Is it safe to buy on Gumtree using bank transfer?

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.

So that article is wrong?

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

Problem is he is from north Britain and I'm from south...

mrty16 m ago

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! ‌ Read lessRead more

Cheque books had bank details on them for years.

Selling bank payment only.
Buying PayPal only, not gift.

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

mrty39 m ago

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! ‌ Read lessRead more

But you wouldn't be giving anyone your details, they'd be giving you theirs. Still agree would be madness though

Nope don't do it. Have been scammed by this before albiet for £20.

Don't do it. They probably use dodgy bank and do chargeback from bank

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.

PayPal - you’ll be protected.

If you use PayPal your protected, if you use a bank transfer your not in the slightest

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.

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.Read lessRead more

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.

gumtree for face to face deals
anything else avoid

bank transfer will offer you no protection so i would not do it. use paypal.

I only use bank transfers to family members, strictly cash only for gumtree.

NO! Don't do it. Too many out there.

Bruno_Eye7th Feb

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!

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

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.Read lessRead more

i had one guy text me to say i should email him cos he had no credit on his phone