[hatescammers]

Hi there,

I responded to an ad on gumtree. I was skeptical with the whole "pay me and i'll give you a tracking number" at first, but this dude sent me a supposed scan of his passport. He was able to MMS me a photo of himself when I asked for it. We have exchanged information over emails and SMS, but he has NEVER answered any calls.

Yesterday I went to put cash over the counter into his account at a bank. Things started going downhill from there. The replies slowed, and soon the phone didn't even ring anymore. I thought I'd been done for and started making a police report. The police have not been most helpful, for they expect me to wait a couple more days as "the goods might turn up". But thing is, the guy promised to use a same-day 24/7 delivery service, and the journey shouldn't take more than 3 hours.

This morning I received an sms again (surprised he can be bothered). He's asking for my bank account number so that he can "return" my money. I'm a bit skeptical about giving my account information now that this whole episode has become very dodgy.

Would like to seek advice on whether to give my bank account and sort code so that he can "return" the money. I wouldn't give sensitive information, but with the police not doing much I don't see much other choice?


What's the worse he can do with my account number and sort code? Surely you can't take money out just with that? Is this part of a bigger scam?
Kindly advise please.

Thanks

[Dirty Mom]

Is he based in the UK?

Get him to pay you via a Postal Order. All he has to do is go to his nearest Post Office, pay the very low fee, and mail it to a safe address. You can then cash it, and know then and their as to it's authenticity.

Even if he is not based in the UK, some countries also sell them. And, if he cannot do even this simple thing without some excuse, you have to concede that you've been scammed (as sounds likely).



Post Office Website - Postal Orders

[the_tidy_kiwi]

[hatescammers]

Dirty Mom: Thanks for the detailed reply, and taking the effort to post that instruction/link. Am feeling quite lost now and any help at all is much appreciated.

The guy claims to be based in the UK. I've replied his SMS, will update his response here.


the_tidy_kiwi: thank you for the advice too. The police have been slow to take the matter up, and it really bothers me because I'm thinking this guy should be traceable given a bank account with a legit bank? Any reason why they can't do that?

meanwhile I believe the ad has been removed. but i will submit a form anyway in case you guys have logs. thanks.


sigh

[the_tidy_kiwi]

[Miss trouble]

You can have your whole account wipped out with a bank account number and sort code. tell him to send a cheque or a postal order for the full amount. As you dont give anyone you account details