GumTree Fraud warning !!!

[ste]

Just a quick shout about a Kayak I was interested in...........
an advert on GUMTREE for a P&H Sirus for sale to which i replied this was the following emails

1st mail

Hi Steve,
Don't know if it's been long since you've emailed, I've been out so couldn't follow up on my text message. Can't promise anything but visiting my mum shortly, wouldn't mind making a drop off . If you'll send me your postcode I can check out on my satnav the distance to yours.

Reasonable price and accurate description, it's worth the money, no bad surprises. I won't go any lower.

Can be reached on 07747192044 low signal strength area but check emails regularly.
Ta,
Sarah.
P.S. Will take cash only

2nd mail



Unfortunately I've just got called into the office (i get sent countrywide with less than 24hrs notice) so very busy till next week. Back at work we have some shipments for large items with parcel-force all week long. Just thought it would save you time and hassle if I'll send it along with them free of charge company benefits .


I asked around and it seems you can pay cash upon delivery/inspection. It's quite simple since they're able to wait for you to check it out, if not as described they can just void the shipment with no extra charge.

If that's alright with you I'll need a name, address, contact number and also date&time suitable for the delivery.
Working long hours so If you want to pop in and pick it up you'll have to wait till next week or so when hopefully I'll get my head around
Let me know either way.
Sarah.


You can check out Sarah's profile on Google+ here : plus.google.com/115238173924513265575

3RD mail

Subject: Important Shipping Information and Payment Instructions
Reply-To: [e-mail]



Parcel Tracking details
=================

At the request of Sarah Harlow, this notice is to confirm that the following shipment is in transit.


Important delivery information

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

Temporary parcel number: PBIE597373746 *Pending - Not valid to track online*

Packaged Goods: P&H Sirius composite Sea Kayak. HF version
Declared value: £330.00

Status: In progress(Arrived at delivery depot)

Ships to: Stephen

Payment required within 24 hours:
Instructions:

Find a corner shop, newsagent, convenience store, supermarket or outlet that has the PayPoint sign as you can see bellow:

Ask the shopkeeper for a £330.00 voucher.
Reply to this invoice directly with a readable scan or a photo of the UKASH receipt.
Our department will automatically validate your voucher and release the parcel out for delivery.
The delivery agent will call you on *07########* 1 hour prior to delivery. You are able to inspect the contents and if satisfied you will need to sign for it. If not, our agent will do a bank transfer and return the parcel as rejected.


Parcel Force Package Inspection Department

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in and accompanying this communication may be confidential and is intended solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient of this communication please delete and destroy all copies immediately.
==================
Parcelforce Worldwide is a trading name of Royal Mail Group Ltd.
Parcelforce Worldwide's principal office is Lytham House, 25 Caldecotte Lake Drive, Milton Keynes, MK7 8LE.
Royal Mail Group VAT registration number: GB243170002

After I tried to track the order not able to I rang Parcelforce who told me they dont issue temporary tracking Numbers and it's definatly a scam.
This has been reported to Gumtree so I'll update you when / if I hear any more.

[izzetafox]

Thanks for the warning a lot of people here are always keeping an eye out for a bargain sink.

Terry

[iank]

Thanks for the warning Ste. i suppose its got to apply to any second hand purchase.

Good job the alarm bells rang, i hope it might have for me when it got to the " go to a corner shop" stage otherwise it sounds quite plausible.

[melwakes]

ive answered an ad on gumtree yesterday. left 2 messages and my no.
got a text message with no number attatched
from someone who i havnt got a clue who they are.
never even logged on to gumtree before.
never will again.
people slag off ebay but at least you no where you stand

[kevbee]

Hi Steve i had the same thing i saw a kayak and they asked me to go to the shop for a ucash token then scan it with your phone and then email it to them, but i phoned parcelforce and they told me it was a scam,,,, lucky i never got the token. I then reported it to gumtree and they removed the add from the site , so look out for the ucash token.

[philpot]

I don't really know how gumtree works but this is the third issue I have heard about in as many months. I must agree that whilst ebay take some stick, I have bought and sold a number of items and the system works and so does paypal.

Thanks for the feedback Steve.
Phil

[thegrumpydad]

WOW!! Now dont i feel a twonk

Had the same happen with a dagger fiesta. Same name , same set up. However i asked if i could travel over as i live about 5 mile away........Full radio silence from "her". Didnt even ping it was a scam . Just assumed she was like my missus and changed her mind ;D ;D

[ephemera]

I was redirected to Gumtree 2 weeks ago when looking for my first Kayak. £250 for a Perception Freedom kitted with footrests, anchor trolley and paddle. Worked out fine for me, but obviously no postage involved.

Jonesy