Is This Gumtree User a Chargeback Scammer?

[Deactivated] on 12/12/2021 - 17:39
Last edited 14/12/2021 - 22:49 by 1 other user

Hi, I'm interested in "Xiaomi Poco F3 5G 8GB 256GB…". Is this still available? If so, when and where can I pick it up? Cheers.

Alright you can give me your email address so that i can write you back once am through at work now Okay ..

Got this email:
Oh am on business trip now i will not be able to come and see it I'm okay with the price, am purchase it as a surprise gift but payment method if you have a PayPal account please get back to me with your PayPal email address so that i can proceed with the payment if you don't have a PayPal account you can get back to me with your BSB and Account Number, as soon as the payment make i will email then you will help me post it through via Australia post, i will also add postage fee to your price…
Awaiting your response…

This feels a lot like a scam, business trip instead of Oil rig…
But how do they scam your money if you are protected by Paypal or Bank Transfer?

Update: It was a scam.

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/11492383/redir
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/11492417/redir

Poll Options

  • 490
    This is a scam
  • 10
    This is not a scam
General Discussion

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Comments

  • rektrading on 12/12/2021 - 17:40
    -1

    👍

  • Hybroid on 12/12/2021 - 17:43
    +41

    You've been here long enough…

    • SF3 on 12/12/2021 - 18:57
      +1

      Woah.

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 12/12/2021 - 17:46
    +28

    Gumtree, cash only, face to face in a public space. Paypal: they can claim goods not as described - charge back. Bank transfer: they'll send you a doctored receipt for a cash transfer, there will be no cash sent.
    thread/

    • [Deactivated] on 12/12/2021 - 17:58
      +14

      What if I ask for bank transfer and wait for funds received?

      • the-mal on 12/12/2021 - 18:35
        +25

        You'll be waiting a long time. ;-)

        There's no risk to you as long as you wait for the funds to clear on your side - but this is definitely a scam. They'll probably say they tried bank transfer and it won't work so will push you to PayPal. I wouldn't waste your time…if it quacks like a duck…

      • Quantumcat on 12/12/2021 - 18:37
        +11

        They won't do it or if they do it will be from a hijacked account which might get reversed or a doctored screenshot. And they'll probably "accidentally" pay you too much and ask for you to send some back or send some to a courier company. Then later the original transfer will bounce or be reversed.

      • cuteseal on 14/12/2021 - 09:44
        -3

        I think this is safe… as long as you do bank transfer (not paypal) and verify that you have received the amount in your bank account.

        I've personally been on the other end - been on the hunt for some kobo ereaders and nintendo 3DS units and found them interstate.
        They are quite rare 2nd hand so as soon as I saw them pop up, I offered bank transfer/pay ID transfer and to pay for the shipping on top. I bought a couple of items from Adelaide, one from Geelong, etc. Must have looked super dodgy in hindsight. :P

        So there are some genuine buyers out there, but as long as you take steps to protect yourself I don't think it's an issue.

        • trapper on 14/12/2021 - 10:57
          +4

          A bank transfer is not safe.

          If it was a fraudulent transfer the bank will have to reverse it.

      • trapper on 14/12/2021 - 10:59
        +4

        Still not safe. The bank can recover the funds at any time, even long after they have cleared.

        • peterpaoliello on 16/12/2021 - 07:05

          In theory, I'm going through a legitimate charge back claim lodged 2 days after the transaction and its still taking months. They apparently need to contact the other account holder to verify.

      • [Deactivated] on 14/12/2021 - 11:13

        Iv had bank transfers reversed

      • PopCounty on 14/12/2021 - 13:21
        +1

        Cryptos?

      • Maxxiz on 15/12/2021 - 12:04

        Highly advise against. If they give a good enough story to the bank it can be reversed. Cash only $$

    • s1Lence on 14/12/2021 - 01:31
      +6

      public space? only ever bought/sold at my/their home

    • r3volt on 15/12/2021 - 12:47

      Technically cash can also be counterfeit.

