UPS COD safe?

[Chris_83]

Selling an item via GumTree and the buyer has suggested using UPS COD service. Is it safe or am I walking right into a scam?

 

[Gilly]

Smells a bit fishy to me.

 

[Joshct]

I'm a very cynical person about such matters, but past them giving over forged bank notes i don't see how it could be a problem? UPS would have the record of it being delivered, and of money being given...

But i don't really do second hand trades on items so i have no real experience in these matters, if you're worried, simply pass on that trade.

 

[DoneADougalOnSofa]

Seems legit. If the receiver can't pay, they don't get the goods...

 

[Richand]

seems like its not just cash they accept as payment though:

These terms of service apply to C.O.D.:

Where cash is collected, the maximum amount is the local currency equivalent of USD 5,000 per receiver per day.
Where a cheque is collected, the maximum amount is the local currency equivalent of USD 50,000 per receiver per day.
UPS will accept a business or personal cheque, or another negotiable form of payment.
At the shipper's request, UPS will accept a cashier's cheque or money order only.
The shipper assumes all risk related to the collection of the payment, including non-payment, insufficient funds, and forgery.

 

[Chris_83]

Richand, that's whats' ringing alarm bells. If the buyer gives a personal cheque its no different to sending it through the post. I won't know I've been scammed until a period of time after I cash the cheque.

Anyone suggest an alternative? Seems he's unwilling to meet somewhere halfway (I'm Hull, he's Nottingham).

 

[Spit]

I can smell a personal cheque in the wind.

 

[Antony101]

Why not phone UPS and ask if it's possible to do it strictly cash only and what protection you have through them?

 

[booyaka]

If your not 100% happy - walk away from it. Too many scams on gumtree.

 

[a1ex2001]

Wouldn't touch it, with all internet trades money up front or walk away.

 

[dfarrall]

Why cant he pay any other way?
Would avoid IMO..

 

[Greebo]

Got to be a scam. Just my 2p worth

 

[d_brennen]

If your not 100% happy - walk away from it.

Also, if you need to ask, walk away

 

[Defy Belief]

Gumtree = collection only.

 

[Cosimo]

No cash up front, no trade. Walk....

 

[Chris_83]

Cheers, you've confirmed my suspicions. Just told him I'm willing to meet in Sheffield and cover the cost of his train ticket, or the deal is off. (Would rather take a £20 hit and know I'm not being scammed).

 

[Adam]

Your gut feeling tells you a lot. I think you have done the right thing there.

 

[CREATIVE!11]

Gum tree is generally face to face,

Or tell them to trust you and bank transfer the money and you'll post it.

But never let people PayPal you.

 

[Shadez]

seems like its not just cash they accept as payment though:

These terms of service apply to C.O.D.:

Where cash is collected, the maximum amount is the local currency equivalent of USD 5,000 per receiver per day.
Where a cheque is collected, the maximum amount is the local currency equivalent of USD 50,000 per receiver per day.
UPS will accept a business or personal cheque, or another negotiable form of payment.
At the shipper's request, UPS will accept a cashier's cheque or money order only.
The shipper assumes all risk related to the collection of the payment, including non-payment, insufficient funds, and forgery.

The shipper ie you take all risk? whats the point in using a service that removes the only protection you get from cash on delivery.

 

[CREATIVE!11]

The shipper ie you take all risk? whats the point in using a service that removes the only protection you get from cash on delivery.

lol I didn't read that part,

So guy doesn't pay and they hand over the item to him?

wut?