So I put my across up on gumtree the other day, as a parting-out sale. A few hours later i get a text with an e-mail address reguarding the potential purchase of the WHOLE bike. Needless to say I was a little sus, but sent an e-mail to the address with further details. I also asked that further correspondance to be made by phone. This is the reply i got back: Sound Good... i accept your price i will offer you $1,100 and I am willing to buy it from you.. I would have love to make call But due to the fact that our satellite base is down for now, phone calls are being restricted but i squeezed out time to check this advert and send you an email regarding it and i will arrange for the pick up agent to come for the pick up from your house, i will not be able to come for inspection cos am a very busy type i work long hours everyday,i have gone through your advertisement and i am satisfied with it As for the payment..i will be paying you via PayPal as it is the fastest and secure way to pay and get paid via pay online(PayPal) kindly get back to me with your PayPal email account for me to make the payment on time as soon as the payment clears,so kindly get back to me with your full name with the your home address so that the pick up agent can be able to locate you and arrange for the pick up 1. Suspiciously cannot use phone 2. Will not pick up item in person 3. Paypal only. 30 seconds on google turned up the following: http://www.scamwarners.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=23073 http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1696818 So if anyone here's selling anywhere online, be warned. These guys are starting to get pretty sophisticated. Artemis.
These scams are very common. If they mention paypal, westion union or any money service like these, forget it. If they work on an oil rig, over seas, are buying for a relative or friend, forget it. If they want an agent to pick it up, wont meet you or talk to you, forget it. If you sell a bike and take an electronic payment, and they "accidently" pay you to much, then want you to return the difference, don't. The money they sent you doesn't exist, and it will take paypal a while to work this out. Paypal will then take the credit back out of your account, and if you already gave the buyer the difference it is long gone. NEVER follow an email link to anything that you log into, the link will be a fake, the intention to trick you into giving the scammers your log in details.