  • foxmulder on 12/12/2021 - 17:48

    PayPal payment can be disputed for unauthorized payment and only protected if you send item with tracking. Internet banking with clear funds in your account not just screenshot of transfer is. Lot harder to dispute. Keep record conversation in case bnk does try to contact to reverse it in case of accidental transfer thus you have what that money for even this is very unlikely to happen.

      • Vote for Pedro on 14/12/2021 - 07:38
        +29

        Why the hell are you here and not taking advice that this is likely a scam.

        • Juicyp00 on 14/12/2021 - 11:42
          +4

          greed

        • trapper on 14/12/2021 - 12:06
          +5

          that this is likely a scam.

      • CocaKoala on 14/12/2021 - 11:20
        +4

        Yeah I'll try and ask for netbanking transfer instead

        I've a bridge for sale. Exclusively for you.

        • banana365 on 14/12/2021 - 12:00
          +5

          Damn, I need a bridge. I can send you the money via Western Union. Ignore that other guy, he's an obvious scammer.

    • Quantumcat on 12/12/2021 - 18:39
      +3

      If the scammers have hijacked someone else's account or used a fake cheque the money can still be reversed even if it is a bank transfer

      • OzBrogains on 14/12/2021 - 10:04

        Where do you draw the line then, in terms of not accepting bank transfers? If you sell a car for $50k on Gumtree, do you expect the buyer to bring $50k in a gym bag? (Genuinely curious)

        • Quantumcat on 14/12/2021 - 10:06
          +5

          If the buyer is sounding like a normal person and isn't sounding like a scammer then it is fine (risk low and the stakes low). OP's buyer is using the scammer's playbook so risk is very high of it being dodgy. If it was a car worth too much for cash I would probably ask for a bank cheque, and cash it with them present at the bank before handing over the keys. Or have them transfer it at the bank with me present.

        • CocaKoala on 14/12/2021 - 11:23
          +2

          If you sell a car for $50k on Gumtree, do you expect the buyer to bring $50k in a gym bag?

          I've sold cars and I meet in the a branch of the bank where the buyer has the money. I open an account and the money gets transferred and the contract of sale gets signed inside the bank. Don't want to do it? No problem, I'll sell my car to someone else.

        • gromit on 17/12/2021 - 08:18

          Really you should draw the line at remote sales if you don't have proper seller protection (which you won't have on gumtree/facebook). would you really send a car to someone worth $50k without firm confirmation that you have the money and that it isn't going to be reversed in the next 10 days due to fraud? You have some people on here with dumb advise saying just move the money immediately out of the account (hint that doesn't work, in cases of fraud they will simply put your account into negative).

          As others mentioned anything like this you do in person, if the amount is high then you do it at a bank/with bank cheque instead of cash in hand and make sure you record their identity details from the license etc. personally I added someone to witness the transaction as well last time I sold a car privately for $30k. If that is too much trouble for the buyer then they really don't want to buy it anyway.

  • raptormesh on 12/12/2021 - 17:55
    +1

    Cash only.

  • Muzeeb on 12/12/2021 - 17:56
    +9

    FFS this has to be a troll post levity

      • 87percent on 12/12/2021 - 18:41
        +13

        PayPal protect their BUYERS.. not their sellers

      • Savas on 12/12/2021 - 20:33
        -6

        I agree with you. The fact they offered bank transfer means it’s surely not a scam.. unless they try to fool you with a fake screenshot. I’ve used PayPal and bank transfer on Gumtree before. Ozbargainers are just too paranoid. You probably do need to be cautious with selling a phone though.

        • gromit on 14/12/2021 - 16:49
          +2

          Bank transfers can be reversed if fraudulent, also there are various scams involving depositing of cheques so it looks like you got the money and then it later fails to clear. Ozbargainers are too paranoid for very good reasons. This smells of the exact scam setup minus the mention of oil rig or defense deployment.

