Selling on Gumtree? Just be aware of these scams
Lisa Du is director of ReadyTechGo, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology.
Have you got unwanted goods lying around the house? I sure do! I sell many unwanted goods online, as it's a great way to convert unwanted items into cash.
I have a brand-new iPhone 8 to sell, and was going to list it on eBay. After working out that it would cost me over $100 in fees, I decided to give Gumtree a go, as it is free to list and there are no fees involved.
I was pleasantly surprised to receive an enquiry within an hour of listing the iPhone 8.
The message from "Sue" read: "Hi my partner will like to know if your listed Phone on gumtree is still on for sale? sallyjenese@gmail.com Email her directly Thx"
Excited, I emailed sallyjenese@gmail.com right away, to let her know that the phone was still available.
Here is the response from Sue's partner Sally:
I was a little confused when I read Sally's email and decided not to reply just yet. I mulled over it, and re-read her email. It sounded suspicious...
- It doesn't cost $100 to send a phone from Melbourne with Australia Post
- Paying me via PayPal?
I wasn't entirely comfortable with someone paying me online, outside of an online marketplace like eBay. Marketplaces such as eBay protects the buyer and the seller, if the transaction takes place within the eBay website or app.
I decided to do a Google Search of "Gumtree scams" and found that many people had fallen victim to scams just like the message I received from Sue! The scammer sends a message to the Seller, asking the seller to email them.
The transaction occurs via email, where the scammer says they will pay via PayPal. They make "payment", sending the seller a fake PayPal transaction summary.
In the news article from ABC News, scammers were contacting people who were trying to sell their cars. Then according to ABC News, one of three events will occur:
1. A courier comes and picks up the car and it is effectively stolen
2. The buyer suddenly demands a refund on the fake transaction
3. They "accidentally" pay extra on the fake transaction and demand to be reimbursed
Also, I didn't realise at the time, but when I re-read the original Text Message, the sender says "sue" (instead of a mobile phone number). I don't have a "sue" in my contact list, and when I tapped on the contact details, there was no phone number! (Scammers use online websites to send anonymous text messages, or messages with fake names).
Another scam to be wary of
I had a client this week who listed their Caravan on Gumtree, and straight away, received a text message asking them if the caravan was available, the condition of the caravan and to email them the details with the best price (sound familiar?).
The client sent an email advising that the caravan was available, and received this email response:
To: [CLIENT NAME OMITTED]
Subject: Re: Liberty van response
Thanks for getting back, I'm fine with the price likewise the condition as described on the advert, exactly what am looking for, I work with Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. Beetaloo Basin, Northern Territory, Australia and the reception is terrible. We do not have access to phone at the moment, which is why I contacted you with internet messaging facility. I am already in talks with the courier that will handle the pick-up and delivery.
As regards the payment, I can pay you through direct bank deposit (EFT), using paypal instant bank wire transfer service, linked up with my ANZ bank account, I will need your bank details and I will make the payment through paypal facility to your bank account, all I will need is your acct number, BSB number and acct name.
With the issue of my details, transferring the name of ownership and signing of all paperwork will be done by the freight agent so you don't have to worry about that.
Thanks....
Await your reply
Zanco
The client contacted ReadyTechGo for our thoughts, and we played along with "Zanco", asking Zanco to send us his ID so that we can get things rolling.
Zanco sent through an image of a Female US Passport, in which my client replied stating "perhaps an incorrect ID was attached?" Zanco replied a second time with a Queensland Driver’s License of a young man named Zanco. It can appear quite legitimate!
Beware
Sites like Gumtree are a great place to sell your items (my client successfully sold a Trailer and Tyres) but do keep in mind that there are many scams circulating!
If the potential buyer suggests paying you via PayPal or online banking, be mindful. If you are using websites like Gumtree, cash is best.
A Gumtree spokesperson said, "The safety of our community is our number one priority. While most community members have a positive experience, on occasion bad seeds do target Gumtree users. For any Gumtree transaction, we encourage our community to follow our safety guidelines. We are a community marketplace, so we always encourage members to buy and sell locally. A transaction should always be made face-to-face with the buyer and seller, with payment made once the goods have been inspected or the services completed. Our community should always avoid paying for an item before it has been viewed. We also suggest taking someone with you to meet your buyer/seller. Common sense is important too – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
"We also encourage anyone who thinks they have come across anything suspicious or concerning to report it to us using the ‘report ad’ function or 24/7 live chat. We also recommend everyone using Gumtree should visit our Help section for tips on how to have a safe and successful experience and to be vigilant when using any online marketplace.”