Scams and frauds: post your examples ....

flem · Guest

Here's a follow up from some poor handicapped bloke who wants a guitar.

thanks for the reply, i'm serious about buying this item and i 'm sure and believe it's okay and i'll love to come right away but i'm sorry i'm physically handicapp thats why i won't be able to come and my phone is temporay out of service for now but we can still contact through mail. and for the payment,i'll need your name and address which i'll forward your name and address to the bank for the payment to commence which i'll be making thruogh postal money order cash online ,and payment will be delivered to you in cash directly at home with the given name and address given to me for the payment and i do have a fedex account which will be using in sending out the item which i'll just send you a label and invoice which you'll print out and paste on the package then you'll take it to the fedex drop off office near your home and have it sent out immediately the payment has been approved and also a payment confirmation mail will be sent to your mail box confirming to you that has been approved and i'll want the item to be sent out from the fedex drop off office near your home immediately a payment confirmation mail is sent to you notifying you that payment has been approved ,so reply me back with your name and address for the payment to commence if your'e still intersted in selling the item thanks

guest1 · Guest

Recently there have been ads on gumtree mobile fone section selling 8800/7610/d600 etc at unbelievable prices, when i contacted the person(jasonbutler@yahoo.co.uk) he sent me a web address www.fantastikfonez.com

the site looks so genuine and the prices r ok therefore i bought 1 fone, i went for the cheapest one for 14.99 just to check if they r genuine
paid the money with credit card and i got a reciept and reference num in a mail and the fone was supposed to be delivered within 10 days

But i was for some reason still had doubts and i called the credit card provider and guess what??? 69 quid has been deducted by NOCHEX. the name which is not mentioned on the website. I also called the number on the website and surprise the called went to phones4u they r shocked that their num is mentioned on the website and said they have nothing to do with the site.

pls advice who shall i complain to take appropriate action and catch the culprits.

thanks

Guest · Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 1:55 pm Post subject:

This is a very disturbing scamvert

http://www.gumtree.com/london/08/4150808.html

Guest · Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2006 9:41 pm Post subject: Re: ALERT!!!!!!!

Check it out · Guest

http://forums.gumtree.com/about3075.html

what does everyone think

Phil888 · Guest

Dont know if this company is scam or just really shit customer service but I have been waiting for 3 weeks for my ipod nano and still nothing and customer service sucks.

I advise noone to order from www.xpmobile.com

Evil or Very Mad

andyuk2005 · Guest

Arite this guy advertised a £5000 tv for sale for £400, obviously a scam but I wanted to see what would happen. He said he goes through gumtree.com's squaretrade (although I can't see anything about it!) At first he requested my address, i gave my student accomodation address(I know a bit stoopid now I look back) and he says he's going to send an invoice soon.

Oh yea he says he lives in italy!

Have any of you heard of this before? And am I doing anything risky by giving him my address?

redturtle · Joined: 05 Apr 2006 Posts: 10

My husband bought a laptop (worth £3000) on ebay and the guy told him he would take off like 300 quid if he wire transferred the money to him in Italy. My hubby was sooo stupid (totally regrets this now). Yeah well the guy picked up the money and did a runner! Ebay said they could not do anything because he did not go through paypal!

Hey I want to hear stories from people that have actually fallen for the Nigerian scams. People have to if they keep doing them!

danweb · Guest

cakesy · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 25

roberts24020@jojomail.com -

"Hello,
here is responding to the advert you put up for sale of this item.
Could you please inform if it is still available as am interested
in its purchase.
Regards 07024013132"

I have 3 things for sale, he wrote the same message to all of them.

What can you do, almost everything I try to sell, I get 5 scammers. I even had one ring me up once. His english was horrible.

Hidetomo · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 4

Hello

I am okay with the price of the books,i will send the payment to you at your location,Cause i have your address with me here so be expecting payment from now okay and as oon as you receive payment i will instruct my brother to come pickup the books for me at your location okay.Get back to me with your address once again and phone number.

chuksfamilies@yahoo.com

Slipstream · Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 2 Location: London

Check this out!

www.ebolamonkeyman.com

ENJOY! (there own medicine)

HURRAH!!!!!!!!!!

