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Original poster

Could this be a scam? And if so, how would it work?

23 replies

Monr0e · 12/12/2025 23:52

I am selling a couple of items on Facebook marketplace. Ive sold multiple things previously and never had any problems.

I had a message 2 days ago asking if an item was available and could they arrange for their niece to pick it up. So far so good. She then asked for my bank details and phone number, to transfer the money, and give to her niece to get in touch to arrange to collect.

I sent both and she transferred the money straight away. However, no one has been in touch to arrange to collect the item. I messaged her this morning to say I was waiting to hear, and she replied straight away to say she would remind her niece. I still haven't heard from anyone, and I'm starting to get a bit twitched that it may not be above board. But I'm not sure why? I currently have the money in my account, but no one seems bothered about picking the item up. Could it be some kind of scam? And if so, how might it work if I have already received the money?

OP posts:
HappiestSleeping · 13/12/2025 04:34

My initial thought is that they are just being crap.

If you're that worried, call your bank, tell them what's happened, and ask whether they think you need to take any action.

BlueberryOats · 13/12/2025 05:21

It's quite a common phishing scam. The other is that they are going to send a courier round. Did you look at their profile?

www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/blog/scams-and-fraud/facebook-marketplace-scams-how-to-spot-fake-messages

BlueberryOats · 13/12/2025 05:23

Just read you said they sent the money. That's wierd.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General shopping
BeingATwatItsABingThing · 13/12/2025 05:27

If you send the account number and sort code, they can set up direct debits from your account. Maybe look and see if you have any new ones that have appeared.

NumbersGuy · 13/12/2025 05:49

Basically they will eventually ask you to remit the payment back to them, giving you the opportunity to allow them to have access to your account. I had that happen to me where they sent several thousand dollars, then asked me to send them a partial amount back because they "over paid." The bank said not to send it back because it gives them more access ability to the account. It's called being a "money mule" and the best option is to simply move forward and ignore them. Also never give out your account information - go through Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc. so you have a third party as the go between and you don't have your information out there with strangers. Just keep watch on your account on a regular basis.

Original poster
Monr0e · 13/12/2025 08:36

Bloody hell, thought it was too good to be true. It wasn't a large amount, only £30. And they sent it to my monzo which I deliberately keep almost empty mainly for this reason!

I did look at their profile, but now im doubting myself. Over 700 friends but barely any posting history. Just looks like a regular middle aged lady (like me)

I've reread the original messages and she does say her niece can call sometime this weekend, which has only just begun so I'll wait and see if I hear anything, I certainly won't be chasing her though if I don't.

OP posts:
BuildbyNumbere · 13/12/2025 21:17

I would notify your bank to be in the safe side. If anything happens they may not take action if you already knew about it. The banks are being quite hot on this now and putting a bit more responsibility on the customer to ensure their bank details are kept safe.

Droplet789 · 13/12/2025 21:39

It sounds like her niece could just be useless. I have Facebook 500+ friends but don’t post anything anymore. If you keep your monzo empty she can’t do anything. Also with monzo you can send a payment link in future so you aren’t sharing bank info which might be safer 😊

KilkennyCats · 13/12/2025 21:40

NumbersGuy · 13/12/2025 05:49

Basically they will eventually ask you to remit the payment back to them, giving you the opportunity to allow them to have access to your account. I had that happen to me where they sent several thousand dollars, then asked me to send them a partial amount back because they "over paid." The bank said not to send it back because it gives them more access ability to the account. It's called being a "money mule" and the best option is to simply move forward and ignore them. Also never give out your account information - go through Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc. so you have a third party as the go between and you don't have your information out there with strangers. Just keep watch on your account on a regular basis.

How does sending money to someone allow them access to your account?

yikesss · 13/12/2025 21:40

If she is due this weekend i would chill out a bit, its Christmas and I cant imagine it being top priority for the ladies niece

boredoflaundry · 13/12/2025 21:45

Cash on collection always!
I hardly use cash & find it difficult to spend places these days, but I’d only ever sell through a regulated site (Vinted/ebay) with a card payment, or cash only!
& I always check it and count it!

