Scam with Bank Transfer?

Martynt74

Martynt74

Martynt74

Soldato
Joined
20 Feb 2004
Posts
23,393
Location
Hondon de las Nieves, Spain
I’m selling a bike and agreed a sale with someone.

It seemed legit to start then I got a weird text to say the driver could collect tomorrow (day earlier than agreed).

They then asked if the driver could pay by cash. I said it needed bank transfer. They then moved to PayPal and it set many alarm bells.

Finally they agreed to bank transfer. I sent my details and have received the funds.

Still feeling unsure I rang Santander who confirmed it was a faster payment and couldn’t be reversed without my approval.

Since receiving funds I’ve had no contact which again is odd.

Just wondering if anyone has heard of any scams like this and what could happen?
Presumably if they were going to kill me/steal it they wouldn’t transfer the cash as they already had my address!
 
Could be a hijacked bank account, transfer the funds elsewhere for a few days, or refund the money and cancel the sale. Certainly sounds shady to me.
 
Diddums said:
Could be a hijacked bank account, transfer the funds elsewhere for a few days, or refund the money and cancel the sale. Certainly sounds shady to me.
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Yeah it feels off but I’ve got the funds and Santander has put me at ease on that front. Plus it’s my main bank. I cba transferring everything out!

All I can think is it’s someone without English as a first language that perhaps buys/sells bikes hence “the driver” references. Maybe someone just drives around collecting stuff.
 
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What was the problem with cash?? at least its in your hand, and can not be taken back
 
Haze said:
What was the problem with cash?? at least its in your hand, and can not be taken back
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I initially agreed to cash but then the references to “the driver” put me off. I’m sure I’ve read of plenty scams like that.

I’m sure there are plenty scams with fake notes and I wouldn’t know a good fake from a real one.
 
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BUDFORCE said:
The problem you have now is when they come tomorrow what are you going to do?

How much are we talking about?
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£300

Likely just give them the bike. Just curious whether to expect anything untoward.

Have had a few messages now. Think it’s just a weird way of composing messages but ultimately genuine.
 
The driver can collect tomorrow? If you were buying a product from someone you would most certainly go get it yourself. There is a small chance they are busy but they should have asked if they could send someone else first.

Sounds super dodgy this does.
 
Cash cash cash - nothing else. Cash on pickup delivery - Get a pen to check the notes

DO NOT let anyone take the bike/goods away that isn't the buyer themselves paying cash.

As soon as you let it out your sight with "delivery driver" - you'll end up with the buyer claiming that wasn't their driver and a whole world of hurt.

it's a scam.

Cash only, get a pen to check the notes, person themselves picks up or you deliver direct to them. Nothing else
 
I believe you are worrying needlessly, this may give you some peace of mind:

forums.moneysavingexpert.com

Can a bank transfer be recalled by the sending account holder??

I guess the real question is, in what circumstances can a sending account holder recall the funds....
forums.moneysavingexpert.com forums.moneysavingexpert.com

I would just make sure that your account wasn't credited with a cheque, which should show as such, which could bounce. Am inter bank transfer is incredibly hard for the payer to rescind unless a genuine error and paid to a wrong account.
 
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when someone turns up how do you ensure they are the person who gave you the money ?
someone turns up later and says where is my bike.
 
jpaul said:
when someone turns up how do you ensure they are the person who gave you the money ?
someone turns up later and says where is my bike.
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Totally this. And they have your address too, so expect nastiness if they don't get their cash "back"
 
Chris Wilson said:
I believe you are worrying needlessly, this may give you some peace of mind:

forums.moneysavingexpert.com

Can a bank transfer be recalled by the sending account holder??

I guess the real question is, in what circumstances can a sending account holder recall the funds....
forums.moneysavingexpert.com forums.moneysavingexpert.com

I would just make sure that your account wasn't credited with a cheque, which should show as such, which could bounce. Am inter bank transfer is incredibly hard for the payer to rescind unless a genuine error and paid to a wrong account.
Click to expand...
It absolutely can be recalled if it's from a stolen account or someone was scammed. E.g. the buyer could have advertised a fake item elsewhere and instructed them to send money to OP's bank account.
 
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