Pass it on

pete123 · Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 10 Location: London

Fraudulent Activity in the Business Services section of gumtree is rife. Fortunately, there is a lot we can all do to save the good name of gumtree from being tarnished by unethical wheeler dealers.

Step 1.

Report unregistered businesses or so-called freelancers. They are breaching gumtree policy if they are placing their ads in the business services section. They are also tax avoiders, even if their services are not a scam.

Step 2.

Report unregistered businesses or freelancers to the Companies House and Trading Standards. Only registered businesses may trade and offer services that are beyond the scope of private individuals.

Step 3.

Be sceptical. Ask questions and make sure that you deal with someone based in the UK. Dealing with someone that sounds foreign could be the result of a telephone diversion service which is as cheap as £5 per month! You could be speaking to someone overseas without even knowing it.

If you have any complaints or if you are the victim of fraud or unreasonable advertising- Remember you have the upper hand. USE IT!

Legal Eagle
LL.B (Law), LL.M (Law) [/u]

andysears · Joined: 06 Jun 2006 Posts: 10 Location: Stevenage

See previous replys to your factually incorrect ramblings.

Freelancing is not illegal. There is such a thing as self employed. We pay taxes, probably more than yourself.

Do not always have to be registered for VAT

And as previsously stated: Luton Gumtree service actually states 'Freelancers' in its category.

If your a legal eagle, then you should re-sit your exams in law

Carols · Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 97 Location: Hampshire

Just out of curiosity if someone contacted a seller asking to buy the item and said about overpaying and to send the difference on.. What would happen if the seller said fine send it over, cashed it and didn't send the difference back?

Or if you suspected a scam just kept the cheque and not cashed it?

Would you be scamming the scammers or do they use stolen cheques or something?

londoner · Community Moderator Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Posts: 238

Hi Carol,

The "overpaid" cheque is a common scam - the cheque is likely to be fake and would therefore bounce:

http://www.gumtree.com/seller_fraud_alert.html

Carols · Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 97 Location: Hampshire

Yes I know that but if you just put it in your account and left it, it would either bounce and probably incure charges or it would clear. Then I suppose they would cancell when you sent the excess.

If you were prepared to accept the possible charges for a bounced cheque, then just wait to see how long they took to cancel it. and what would/could they do in the mean time?

It is an interesting scenario of is it possible to scam the scammers.

Hmmmmmmmm I'm not prepared to find out but if anyone has done it I would be intrigued to konw the answer.

tnp · Joined: 03 Jul 2006 Posts: 1

have a look at this.....i pretty sure this is a scammer, in fact, i knw this is a scammer and i also knw hacking is very much illegal but they started it with me so now its pay back. this is the email he sent me regarding buy my car,

adie baker (ad_baker01@yahoo.co.uk)

IF THIS EMAIL IS FAMILIAR WITH ANY PLEASE LET ME KNW!!!

It's my pleasure hearing from you soonest.
I am still interested in buying it said that the price is okay by me
and that i will be making the payment to you hereafter by
Cheque Or Bankers Check.

So all i need to get the payment made to you is your
name,address and contact phone number so that the payment could be
made to you by post as soon as possible.

Like wise i will want you to remove the item from the advert page and
get back me to with the word ot trust assuring me that it will be
removed and it will be sold to my client.

Assumed it has been sold to me cos the payment will be made to
you hereafter i receive the information requested for the payment.
As regards the shippment,I will have to make arrangrement for the
shippment from your location.

Thereafter the shipper will be coming for the pick up in
person in your location.
Pls reply to this message only if you accept the terms and condition
for the payment and if you did not accept the terms.
I will wait to hear from you soonest.
Regard
adie

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ok firstly, wot da hell you mean a shipper woudl pick the car up? who da hell am i making the log book out to? second y cant u pick it up ur self? mayb its cos ur all da freaking way in sumwhere in africa. third...im not dumb...so instead im goin to have fun with it all. i gave them my work address to send the cheque to so i knw i will be safe, im goin to put this cheque into the business account where i dont inccur charges for bounced cheques so im interested to see how they intend to try one on me and see how long it takes them to cancell the cheque out. lol oh i forgot to mention, i work for london metropolitain police so the jokes on him already. IM A CID for computer fraud and deception. lol this already is too funny.