          • Savas on 14/12/2021 - 17:03

            @gromit: I can’t find any information about bank transfers being reversed. There was a forum about using bank transfer and all ozbargainers said it’s safe ?

            • gromit on 15/12/2021 - 07:20
              +2

              @Savas: banks can and will reverse a transfer if the transfer was reported as fraudulent to Australian banks, especially if done very soon after transfer or done from a stolen account, depositing a cheque that will bounce is another trick. Bank transfer is safer than paypal but for sites like gumtree or facebook the ONLY truly safe method is cash in person.

              Paypal is the easiest of all to scam with, simply report it as item not as described or not received or again as fraud, Paypal will nearly always favour the buyer with little to no investigation.

              Anyway it is all moot, Ozbargainers were right it was a scam and we are NOT too paranoid.

  • [Deactivated] on 12/12/2021 - 18:01
    -4

    Thanks for your details, i will proceed with the payment first thing tomorrow morning Okay …

    Nice Doing Business With You..

    K******** L** R***..

    • Savas on 12/12/2021 - 20:35
      +13

      Hmmm the fact he used full name with middle name seems a red flag?

  • [Deactivated] on 12/12/2021 - 18:06

    Asked for bank transfer:
    "Okay no problem …"

  • robotshepard on 12/12/2021 - 18:11
    +3

    "If it sounds too good to be true…"

    • TilacVIP on 13/12/2021 - 09:06

      What sounds to good to be true?? OP is selling a phone. He hasn't stated if new or used nor the price & besides its only an average Poco phone, not a top-liner like an iphone 13. Buyer has offered to pay via bank transfer which is quite hard to reverse payments on, unlike like PayPal.

      Not saying its not an attempted scam, from the OP, find it hard to see what the appeal is on this item for the buyer to try and scam for.

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 14/12/2021 - 06:42
        +9
        1. Happy to buy item sight unseen
        2. Happy to pay full asking price

        With Gumtree, that's too good to be true 99% of the time.

  • brendanm on 12/12/2021 - 18:18
    +8

    Why would they need your email if they are talking with you through gumtree already? "Away on a business trip". You are wasting your time.

    • FoxJump on 12/12/2021 - 21:28
      +22

      They do email so that gumtree has no evidence of their dodgy dealings.

      If they ask to communicate outside of gumtree. That's the red flag. Deals over

      • brendanm on 12/12/2021 - 23:32
        +4

        Yes, that's my point. Anytime someone asks for your email on gumtree, ignore it.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 12/12/2021 - 18:25
    +24

    Nah do it anyway. Haven’t had any good drama on forums for a week or so.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/12/2021 - 18:52
      -4

      I'm charging them extra for express shipping and seeing if they pay by bank transfer

      • SBOB on 12/12/2021 - 19:19
        +10

        Stop, do no pass go, do not collect $200

        You're either currently wasting your time by bothering to respond to them, or suffering disappointment and financial loss in the future

        Choose which if you keep messaging them (or both).

      • FLICKIT on 12/12/2021 - 22:30
        +3

        lol, let us know how it all goes..

        The wording of their message suggests English isn't their first language IMO…

        • parsimonious one on 14/12/2021 - 20:57

          Yeah, who writes “okay” instead of OK??

  • Destin on 12/12/2021 - 18:48
    +2

    Scam

  • datafellows on 12/12/2021 - 19:04
    +6

    It doesn't have to be even a highjacked account, they may be selling something same time and let their other buyer send the money to your account instead of theirs and then you send your phone to him. Then the other buyer begins to wonder where his stuff is and later tries to dispute the payment/contacts police.

    It's a scam, cash only.

  • donaldlj on 12/12/2021 - 20:02
    +3

    It could be real. I was selling a pair of Hugo Boss boots about 3 weeks ago through Gumtree. One guy wanted them and was in Sydney. I told him the price including postage and my Account and BSB number. He transferred the money. I posted the boots (including Signature on Delivery), and he got it and was extremely happy with the boots. As long as you wait for the money to appear in your bank Account (and I also then re-transferred that money to another bank account so that they couldn't try any dodgy about getting a transfer back), then I don't see the issue with giving your account details and waiting for the money to appear in your account.

