Is it safe to buy on Gumtree using bank transfer?

deleted1908180's avatar deleted1908180 25
Posted 7th Feb 2018
According to this: which.co.uk/con…cam


It is possible but according to some other threads it isn't. So who's right?
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  1. Mechtup's avatar
    Gumtree and bank transfer are two phrases which shouldn’t be used in one sentence.

    If you get scammed, you don’t really have a leg to stand on. I certainly wouldn’t recommend it for expensive items. Paypal always.
  2. Vjase's avatar
    I know this is an old thread but its the one I found when searching how best to pay in Gumtree for remote purchases. Latest Paypal FAQ suggests you have no buyer protection using Gumtree. I think I've decided in person only. Posting in case others come across this thread.


    paypal.com/au/…551
  3. deleted1080215's avatar
    Anonymous User
    Buying or selling on gumtree - cash is king. You want some stranger having your bank details? That's why we have shredders!
  4. Oneday77's avatar
    deleted108021507/02/2018 23:08

    Buying or selling on gumtree - cash is king. You want some stranger …Buying or selling on gumtree - cash is king. You want some stranger having your bank details? That's why we have shredders!


    Cheque books had bank details on them for years.

    Selling bank payment only.
    Buying PayPal only, not gift.
  5. Toptrumpet's avatar
    The Which Guide states
    If you've been caught out by a complex and convincing scam which has resulted in you transferring your money into another bank account than you should contact your bank immediately.
    The bank can try and recover the funds once they are notified.

    Buying something on gumtree would not fall into the category of a complex and convincing scam.
    Also states the bank can TRY ........ Hardly a positive statement.
    As above cash is King, unfortunately too many scammers using Bank Transfer and then not sending items
  6. Toptrumpet's avatar
    Kamila_Klimova13/04/2021 18:12

    [Image] Hi everyone, I would like ask if anyone has got experience please. …[Image] Hi everyone, I would like ask if anyone has got experience please. After what I confirmed this they want my card number, secure code , expired date and current balance. Don't believe it is not scam


    Yeah, I’d agree with you, it looks like a scam. Firstly it’s not GumTree it’s Gumtree and there is no Gumtree Market term, plus the wording doesn’t read well.
    I also would expect a gumtree logo somewhere. (edited)
  7. Phsycronix's avatar
    Vjase11/08/2019 19:09

    I know this is an old thread but its the one I found when searching how …I know this is an old thread but its the one I found when searching how best to pay in Gumtree for remote purchases. Latest Paypal FAQ suggests you have no buyer protection using Gumtree. I think I've decided in person only. Posting in case others come across this thread.https://www.paypal.com/au/smarthelp/article/how-do-i-pay-for-my-gumtree-purchases-using-paypal-faq3551


    Just stopping by as this thread was updated and was having a nosy look.

    Saw this post and thought I'd just point out - the link provided by Vjase is for the Australian version of Gumtree. I haven't looked deeply into the subject but I do believe; in the UK; you do get buyer protection as long as you A) have a current UK registered Paypal account and B) you pay using "Goods & Services" (seller sends you an invoice) rather than the "Friends & Family" method.

    Now, getting Paypal to cough up on a claim...........that's another story.
  8. deleted1908180's avatar
    Anonymous User Author
    So that article is wrong?
  9. deleted1908180's avatar
    Anonymous User Author
    Problem is he is from north Britain and I'm from south...
  10. psychobitchfromhell's avatar
    deleted108021507/02/2018 23:08

    Buying or selling on gumtree - cash is king. You want some stranger …Buying or selling on gumtree - cash is king. You want some stranger having your bank details? That's why we have shredders!


    But you wouldn't be giving anyone your details, they'd be giving you theirs. Still agree would be madness though
  11. deleted714542's avatar
    Anonymous User
    Nope don't do it. Have been scammed by this before albiet for £20.
  12. Meer95's avatar
    Don't do it. They probably use dodgy bank and do chargeback from bank
  13. homebanjo's avatar
    Honesty, it's not worth the grief. I don't know if your source is legitimate but do consider how easy it might be to be conned in your current predicament.

    Scammers set up accounts on a regular basis, preparing for far off future cons, knowing established sellers of several years are deemed more trustworthy. When it's time they will load other items supposedly 'for sale' to assist the illusion of being a real seller or trader. Those persuaded by the ruse invariably end up paying for an item, or service, that never existed to be sold.
  14. geojo's avatar
    PayPal - you’ll be protected.
  15. deleted1780249's avatar
    Anonymous User
    If you use PayPal your protected, if you use a bank transfer your not in the slightest
  16. tallpete33's avatar
    Had all kinds of scammers contact me on gumtree. One texted me to say he couldn't text as he was at work (yes really) so asked me to mail him. I did and he sent me back a Gumtree "purchase request" for me to respond too, basically directing me to a fake gumtree site so he could get my logon an pw. I made up a not very polite logon and input that.
  17. deleted1080215's avatar
    Anonymous User
    Oneday777 h, 17 m ago

    Cheque books had bank details on them for years. Selling bank payment …Cheque books had bank details on them for years. Selling bank payment only. Buying PayPal only, not gift.


    Yes but that is one of the reasons for banks phasing them out. Any exchange of bank details is fraught with danger. We rely too much on banks or PayPal intervening when we get scammed - this is why bank charges are going up.
    Cash when buying or selling, unless from an established business, that way you see what you are buying.
  18. deleted79467's avatar
    Anonymous User
    gumtree for face to face deals
    anything else avoid
  19. mutley1's avatar
    bank transfer will offer you no protection so i would not do it. use paypal.
  20. jaketheplumber's avatar
    I only use bank transfers to family members, strictly cash only for gumtree.
  21. veedubjai's avatar
    NO! Don't do it. Too many out there.
  22. DaveTaylor's avatar
    deleted190818007/02/2018 23:07

    So that article is wrong?


    What has led to your questioning of the integrity of the article? It's clear and unequivocal - worth reading if you require precise information!
  23. machomansavage's avatar
    Have u by any chance been texted by the buyer asking u to respond via the email they put in text? I had one once and I was about to post and had a gut feeling someone was up, good job I didn't
  24. deleted86015's avatar
    Anonymous User
    tallpete338th Feb

    Had all kinds of scammers contact me on gumtree. One texted me to say he …Had all kinds of scammers contact me on gumtree. One texted me to say he couldn't text as he was at work (yes really) so asked me to mail him. I did and he sent me back a Gumtree "purchase request" for me to respond too, basically directing me to a fake gumtree site so he could get my logon an pw. I made up a not very polite logon and input that.


    i had one guy text me to say i should email him cos he had no credit on his phone
  25. Kamila_Klimova's avatar
    44446887-O3kUi.jpgHi everyone, I would like ask if anyone has got experience please. After what I confirmed this they want my card number, secure code , expired date and current balance. Don't believe it is not scam
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