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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think someone is trying to scam me.. photo attached

162 replies

Aaahhhelp · 13/02/2019 09:32

Hi everyone,

I put my wedding dress that I no longer want on gumtree yesterday. Last night I had someone asking do I still have the wedding dress. I replied yes and would they like to come and see it and got this reply this morning... as it said I would have the funds before sending I did think it was genuine, however a part of me thinks it sounds like a scam!

What do you think? And should I reply?

To think someone is trying to scam me.. photo attached
OP posts:
ColdAsIceCubes · 13/02/2019 09:38

I had an almost identical email when I put my car up for sale on Gumtree. Definite scam.

ChasedByBees · 13/02/2019 09:39

If you type courier PayPal scam into google, there’s messages almost identically matching yours.

I would not proceed with this at all.

LilaJude · 13/02/2019 09:39

I didn’t know about the PayPal dispute issue (I don’t use PayPal) so I’m changing my advice - don’t agree to this!

southnownorth · 13/02/2019 09:40

Definitely a scam

ThePants999 · 13/02/2019 09:41

Everyone who's here saying this might not be a scam - please understand that one day you're going to fall for one of these, you are far too trusting. Any attempt to pay by PayPal and collect by courier is 100% a scam. 100%.

Whatsnewpussyhat · 13/02/2019 09:41

What makes it seem like a scam?

The tv soap sob story for a start.

They will simply say they haven't received the item and PayPal will reverse the charges. OP will have no proof it was sent.

titchy · 13/02/2019 09:42

as long as you actually have the money in your account before you let the dress go it’s probably ok.

Nooooooo!!!! Buyer receives goods, then opens a PayPal dispute. PayPal refunds buyer. Seller has payment removed and has lost goods.

Well known scam.

Original poster
Aaahhhelp · 13/02/2019 09:43

Thanks for the replies... as I’m really wanting it sold I guess I was just hoping it was genuine!

I don’t use PayPal so would have asked for bank transfer anyways and don’t like the idea of a random “courier” so was going to say I would sent Royal Mail and let them know a price... not anymore! I won’t bother replying.

Thank you x

OP posts:
PatchworkElmer · 13/02/2019 09:44

I’d reply saying that you don’t have paypal, but would happily accept cash from the courier. Just to see what the fabricate A’s a response.

It’s a definite scam.

IceRebel · 13/02/2019 09:44

please understand that one day you're going to fall for one of these, you are far too trusting.

Agreed, it's very concerning how many people can't see that this is a scam. It's so obviously a scam that the scammer might as well title the message Hi i'm scamming you.

Redglitter · 13/02/2019 09:45

If you type courier PayPal scam into google, there’s messages almost identically matching yours

Googling it is a real eye opener. The only thing that changes is the heart condition element.

OP you've had a lucky escape

ARythmIessMan · 13/02/2019 09:46

Well known scam, here it is from 2015

To think someone is trying to scam me.. photo attached
WhatTheNightBrings · 13/02/2019 09:46

"Sorry, it's collection only".

Original poster
Aaahhhelp · 13/02/2019 09:50

Arythmlessman - can’t believe how similar they are!

OP posts:
gkite2020 · 13/02/2019 09:50

It is a scam, a thousand percent. Google it, copy and paste the email into google

LilaJude · 13/02/2019 09:50

please understand that one day you're going to fall for one of these, you are far too trusting.

Unlikely, since I specifically don’t use services like PayPal because I don’t consider them to be safe or secure. I’d say those who do are at greater risk of being scammed than those of us who accept cash or bank transfers only.

Sparklesocks · 13/02/2019 09:52

I’ve seen a similar scam where they reverse the payment after it appears in your paypal account, or they somehow get you to pay for the ‘courier’ and offer you extra money to make up for it but then reverse and you end up with no money.
It might be legit but go with your gut. Cash on collection is the best way as you literally have the cash in your hand.

pasturesgreen · 13/02/2019 09:55

I despair at the PPs saying it might well be genuine, just wait for the funds to be deposited on your account etc. Confused

That's not how PayPal works, people, and yes, this has "Scammy McScam" written all over in great big gold letters.

allflownthenest · 13/02/2019 09:58

Beware, my son had something similar when selling his car. The paypal account looked legitimate but wasn't. In this case I would say 'seller beware'!

MostlyBoastly · 13/02/2019 10:00

Who gets someone a surprise wedding dress?!!!

PrincessPeach08 · 13/02/2019 10:00

It's a scam, my dm was selling her car on gumtree last year and had almost the exact same message, except this one said she was in a wheelchair and thats why she couldnt come to see it.

Tink88 · 13/02/2019 10:01

It’s a well known scam all over the Facebook wedding groups happens to almost everyone who lists a wedding dress

Zippetydoodahzippetyay · 13/02/2019 10:03

Definitely a scam. I had someone try this on me a few years ago. Sent a fake PayPal receipt to my email address. Luckily I picked up on it and double checked everything.

Mummyoflittledragon · 13/02/2019 10:04

Wow such ridiculous language. I can’t believe the same wording is still being used 4 years on!

wobytide · 13/02/2019 10:04

It might well be genuine.

Good grief. No wonder Watchdog still gets an audience