    • FoxJump on 12/12/2021 - 21:29
      +2

      I once bought a hamster soft toy. They're were in Melbourne. Price was $5

      I asked for BSB and bank account. I sent them $15

      Hamster arrived.

      Good deal.

    • Quantumcat on 12/12/2021 - 22:52
      +7

      If it is sent from a hijacked account or bad cheque the bank will still get the money back even if you transfer it elsewhere. So that isn't a guarantee.

    • trapper on 14/12/2021 - 12:18
      +1

      As long as you wait for the money to appear in your bank Account (and I also then re-transferred that money to another bank account so that they couldn't try any dodgy about getting a transfer back), then I don't see the issue with giving your account details and waiting for the money to appear in your account.

      Mate, you are a scam victim waiting to happen.

      If the money was fraudulently transferred of course it will be taken back. If you already moved it out your account would just end up negative.

      • donaldlj on 14/12/2021 - 18:42

        Well, I should have qualified it. The transfer was only $80, the gumtree user had a great rating. It was payid, so his name appears when the money is transferred and lastly I did ask him to send through some ID (a driver's licence in this case) so I could match up with the name from the Payid. So no, I beg to differ. I am not a scam victim, but a fairly educated and street smart person who knows how to limit the risk when using bank transfer.

    • Craigus59 on 14/12/2021 - 22:09
      -5

      This is the way……bank account with no money in it, recieve funds before postage and move out of account straight away.
      Other than this cash in hand

      My scumtree transcript of deal

      Hi Craig
      Would you take $15012:44 pm
      Ok2:15 pm

      Her….Could you post at my expense to
      Buff Point
      NSW 22622:16 pm
      Me….No, pickup only3:06 pm

      Her….It’s a bit hard to pick it up11:27 pm
      2 Oct 2021
      Me….LoL..😅🤣😄🤣😅I love that.6:45 am

      Her…."It's a bit hard to pick it up ".6:46 am
      Maybe I’ll fly over on the weekend to pick up6:47 am

      Me….Look… Paula. Tell me how we can make this work.6:47 am

      I'm happy to post it to you, but I need to guarantee payment and postage.6:48 am

      No I dont do PayPal,6:48 am

      LoL..🤣😅😄 your good… maybe I'll fly over..😄😅🤣😃6:49 am

      I'll get you special entry from my mat Mark McGollum6:50 am

      My mate6:50 am

      How's poor poor Gladys going?6:51 am

      Here is a picture:7:09 am
      😅🤣😃…too late8:00 am

      The sun will still rise in the east and set in the west8:46 am
      Her….Do you have OSKO4:13 pm

      Hey Hey Paula… jj…I think my bank is Osko. I'm not sure of the cost of postage.
      I paid $??? for the camera, I already have cameras set up I only bought this for the floodlights but I already had battery floods and decided not to bother with this set up.
      So you are welcome to have for $150 plus postage.
      Don't mind me, I generally don't bother too much with selling items that need to be posted. I'm a simple walk up and pay and take kind of bloke but if you're happy to pay postage then that's ok with me.
      Phew!! That's the biggest dialogue I've had in year's.. 😄😃😃
      Cheers
      Craig6:07 pm

      Her….I’m the same, I try not to post if I can help it
      Thanks for making the effort
      How much do you think postage will be ?

