Just been scammed on Gumtree - how best to proceed?
Discussion
Just been defrauded on Gumtree, and am annoyed that I didn't see the warning signs...
Anyway, I'm after advice on reporting it and maybe even eventually getting justice.
I found a Nexus 7 for sale locally on Gumtree, and because we live in a small close-knit community (virtually crime-free), I didn't twig when the seller spun me a yarn about having to suddenly go to Shetland to help his sick mother. Anyway, he said he could contact me on his return if it was still for sale, or perhaps he could post it after payment was received if I wanted it sooner. I foolishly agreed to use online banking to pay him, and to receive it within a couple of days.
When I searched for his telephone number again on Gumtree, he had lots of other adverts for small items like Nike trainers, a portable Nintendo etc, but with a Southampton location, not the local one near to me hundreds of miles away...Curious, I sent him an enquiry through Gumtree and he said he was near Portsmouth (nowhere near Shetland).
Shortly afterwards I received an email from Gumtree saying he had been reported for fraud by another user and to cancel any dealings - too late by now of course.
He said he'd sent the Nexus Special Delivery on Monday, but no sign of it today, and the tracking number is fake.
I would like to report it with all details and correspondence, in the hope he can be caught, but I don't think our local police would ever investigate it, and the national anti fraud website just records the fraud and doesn't help solve the crime apparently.
Any advice appreciated!
Anyway, I'm after advice on reporting it and maybe even eventually getting justice.
I found a Nexus 7 for sale locally on Gumtree, and because we live in a small close-knit community (virtually crime-free), I didn't twig when the seller spun me a yarn about having to suddenly go to Shetland to help his sick mother. Anyway, he said he could contact me on his return if it was still for sale, or perhaps he could post it after payment was received if I wanted it sooner. I foolishly agreed to use online banking to pay him, and to receive it within a couple of days.
When I searched for his telephone number again on Gumtree, he had lots of other adverts for small items like Nike trainers, a portable Nintendo etc, but with a Southampton location, not the local one near to me hundreds of miles away...Curious, I sent him an enquiry through Gumtree and he said he was near Portsmouth (nowhere near Shetland).
Shortly afterwards I received an email from Gumtree saying he had been reported for fraud by another user and to cancel any dealings - too late by now of course.
He said he'd sent the Nexus Special Delivery on Monday, but no sign of it today, and the tracking number is fake.
I would like to report it with all details and correspondence, in the hope he can be caught, but I don't think our local police would ever investigate it, and the national anti fraud website just records the fraud and doesn't help solve the crime apparently.
Any advice appreciated!
SteveScooby said:
That's the site I mentioned that doesn't actually try and solve the crime for you - I believe they just collate the information?I am sorry for your loss. A lifetime in Finance has convinced me that payment for internet purchases should only be made by credit card. The inherent safeguards governing their use makes such scamming recoverable. Lesson or us all.
Do not pay for internet transactions with direct payment: No Debit Cards, No bank transfers. Boring but necessary. I hope you get your money back uit the only answer is NEVER pay for such transactions over the internet except by Credit card. You will always get your money back if it turns out to be a scam.
Do not pay for internet transactions with direct payment: No Debit Cards, No bank transfers. Boring but necessary. I hope you get your money back uit the only answer is NEVER pay for such transactions over the internet except by Credit card. You will always get your money back if it turns out to be a scam.
Steffan said:
lbc said:
Steffan said:
Do not pay for internet transactions with direct payment: No Debit Cards, No bank transfers. Boring but necessary.
Credit cards only protect you on goods over £100http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/section7...
Steffan said:
Do not pay for internet transactions with direct payment: No Debit Cards, No bank transfers. Boring but necessary. I hope you get your money back uit the only answer is NEVER pay for such transactions over the internet except by Credit card. You will always get your money back if it turns out to be a scam.
How many private sellers do you know who have the facility to accept payment by credit card?Deva Link said:
lbc said:
Steffan said:
Do not pay for internet transactions with direct payment: No Debit Cards, No bank transfers. Boring but necessary.
Credit cards only protect you on goods over £100Ok, I have reported it to the Action Fraud website, so at least I have a crime reference number.
As I paid via online banking, and have the fraudster's account details, do I just ring up his bank and try to get them to initiate an investigation? The sort code refers to a Nationwide Flex account I believe.
He's still advertising and responding on Gumtree, with the latest being an iPad - not priced stupidly low, and with believable pictures and description. His location has changed from Southampton/Portsmouth to the Western isles!
If anyone has been in a similar position trying to retrieve money from a fraudulent online banking transfer do post.
As I paid via online banking, and have the fraudster's account details, do I just ring up his bank and try to get them to initiate an investigation? The sort code refers to a Nationwide Flex account I believe.
He's still advertising and responding on Gumtree, with the latest being an iPad - not priced stupidly low, and with believable pictures and description. His location has changed from Southampton/Portsmouth to the Western isles!
If anyone has been in a similar position trying to retrieve money from a fraudulent online banking transfer do post.
Do all you can to find out where he lives or info about him. I had a similar thing on eBay. A quick phone call to his mobile (obtained the number from a neighbour after finding out his address then a few different searches on 192/directory enquiries) got the money refunded in seconds. The horror in his voice after he worked out who was calling him was fantastic.
Jon999 said:
Do all you can to find out where he lives or info about him. I had a similar thing on eBay. A quick phone call to his mobile (obtained the number from a neighbour after finding out his address then a few different searches on 192/directory enquiries) got the money refunded in seconds. The horror in his voice after he worked out who was calling him was fantastic.
Well, his mobile number just goes to voicemail, so I guess he's screening everything.I'm going to try and ring his bank today, to see what they say about it, but presumably they will spout data protection, so I might have to get my bank to investigate on my behalf?
I once did some searching for a non-payer on eBay and was spooked out. He had a very unusual user id that also had a related website (about his love of pies, I kid you not...). I obtained the domain WHOIS details and discovered he lived just yards from where I grew up. He ignored eBay communications, but a sharply-worded email to his domain email address brought up a very sheepish apology.
Paypal is a good idea.
Even with the fees.
The phone is goibg to be a throw away sim.
No way to trace it.
The bank account will probably be under a fake name.
I don't know the details, but I assume it's not that hard to get a dodgy bank account.
I expect you can do it all online.
Then take the cash out of an ATM.
(at midnight, in a balaclava).
Even with the fees.
The phone is goibg to be a throw away sim.
No way to trace it.
The bank account will probably be under a fake name.
I don't know the details, but I assume it's not that hard to get a dodgy bank account.
I expect you can do it all online.
Then take the cash out of an ATM.
(at midnight, in a balaclava).
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