the other thing that i am doin and yes it is still within my powers is o trace and literally hack into his pc and access all intformation on there and load and behold guess what i saw......tons and tons of emails being sent out to other unsuspecting ppl sellin their items on gumtree, ebay and other such sites. so we are now investigating this to see what the outcome is. i will keep you guys updated with this as it progresses but due to legal constraints i can only review so much but what i do disclose is for all your benifits so that you can avoid being scammed.

aw · Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 1 Location: London

I normally start to think Scammer!, if;

1. Long and elaborate story about why they want to buy the item. Why would the seller care about someone’s intentions of buying an item?
2. Really bad English.
3. THE WHOLE REPLY OR MESSAGE IS IN CAPITAL LETTERS.
4. Unless you're looking for accommodation, this site (especially for London ads) deals with cash transactions since we normally want the cash/goods now.
5. The deal sounds to good to be true. Like most things in life, if it sounds to good to be true, it's normally not true. Just because it's via the internet, doesn't change that fact. I mean, why would any normal person offer 500 euros for something that have been advertised for £50? Would you? Didn't think so...

I've been buying and selling on gumtree since moving to London last year and never had any serious problems. Normally common sense is all that's needed when conducting business on this site. Just my two cents...

cobra06 · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 2

#1
"Hello,

first i want to apologize for the late reply,I'm contacting you about the "34' 2005 Lakota 34SKD Double Slide Travel Trailer" that i have posted on Kijiji at only $3500.I want to remember you that the shipping it is covered by me and the trailer it is in perfect condition,like in pics.IF i can help you by giving you other details let me know.I want to give you a small description about my trailer next:Double Slides, High Ceilings, Sleeps Four People, 50 amp Service, Washer/Dryer Hookup, 2 Air Conditioners-Ducted, Ducted Heating, Gas/Electric Water Heater, Freestanding Dinette, 2 Rocker Recliners, Sofa, Day/Night Shades, Large Closets, TV with Antenna, DVD/CD/Radio with Speakers Throughout, Private Toilet/Shower/Sink, Vintage Oak Cabinets with Raised Panel Doors, Wilsonart Wood Floors in Kitchen/Entryway, 8 cu-ft Gas/Electric Fridge/Freezer, Three Burner Range with Oven, Microwave with Hood, and Alumaframe Construction.It also has clear title and US specs.Reply me back soon if you are interested in closing the deal with full name and address for the shipping
Best regards
Raymond Withxxxx,(editted)
XX-XX Northumberland Avenue ,London,WC4XXXX,England ."

#2

"Okay that no problem,check the car and get back to me.Are you sure that $800.00US is what i would have to pay to ship it to london,cause from information,i would have to pay for a space in the ship or airplane which ever i choose and some export duty taxes.i have already seen an agent but i would prefer to work with him through you,that is you would have to make his payment,that is i would be sending you a cheque for both of you,which you would clear at your bank. would give you a call on monday morning ok.

XX <xxxxxxxxx@hotmail.com> wrote:
I will go to any dealership of your preference in town of Kelowna and have the car checked by them.
Cheapest way to ship it to UK is by overseas ship. Usualy from Canada it cost around $800.00US
I have no problem with certified cheque.
Sould you pleaase call me at 1-250-xxx-xxxx (edited by me)
Me

cobra06 · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 2

Pro-SeS · Joined: 29 Jul 2006 Posts: 1

janfrost · Joined: 31 Jul 2006 Posts: 1

here is one I received from my ad for an electric scooter £99, they may not be in order

Hello Jan ,
Thanks for the reply and i am from Canada, i will will arrange the pickup myself because i have some other scooters to be ship to me from Cumbria, but just to be sure you really understand, but this is what i meant in my last email sent to you that you will be send a cheque of £1800 and as soon as you recieved the cheque and clears in your account,you can then deduct the cost of the electric scooter (£150) and the remaining Balance will be send to my shipping agent via western union money transfer for them to arrange for the pickup of the electric scooter from your location and some other scooters to be pickup for me in Cumbria. Hope this is okay by you and i will looking forward to read from you soon with your details( name on cheque, address and phone numbers) .The shipping agent will be the one to come for the pickup of the electric scooter from your location or where it is kept as soon as they recieved their payment via western union money transfer.

