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.

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....

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.