To think my friend has taken me for a mug?

[PenAndPaperback]

Back in December, I made an online listing for my 2018 MacBook on Facebook marketplace and received a ton of 'lowball' offers or people asking me to drive an hour plus to deliver it to their place. A friend of mine messaged me, telling me that her current laptop had broken down and that she's having trouble finding work because of that (she's a freelancer).

She asked if I could 'sell' it to her first and that she'd pay it back in instalments after paying off her kids' stuff etc, before telling me that she would get back to me because she had to calculate everything. She eventually came up with a payment plan that lasted almost 2 years and I told her that I'd just give it to her as I didn't need the money and that if I were to bring it in for 'trade-in' I was told that I'd get basically nothing for it anyway.

So I dropped it off in her mailbox, and I thought that that was that. Fast forward to last week, she was sending me screenshots on her computer, and it was on a Windows laptop! I asked her in a semi-joking way, oh, did the MacBook spoil and she said that no, she's just using her old laptop and that she's using the one I sent her for 'storage'. If I had known she didn't really need it I definitely wouldn't have given it to her!

I'm not going to ask for it back, of course. But AIBU to be a bit miffed off by all this?

She's sold it, and she'll be flapping to up with a ridiculous story. Some friend.

Omg cheeky fuckery at its finest! I hope you get an explanation

I am outraged on your behalf!

You shouldn't have been so nice in your follow up message by asking to borrow it, you should have sent the message the pp said about wanting it back as you only let her have it as you thought she was in desperate need imo

She couldn't have sold it off that quickly though, could she?

Her standards of what she wanted are lower than yours though. She could have got the lowball £80 for it within a day. Clearly £80 for something "free" that you didnt even have to collect is a good days profit.

as a PP has suggested, it could be the faff of learning Mac when you're used to windows - last time I tried, spreadsheets just didn't work the same!

Also, there's been occasions where I think my laptop is on its last legs with clunking sounds, going really slow.... then it might sort itself out and soldier on for months. I'm employed, so have a work supplied laptop at the moment, but on occasions when I've been self employed and using it for work, it's a worry if you think you may have to replace suddenly when you can't afford to.
Over the last 20 years, I'm probably on my 4th laptop - generally have some transition time between them - I only recall one going pfft and giving up the ghost totally.

I also think she's sold it. When you've been given a laptop for free you don't mind taking £150-200 for it when really it's worth £300. She's a cheeky cow. Obviously you gave it to her and she's legally entitled but taking advantage of your good nature is absolutely outrageous.

Waiting to see what she says

3 messages in a row isn't bad.
Ignoring 3 messages from a kind hearted friend is disgraceful though

She’s so sold it. What an absolute cheek

She's finally replied, saying that the camera and the screen is wonky (it bloody isn't) so my mum might not be able to use it for FaceTime. I asked her to take a picture because I might be able to suggest a fix but she said it's late and that she'll 'get back to me'.

I’m sorry OP I don’t think she’s a friend

Wow she's really pissing me off OP. I wouldn't bother with all this messing around with the camera being wonky, just say you'll pop round and pick it up as she's not using it anyway.

I feel for you. At this point I'd just text her back "Can I have my laptop back,please? I can pick it up from you (insert date&time)". She is no friend.

Casually message her back in the morning saying you've arranged for someone to have a look at the camera and screen and arrange a socially distance time and place to retrieve it.😀

@quarentini

Casually message her back in the morning saying you've arranged for someone to have a look at the camera and screen and arrange a socially distance time and place to retrieve it.😀

This, say you’ll be there in 5mins and turn up at the door. (Distanced) She can’t come up with an excuse then. She’s sold it and I guess your friendship is over for the sake of £450. Sorry she’s not a friend.

OP, stop treating this person nicely. She is not your friend and has taken you for a mug.

Can’t wait to see how long it’ll take for her to get back to you and what the eventual story will be....

Just be clear and ask for it back regardless

I never fail to be amazed at the brass neck of some people . Embarrassing

@PenAndPaperback

She's finally replied, saying that the camera and the screen is wonky (it bloody isn't) so my mum might not be able to use it for FaceTime. I asked her to take a picture because I might be able to suggest a fix but she said it's late and that she'll 'get back to me'.

Oh my God, whatever....!

She’s full of it.

"Dont worry, I'll pick it up and have a look at it. I'll pop round tomorrow"

Forget all the MN subterfuge with turning up on doorsteps or trying to catch her out,

Just ask outright mate, did you sell it? Just be honest, if you did, it’s done, you must have needed the money, whatever, times are hard, now let’s move on.

If you don’t do this, and she’s guilty, you’ll be playing verbal tennis indefinitely until she ghosts you.

She Sold it huh 😱

Poor you. I gave something to a friend in need who asked for it then saw it for sale not long after for a substantial sum of money

@Nenevalleykayaker

Forget all the MN subterfuge with turning up on doorsteps or trying to catch her out,

Just ask outright mate, did you sell it? Just be honest, if you did, it’s done, you must have needed the money, whatever, times are hard, now let’s move on.

If you don’t do this, and she’s guilty, you’ll be playing verbal tennis indefinitely until she ghosts you.

This ^^