      Me….I think about $166:41 pm
      Yes, I won't know till Monday when post office is open Paula.
      I'll find out and if you still want to go ahead then all good.
      Cheers7:06 pm

      4 Oct 2021
      Her….Ok
      Thank you6:53 am
      Me….$26.80 express postage Paula2:34 pm

      5 Oct 2021
      Her….That should be ok
      How would you like me to pay for the item and postage5:59 am
      6 Oct 2021
      Hi Craig
      How would you like us to pay for the item and postage ?
      PayPal
      Osko
      Bank transfer
      Thanks12:55 pm
      Me….Hi Paula,
      Bank transfer or Osko of $177.00 into
      Suncorp
      BSB. ??????
      ACC. ?????????
      Will be good thanks.
      I will text a image when posted.
      Cheers
      Craig1:13 pm

      Her….I need an account name to finalise the transfer
      Thanks Craig3:11 pm
      Me….Sorry Craig ????????3:19 pm

      Her….Thank you4:58 pm
      Me….Hi Paula, received your payment.
      I will put cameras in post tomorrow.

      Craig4:58 pm

      Oh, I don't have your mailing address.. LoL4:59 pm
      Read
      Her….The address is :
      62 ??????? Street Buff Point NSW 22625:02 pm
      Ok, will post tomorrow and send confirmation5:04 pm

      Her….Thank you
      Could you please forward the tracking number when it is posted5:42 pm
      Me….Here is a picture:6:55 pm
      Yes, will fix it all tomorrow ?????.
      Nice to have dealt with you.
      Cheers
      Craig8:25 pm

      7 Oct 2021
      Here is a picture10:12 am

      Here is a picture10:13 am
      Here is a picture10:13 am
      Ooops. Disregard and delete this pic please Paula.10:14 am

      Here is a picture10:15 am
      8 Oct 2021
      Thanks Craig
      Much appreciated6:46 pm

  • randomusername2017 on 12/12/2021 - 20:30
    +5

    lol@$599

    Who's scamming who…

    • altomic on 13/12/2021 - 02:28
      +1

      cheaper at banggood AU$512.50

      • [Deactivated] on 13/12/2021 - 16:30
        -4

        It sold on eBay today for $599

  • pharkurnell on 12/12/2021 - 20:58
    +1

    Why does this get asked multiple times a day??

    • GrueHunter on 12/12/2021 - 22:06
      +25

      OP: "Is this person a scammer?"
      Everyone: "Yes"
      OP: "Hmm, I'll keep talking to them"
      Everyone: picardfacepalm.gif

  • RockyRaccoon on 12/12/2021 - 22:25

    A businessman who uses i instead of I

  • SF3 on 12/12/2021 - 23:21
    +2

    am purchase it as a surprise gift

    Sure 😂

    The only surprised is, it’ll be a free gift.

  • El cheepo on 13/12/2021 - 00:42

    Yes

  • reactor-au on 13/12/2021 - 09:03
    +1

    Hard cash or payid only.

    • mctubster on 15/12/2021 - 12:06

      Is Payid un-reversable? I have no idea but curious

      • reactor-au on 15/12/2021 - 13:29

        I think it's same as osko, it's an instant payment, don't see how it's reversible

  • Craicdealer on 13/12/2021 - 09:24
    +1

    "you will help me post it through via Australia post" Scam - https://auspost.com.au/about-us/about-our-site/online-securi…

  • KaTst3R on 13/12/2021 - 09:50

    It is always the same template.

  • [Deactivated] on 13/12/2021 - 09:54
    +13

    Yep you guys are right, this is totally a scam, they sent this this morning

    "Hello, I have just made the payment. I expected PayPal to have notified you to this effect. Check your mail folders ( [email protected] )check both the spam/junk/folder i sent $750 AUD in all. this effect and what needed to be done in regards to their new security policy to finalise the transfer .Please check your email address for their Confirmation mail from PayPal and I also added $150 to cover all shipping costs via Australia Post EMS . I would like you to help me ship the item asap via Australian Post. I have received an email from PayPal that the funds have been deducted from my account and it will be credited into your account once you advise them of the shipment tracking number . Kindly confirm this and help me get the item shipped asap. Below is the shipping address:

    Name: Cynthia Cavender
    Address: 251 Patterson Rd LOT G20
    City: Haines City
    State: FL
    Postcode: 33844
    Country: United State

    Please send the Item through EMS"

  • [Deactivated] on 13/12/2021 - 10:00
    +7

    In my spam folder from [email protected]
    "Hello Levity,

    Regarding the PayPal payment made to your Westpac Banking Corporation account by Kathrine Lee Ross. We are pleased to inform you that the payment has been successfully deducted from the buyer's account, But due to security reasons we have to receive the tracking/reference number as proof of shipment before the payment can be processed into your account.

