Gumtree and scammers

[Jules59]

I used Gumtree several years ago to sell a bike successfully and thought I'd use it again.
I was contacted by three different numbers via Whatsapp within 12 hours. - all 3 were scammers and ultimately were after my bank/card details.
I think they are somehow automated as replies came back very quickly, were almost identical in wording and didnt make much sense.

The 3rd chat went like this.
Scammer: Is the bike still for sale
Me: yes
Scammer: I want to ask you in what condition is your product and does it have any defects?
Me:Interesting your wording is identical to the other scammer. Before you ask for my card/bank details, its cash on collection, nothing else.
Scammer: Please tell me why you are selling?
Me: I like wasting the time of scammers like you.
Scammer: How much did you use ... ? And when was it bought?
Me: I use it 25 hrs a day , 8 days a week.
Scammer: May I know your location?
Me: Alpha Centauri.
Scammer: I would like to arrange delivery of your goods by Gumtree courier, you will receive money to an account convenient for you, the courier will pick up the goods from you and pack it, is it convenient for you to do this? I will arrange and pay for everything myself!

I dont think I'll bother with Gumtree anymore.

[keyboardmonkey]

I dont think I'll bother with Gumtree anymore.

Oh, please do. I was looking forward to round two

[pedals2slowly]

I simply ask people to phone me - usually stops scammers in their tracks

[Sweep]

sounds like an issue with whatsappery, not gumtree.
scammers are everywhere.
They breath but I think it an idea to stick with oxygen.
I'd far rather buy and sell bikes via gumtree than ebay.

[Nearholmer]

Same experience here, Gumtree being used by phisher-folk.

The ones that contacted me were too implausible to be dangerous, but a smarter operator could easily fool a person. I suspect that the apparent individual at the other end is a software subroutine that bashes away all day at hundreds of people, probably getting a bite 1:100 and an “in” 1:1000.

Inherent weakness via Gumtree, in that it ‘gives away’ a scrap of personal information, creating a chink in the armour.

[rogerzilla]

"I will send round a UPS driver with the cash" is a common one. I haven't established how this works, unless it's a load of counterfeit notes or the "UPS driver" is actually three thugs.

[simonineaston]

Thanks for the heads-up.

[Vetus Ossa]

I have had the same message on a facebook sale.
Obvious scam so ignored.

[foxychick]

"I will send round a UPS driver with the cash" is a common one. I haven't established how this works, unless it's a load of counterfeit notes or the "UPS driver" is actually three thugs.

Rogerzilla. The driver does not really exist they try to get you to pay £100 insurance to them online to cover the courier insurance cost and when the non existent driver turns up he will give you the £100 back in cash as well as the money for the bike. I get 30 of these per week on Facebook Marketplace every single one of them is of foreign origin.

[Jules59]

One of yesterday's whatsapp scammers had a +63 number (which is the Philippines) the others were all +44

[Jdsk]

I used Gumtree several years ago to sell a bike successfully and thought I'd use it again.
I was contacted by three different numbers via Whatsapp within 12 hours. - all 3 were scammers and ultimately were after my bank/card details.

sounds like an issue with whatsappery, not gumtree.

Yes. What personal details did you put in the advertisement, please?

I manage these within the Gumtree messaging system.

Jonathan

[simonineaston]

On the other hand, just when I'm starting to think the world has gone to Hell in a handcart, I recently sold a Moulton to an individual perporting to be based in the Far East and wanting me to use an app I'd never heard of to complete the transaction - and guess what, he turned out to be genuine and completely charming!! Can you believe it?? I know !! I even got the money !!!!

[simonhill]

One of yesterday's whatsapp scammers had a +63 number (which is the Philippines) the others were all +44

I believe you can forge the incoming number to look like anything you want. Often a Bank's number.

Telecoms are meant to be sorting this, but can't remember when.

[Jdsk]

One of yesterday's whatsapp scammers had a +63 number (which is the Philippines) the others were all +44

I believe you can forge the incoming number to look like anything you want. Often a Bank's number.

Telecoms are meant to be sorting this, but can't remember when.

Consultation has just closed:
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations- ... a-accuracy

Jonathan

[Dingdong]

Wherever you see *business account in the WhatsApp title, beware!