AmarylIis · 13/12/2025 23:24

KilkennyCats · 13/12/2025 21:40

How does sending money to someone allow them access to your account?

Show quote history

It doesn’t.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 14/12/2025 08:08

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 13/12/2025 05:27

If you send the account number and sort code, they can set up direct debits from your account. Maybe look and see if you have any new ones that have appeared.

I think you need a bit more than this to set up direct debits.

Your account number and sort code appears on cheques (if you remember them)

Pushmepullu · 14/12/2025 08:58

For people saying they will empty your account etc. you really need to familiarise yourselves with how bank transfers work! OP, You have not authorised a payment, they have paid you. If the money is in your account, they can’t just do a chargeback. If this was permissible without authorisation then nothing would ever get paid for. They can’t set up a standing order, there’s nothing they can do.
I sell on marketplace and have had people pay before viewing and sent a relative to pick the item up. They basically want the item, don’t live close enough to make a special journey, but don’t want to lose the item or push the responsibility onto the relative.

IrisPallida · 14/12/2025 09:06

How do grown-ass women not know how bank accounts work? Sending someone a payment "allows them access to your account"?! WTF?

How can you actually be old enough to be on Mumsnet?

KilkennyCats · 14/12/2025 09:08

AmarylIis · 13/12/2025 23:24

It doesn’t.

Show quote history

Well, quite.
I’m baffled as to how anyone would think otherwise.

2dogsandabudgie · 14/12/2025 09:13

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 13/12/2025 05:27

If you send the account number and sort code, they can set up direct debits from your account. Maybe look and see if you have any new ones that have appeared.

This isn't true. They would have to actually get into the OP'S online bank account to do this and would need her password which they don't have.

FerrisWheelsandLilacs · 14/12/2025 09:21

2dogsandabudgie · 14/12/2025 09:13

This isn't true. They would have to actually get into the OP'S online bank account to do this and would need her password which they don't have.

Show quote history

It absolutely is true. You do only need an account number and sort code, but the direct debit guarantee will immediately refund any direct debits that you haven’t authorised.

The level of basic banking knowledge in this country is terrifying based on this thread.

AmarylIis · 14/12/2025 10:27

2dogsandabudgie · 14/12/2025 09:13

This isn't true. They would have to actually get into the OP'S online bank account to do this and would need her password which they don't have.

Show quote history

Actually, what you have put isn’t true!

Kimura · 14/12/2025 10:43

They probably just wanted to pay you ASAP to secure the item, and now they've dropped it on their poor relative that they have an extra chore to do two weeks before Christmas that won't be particularly high on their list of priorities 😅

If it's bothering you that much or they start to take the piss, just give them a deadline to pick it up or you'll refund the money.

ILoveLaLaLand · 14/12/2025 11:15

Monr0e · 13/12/2025 08:36

Bloody hell, thought it was too good to be true. It wasn't a large amount, only £30. And they sent it to my monzo which I deliberately keep almost empty mainly for this reason!

I did look at their profile, but now im doubting myself. Over 700 friends but barely any posting history. Just looks like a regular middle aged lady (like me)

I've reread the original messages and she does say her niece can call sometime this weekend, which has only just begun so I'll wait and see if I hear anything, I certainly won't be chasing her though if I don't.

It's unlikely to be a scam if they sent money to your account.
It's just someone who is busy with Xmas shopping etc and they paid up front to be sure you would not sell to someone else. It may be a woman who doesn't drive (lots of women can't afford to) and is dependent on someone else collecting.

Original poster
Monr0e · 14/12/2025 12:00

Sorry for not updating quicker, as someone pointed out, a couple of weekends before Christmas is a busy time for everyone!

Panic over, I got a text message yesterday afternoon asking if I was in and could they come and collect the item, item picked up 30 minutes later. Bank account safe and sound. But I think I will definitely stick to cash on collection in future.

Also never had a post on Facebook before, I don't even follow mumsnet on their, so thanks for pointing it out!

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