Regards,
Jose

I will wait for the cheque to clear before the pickup will commence and do send me your phone numbers(LAND & MOBILE) so that i can speak to you directly, and also the name the cheque will be made payable...........

for them to arrange for the pickup of the electric scooter from your location and some other scooters to be pickup for me in Cumbria. Hope this is okay by you and i will looking forward to read from you soon with your details( name on cheque, address and phone numbers) .The shipping agent will be the one to come for the pickup of the electric scooter from your location or where it is kept as soon as they recieved their payment via western union money transfer.

Regards,
Jose

I will wait for the cheque to clear before the pickup will commence and do send me your phone numbers(LAND & MOBILE) so that i can speak to you directly, and also the name the cheque will be made payable...........

Hi there
I think there is some confusion, the price of the bike is only £99 plus
shipping if you want it to be shipped to you let me know your address and I
will get a quote for shipping
Jan

>From: Jose frank
>To: jan frost
>Subject: Payment and collection .........
>Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2006 12:37:22 +0200 (CEST)
>
>Hello ,
> Thanks for your reply and the pic looks great, i will offer you £150
>for the price of the electric scooter ,but concerning the shipment ,i have
>a shipping agent that will handle the shipment so you don't need to bother
>about the shipment. however,This is how the payment will be made a client
>of mine in United Kingdom his owing me some funds of £1800, I will instruct
>him to issue a Cheque drawn from UK Bank in your name and once it clears,
>you will deduct the cost of the electric scooter and the remaining balance
>will be send back to my Shipper via western uni scooter to be pickup in
>Cumbria .Do get back to me immediately with your information as listed
>below for me to instruct my client to issue then Cheque in your name.Hope
>to read from you soonest .
>
>NAME :
>ADDRESS:
>CITY:
>STATE:
>POST CODE:
>COUNTRY
>
>Regards,
>Jose.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>jan frost ha scritto: Hi there
>it belongs to a young neighbour of ours and he is looking for £99
>delivered in Glasgow if required
>
>
> >From: josefrank4buz@yahoo.it
> > >Subject: Your Gumtree Glasgow ad: electric scooter, hardly used
> >Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2006 11:11:58 UT
> >
> >In response to your advertised electric scooter , do send me the price
>and
> >pics of it because i can't view it on the site.
> >
> >Regards,
> >Jose.
> >
> >
>
>
>
> Chiacchiera con i tuoi amici in tempo reale!
> http://it.yahoo.com/mail_it/foot/*http://it.messenger.yahoo.com

Chiacchiera con i tuoi amici in tempo reale!
http://it.yahoo.com/mail_it/foot/*http://it.messenger.yahoo.com

londonlad · Joined: 05 Aug 2006 Posts: 1

Received two dodgy emails in just one day..

And guys also dont fall for taking more money and sending the rest back through western union or money gram as its scam as well . you will helping criminals encashing their money and you could be in jail for that

Its called moneymule or similar just google it..

mailbejay@yahoo.co.nz to me
More options 00:09 (0 minutes ago)

i urgetly want to buy your fone.it is very urgent pls,no time wasting.urgently mail your payment method to me.i am bill jason from lime rick in dublin.thanks

fredgald@yahoo.co.nz to me
More options 22:32 (0 minutes ago)

I was just browsing and i saw the advert on your sales. Hope is in good condition I will be glad to buy from you and will like to
hear from you as soon as possible....Frederick. My Mobile Number is +447031895718

Reply Forward Invite fredgald@yahoo.co.nz to Google Mail

Fredrick Garld to me
More options 16:10(1 hour ago)

i'm really impressed with the reply, I stay in Upton Park, London. and i'm a busy man, i work 8am to 8pm. i will be glad to
paying you in paypal auction payment.do get back to me with the total cost of the product with shiping to Nigeria, west Africa
"coz i 'll be sending it to my Uncle over there for his birthday.you can get back to me as soon as possible.
Fredrick... 07031895718

me wrote:
Hello mate,

I just received it today, just to make sure everything is in working
order. Wouldnt have sold it if i had job. you would have to come near
wembley park in order to get the phone we will meet up and you can pay
cash for it

Cheers

Riverthief · Joined: 05 Aug 2006 Posts: 3

Check out 419eater.com, great site about people that target scammers and waste thier time. Might give you a few ideas!