +2

        and technically doxing him

        No it's not.

      • Tuttorix on 24/08/2017 - 09:47
        +1

        It's really not doxing. I feel like you don't understand what that means.

        • Marioedd on 24/08/2017 - 14:13

          Is not obtaining his address over the internet with the intent to threaten him doxing?

        • [Deactivated] on 25/08/2017 - 00:20

          @Marioedd: No. DOxing would be if he posted it somewhere and asked people to enact vigilante justice on the scammer.

    • JH100 on 22/08/2017 - 18:19
      +5

      You have been advised so many times already; collect your evidence (receipts, screenshots, etc) in printed form and take it to the police and ask their advice. Keep it simple.

      • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 18:21
        +7

        Tomorrow I will do it. I come back here with further information. Thanks for everyone that helped.

    • garffi on 22/08/2017 - 18:31
      +1

      I'm assuming he also has your address? Be careful, you never know if this guy is crazy…

      • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 19:33
        +1

        He has only the number of my built but no my unit number… So useless

        • [Deactivated] on 24/08/2017 - 12:39
          +1

          Not useless if he camps outside your place

    • Slippery Fish on 22/08/2017 - 19:31
      +2

      He has your address to silly he could get you as easily as you get him.

      • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 20:07
        -1

        So should I let the money go?

        • Slippery Fish on 22/08/2017 - 22:32
          +2

          I'd turn up to his place of work and make my argument if I was to do confrontation, nothing like a hey your a scumbag Infront of the boss lol.

          But see cops first and make sure he sold it to you not someone giving you his name.

        • TheBilly on 23/08/2017 - 12:30
          +2

          Dude just report it to the police like 50 other people have said. Your making me cringe.

        • MrTweek on 23/08/2017 - 15:43
          +1

          @Slippery Fish:

          But his job might be ripping off people on gumtree full time

        • Dienk on 23/08/2017 - 16:03

          @TheBilly: You are saying as it was to solve my problem. Police does not care. See it: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-27/cybercrime-victims-on-…

    • PR0r on 22/08/2017 - 21:30
      -1

      He has already robbed you of your money, and has your address too..
      I would say bad idea.

  • JimmyF on 22/08/2017 - 18:08
    +15

    I transferred $ 310 to person delivers to me a TV 55 inch 4k

    So many things wrong with this statement……so many things….

    • Dienk on 22/08/2017 - 18:16
      -2

      And the deal was real. Someone has bought it after I got scammed.

      • altomic on 22/08/2017 - 18:22
        +50

        or, Someone was scammed after I got scammed.

      • JimmyF on 22/08/2017 - 18:22
        +2

        Did they? Or did they just get scammed like you did.

      • Make it so on 22/08/2017 - 18:23
        +4

        You are too trusting.
        More likely than not, this tv does not even exist.

      • Godric on 22/08/2017 - 18:28
        +5

        still convinced that deal is real ;/

        • JimmyF on 22/08/2017 - 19:35
          +6

          TV is in the mail!!! Its coming mate, just give it some time ;)

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