Can I get scammed this way?

timmothy · 7 Jul 2020 at 21:02

Someone is selling a laptop on gumtree about 2 hours from me. They say they don't want collection due to the virus and only want to send it.

They have said I can pay via PayPal so that I am covered but this seems like they are going out of their way as he would to pay fees. Also the price is already lower than others on eBay. If I pay via PayPal is there any way I can get scammed or will I be able to claim should he send a broken machine?

Tim

arknor · 7 Jul 2020 at 21:04

paypal probably side with him even if he sends a brick.

it's probably a scam imo

timmothy · 7 Jul 2020 at 21:07

I was worried about that. Its an HP Omen i5 1060 max q for £400 Inc postage. That is too cheap isn't it?

m@rty · 7 Jul 2020 at 21:08

Gumtree = always cash on collection or don’t waste your time

Dis86 · 7 Jul 2020 at 21:11

Defo.

Mrwong · 7 Jul 2020 at 21:12

timmothy said:
Someone is selling a laptop on gumtree about 2 hours from me. They say they don't want collection due to the virus and only want to send it.

They have said I can pay via PayPal so that I am covered but this seems like they are going out of their way as he would to pay fees. Also the price is already lower than others on eBay. If I pay via PayPal is there any way I can get scammed or will I be able to claim should he send a broken machine?

Tim

Scam, tell him you can go to his house and he can place it on the floor. There is no need to be close.

BUDFORCE · 7 Jul 2020 at 21:27

Mrwong said:
Scam, tell him you can go to his house and he can place it on the floor. There is no need to be close.

Yea exactly this. The reason for 'needing' to send it is BS.

wedrum · 7 Jul 2020 at 21:32

Don't do PayPal

Zefan · 7 Jul 2020 at 21:34

So I understand why people say this feels like a scam but can you explain the mechanism behind how it could be? If it's done using PayPal goods/services, I don't see how you can be left out of pocket. Sure, the person might be dodgy and try to send a brick. In that case, you simply open a case with PayPal explaining the situation and you will get your money back. If he's already withdrawn his money, then PayPal are down, not you. This is what the fees go towards! If someone else has more experience with how this scam is supposed to work, then please say, however from my knowledge of how PayPal works, the buyer should be fine. I'd be more worried about it being in bad condition/failing in a few months.

wedrum · 7 Jul 2020 at 21:35

Its gumtree go collect and pay cash or bank transfer with the goods in your hand

Anything other swerve it

Heisenberg · 7 Jul 2020 at 21:36

General rule is Gumtree = cash on collection only

wedrum · 7 Jul 2020 at 21:44

⁶7

Heisenberg said:
General rule is Gumtree = cash on collection only

Exactly

Malevolence · 7 Jul 2020 at 22:06

As above, Gumtree is collection in person and cash only. Anything else and you're asking to get scammed.

arknor · 7 Jul 2020 at 22:19

Zefan said:
So I understand why people say this feels like a scam but can you explain the mechanism behind how it could be? If it's done using PayPal goods/services, I don't see how you can be left out of pocket. Sure, the person might be dodgy and try to send a brick. In that case, you simply open a case with PayPal explaining the situation and you will get your money back. If he's already withdrawn his money, then PayPal are down, not you. This is what the fees go towards! If someone else has more experience with how this scam is supposed to work, then please say, however from my knowledge of how PayPal works, the buyer should be fine. I'd be more worried about it being in bad condition/failing in a few months.

do you open every parcel with a video camera running encase something else got send in it's box?

lets face it even if it's not a scam is it really worth the hassle?

Zefan · 7 Jul 2020 at 22:26

arknor said:
do you open every parcel with a video camera running encase something else got send in it's box?

No. I didn't say that was a requirement. I assume you have never dealt with an ebay or paypal case.

wedrum · 7 Jul 2020 at 22:26

arknor said:
do you open every parcel with a video camera running encase something else got send in it's box?

lets face it even if it's not a scam is it really worth the hassle?

I am surprised a moderator even replied with that dribble

PiKe · 7 Jul 2020 at 22:28

Don't bother. There's plenty more laptops.

NVP · 7 Jul 2020 at 23:10

wedrum said:
I am surprised a moderator even replied with that dribble

Bit harsh. He was asking questions around his understanding and whilst doing so provided more helpful information on the thread than your uninformative posts.

Rannoch · 8 Jul 2020 at 00:56

Don’t take the risk.

Edrof · 8 Jul 2020 at 08:41

If you send the money via PayPal's 'friends & family' option then you can't claim it back if something goes wrong, as I understand it.