Gumtree Scam [email protected]

Hi everyone,

Just received a couple of SMS's from a person, asking to buy an item on Gumtree Australia. The email address they asked to use for communications is; [email protected]

A quick Google search, led me to this thread.

Mine is identical to some on here, I actually googled the name of ' Ray Troy ' gumtree, and that's how I found this website!!!! I initially got a text, asking if I would reply to an email address [email protected]. I did this, and I got this reply .....

Alright Mate,

I am interested in buying your item. I wish i could come for viewing and inspection due to that i am presently out of the country at the moment and i want it picked up prior my arrival back to australia, though i will be back in couple of weeks. I would like to pay you using paypal due to my inability to make a bank deposit which is safer for me. Kindly send me a paypal payment invoice or create an account with paypal on http://www.paypal.com.au if you dont have one. I will make a solid and arrangement for pick up with the shipping company who will be coming over to your place for pick up once you receive full payment into your paypal account. Have a nice day. Few more photos will be appreciated as well.

Ray

What a loser!! He doesn't even sound Aussie in his email!!!!

Added quotation. (BW)

The problem with this type of scam is that any moron can attempt it with great ease and on a high volume basis.

He used the word 'mate' believing that was enough to kid you not realising that he should have used the word 'cobber'

You just have to be aware how it works and spot them early so that you can just ignore them and not waste your time. They have to tell you at the outset that they can't collect or view the item beforehand, and make sure you won't be able to speak to them by phone as their accent will be a dead giveaway. I've spoken to many of these scammers on the phone and you would barely understand a word they say and most work off scripts they've copied from buddies.

A buyer who can't view or collect the item, and won't speak on the phone can be ignored as a scammer.

I received an email almost identical to another user today who gave me his name as Ray but used Desmond to the other user.
Basically I received a text this morning from an international number (+46 70-179 179) saying "I'm interested in your gumtree ad whats the present condition and your best price? Kindly respond to my email [email protected]"

I emailed back and then received this reply

Alright Mate,

I am interested in buying your item. I wish i could come for viewing and inspection due to that i am presently out of the country at the moment and i want it picked up prior my arrival back to australia, though i will be back in couple of weeks. I would like to pay you using paypal due to my inability to make a bank deposit which is safer for me. Kindly send me a paypal payment invoice or create an account with paypal on http://www.paypal.com.au if you dont have one. I will make a solid and arrangement for pick up with the shipping company who will be coming over to your place for pick up once you receive full payment into your paypal account. Have a nice day. Few more photos will be appreciated as well.

Ray

This person is obviously going by the name of Ray and Desmond.

This guy is still working the Gumtree ads as I received the same email from him yesterday (1 Sept 2013) wanting to by my item etc. etc. using the email of [email protected] but used the name Ray