Gumtree

[herring]

Hi all

I've read about a mobile phone scam where you will buy a phone from the scammer, only to find that a few days later they have reported it stolen. The phone will be bricked and the scammer will have pocketed your cash and get a payout from the insurance company.

Can anybody recommend a way of avoiding this scam, besides just using your head and not buying from people who "seem" dodgy? Is there anything the seller could provide to guarantee they are genuine, or to allow you to prove yourself to be the new owner of the phone? For example, if you were given the original receipt with the phone, could you get the phone unbarred if it was to be reported stolen?

Thanks for any help

[Just_Incredible]

The laws regarding trading face to face still applies, however it seems difficult to implement if you have been scammed as the scammers tend to use temporary contact numbers. The only best options is to meet at the sellers house or work place with a friend and make sure you have a solid contact number or address should any problems arise. It is normally safer to trade online using paypal but if you are still in doubt walk away, the phone market is huge and there is a deal out there for you.