Gumtree ad - Is it a scam?

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Joined
8 Oct 2009
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865
Hi,

This is my first time buying from gumtree.

So a bit of a back story. I've been looking for a second hand phone until the iPhone 6 comes out end of this year (yes I know iPhone :p)

I found an iPhone 5S for around £200.
On the ad, he said that he wants to buy a new phone, that's why he is selling this. Also, he said he takes paypal or bank transfer.

So I phoned him and talked to him (and his gf?) and we exchanged emails.

So I've been emailing him regarding some details on the phone.

He answered my questions, but told me that his paypal is saying that he reached his limit and won't be able to receive money till 28 days so only other option is bank transfer to get payment and send phone quicker.

He offered me to pay half now (plus £9 for postage) and half when I get the phone.

The problem is this:
I am from Malta, so he will ship this overseas.
However, being it a bank transfer I feel I am not protected so I can basically lose £100 without any chance of recovering it?
Also, the price is a bit on the low side for an iPhone 5S so there is that thing were it seems 'too good to be true'.

I really don't know what kind of protection I get as a buyer with it being a bank transfer.

Opinions?

Thanks
 
Bank transfer = the internet version of cash. And you know what they say about cash:

Pay with your cashee, potato for mashee.*

*They don't say that at all. I just made it up to look good. It doesn't even make sense.
 
yep, you're all basically saying what I've been thinking!

If it was paypal, than no problem cause I can always get my money back... but BT is well, no protection!
 
My ex recently dropped her iphone 5 in some water, apple wanted £218 for a replacement phone....


Don't see anyone selling them for 200 tbh
 
Ask them if their surname is ainsworth, that family are known to be gumtree scammers. Search google for them.
 
Taken directly from the Gumtree website...

"1. Always meet in person when doing any business through Gumtree - it helps to avoid scammers who rely on online anonymity

2. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is."
 
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