To think I’ve been an idiot (scammed)

[PurpleThistles84]

My daughters birthday is next month and she asked for a Nintendo switch lite. Being a family of seven money is quite tight so when I came across one for sale via fb market place for £100 I was delighted. Made contact, the gentleman seemed genuine, he was selling it for his grandson, was postage only because of the coronavirus. I paid by bank transfer over a week ago, he said he would let me know when it was posted.

I have heard nothing and today his Facebook profile has disappeared so I know I’ve been scammed and there is nothing I can do about it is there. I also know I’ve only myself to blame, I should have insisted on PayPal payment at least but he said he had never used it and being ‘Elderly’ I accepted that.

I do feel quite upset however, with all this coronavirus stuff going on, I guess I thought people would be being kind to each other, but there you go.

[NCagainwhenwhenwhen]

Definitely speak to your bank and the police! If it wasn't being sold as brand new then you weren't at all stupid to think it might be OK, but I suppose the current CV situation does give people scope to be scammers. But you have his bank details so I'm sure someone can trace him!

I bought my daughter a lovely brand new high spec Samsung phone on ebay for Christmas. It was advertised as slightly chipped but I messaged the person and they said the glass was fine, so we bid and got it for about £80. I imagine the seller was sent a replacement by the firm they bought it from who didn't want the damaged one back -so we had a real bargain! So you can get genuine deals....

[quarantinevibes]

Sounds like you’ve been scammed. Always ask to pay goods and services, if they don’t agree with the excuse they have to pay fees tell them you’ll cover the 2.5% PayPal fees it’s well worth it. If they still can’t agree to this you know they’re not genuine. Report him to the police, I bet you’re not the only one.