    This is a new measure we are taking to protect all our customers against fraudulent acts. Once you have shipped the item, Email us the shipment tracking number for verification after the number has been verified, Your account will be credited immediately.

    This PayPal® payment has been deducted from the buyer's account and has been "APPROVED" but will not be credited to your account until the shipment reference/tracking number is sent to us for shipment verification so as to secure both the buyer and the seller.

    Below are the necessary information requested before your account will be credited. Send the tracking number to us by replying directly to this email message.

    PayPal team is using this opportunity to tell you that the total amount of ($750.00 AUD) will be credited into your account immediately we receive the requested details.

    The status of your fund is in PENDING MODE !!!

    Buyer's Shipping Options:
    Australia Post

                                   *** ATTENTION***

    The payment has been APPROVED, you can now ship the item to the Buyer's shipping address. You are expected to make the shipment and get back to our Costumer/Technical Dept with the tracking number for verification of shipment if not the payment will not be credited into your account.

    The tracking number will be used to confirm and verify shipment. The tracking number should be mailed to our customer care center.

    Thank you for using PayPal
    PayPal Email ID PP1465"

    • uzz30 on 14/12/2021 - 12:12
      +5

      Well done OP, this will make a nice report to ScamWatch

      https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/buying-or-sellin…

    • CocaKoala on 14/12/2021 - 12:33
      +2

      PayPal®

      PayPal team is using this opportunity to tell you that

      credited into your account immediately we receive the requested details.

      The status of your fund is in PENDING MODE !!!

      The tracking number should be mailed to our customer care center.

      PayPal Email ID PP1465"

      Sounds totally legit to me.

    • Twix on 14/12/2021 - 13:31
      +2

      get back to our Costumer/Technical Dept

      Ask for the phone number to their Costumer/Technical Dept.

  • OzHunterNSW on 13/12/2021 - 11:24
    +3

    So, email address, your full name, and bank details…. and you still think this could be legit

    • [Deactivated] on 13/12/2021 - 11:49
      +2

      No, I know its a scam now

      • anzacpaul on 14/12/2021 - 12:13
        +7

        You should've known from the start when everyone else told you. Now you've given a scammer your full name and bank details.

        • Zachary on 14/12/2021 - 12:51
          +8

          what are they gonna do with his full name and bank details? Give him money in his bank?

          • johnno07 on 14/12/2021 - 15:41
            +1

            @Zachary: Used to hasten the gullible OP's inevitable identity theft.

            • DoctorCalculon on 15/12/2021 - 00:49
              +1

              @johnno07:

              identity theft

              That's reaching… Identity theft using name, and BSB & account number only???

              Also, the name is kind of irrelevant for any bank transfers.

              • johnno07 on 15/12/2021 - 08:55
                +1

                @DoctorCalculon: I said "hasten". A perpetrator doesn't just walk into your house and steal your identity while you're sleeping. It's a slow burn of little data breaches that build up enough of a profile, enough data about a person, to allow an identity thief to gain more information about you in a somewhat exponential way - the more information you have about someone, the more you can get. So it's really just best practice to not give any details away to criminals, like the OP did.

                And I said "inevitable" because if the OP is gullible enough to have fallen for this in the first place, and greedy/pig-headed enough to ignore dozens of people saying "IT'S A SCAM" and still give away personal information to an obvious scammer, they have likely been victimised before, and will be again.

    • Savas on 13/12/2021 - 11:49

      I’ve used bank details on rare occasions that I’ve bought things on GumTree. I probably wouldn’t feel comfortable over $200 though.

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