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AIBU?

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Original poster

Scam or in my head ??

12 replies

Sushead · 08/04/2023 05:01

Im buying something from facebook marketplace and the seller said he can deliver it to me … I didn’t ask, he offered I am suspicious because the distance is about 40m and he has only asked for £20 for delivery. The item is a couple of hundred pounds

i am an anxious person and feel I should just leave it as it sounds too good to be true

AUBU?

OP posts:
weathervane1 · 08/04/2023 05:06

I don't see how it can be a scam and although £20 may not seem a lot for delivery, it will cover the cost of the fuel easily enough. Most FB scams seem to work the other way around, when you're selling something and the buyer offers to send a courier to collect it. I've offered to deliver an item many times, simply because it gets things moving, cements the sale and frees up space in my house quickly. Maybe others have negative experiences and it's worth listening to what they have to say.

FrumptyMumpty · 08/04/2023 05:07

This sounds like anxiety to me.

How about you give him your neighbours, friends or families address if that feels safer.

Do it for when lots of people around.

Meet him in a retail park.

Have someone home with you.

Or cancel.

Lots of options. Not sure what you think might happen, but whatever it is you have the ability to plan and protect against it.

TimeForMeToF1y · 08/04/2023 05:15

What would the scam be?

The seller might be going that way anyway and be happy to have a contribution to the petrol. I've done that before, I used to work about 25 miles from home and more than once delivered or collected things I'd sold or bought. It never occurred to me that anyone would be concerned by that

There are crooks on marketplace but most people are genuine

AxolotlOnions · 08/04/2023 06:41

As long as he'll accept cash on delivery that's fine. Don't send money in advance.

PoseyFlump · 08/04/2023 06:45

It sounds like a good deal for both of you. He might have had a lot of time wasters and just needs the sale to go through smoothly. Maybe he needs the money for Easter.

Make sure people are around and that you're safe but you'll be fine. There are still nice genuine people out there!

TakeMyStrongHand · 08/04/2023 09:27

Sounds like a big item that may be hard to move so delivery offer is not too out of the blue.

If he wants payment prior to delivery, it's a scam. Or act as if it's a scam and walk away.

If he is happy to accept cash on delivery, it's not.

spudsuliked · 08/04/2023 09:41

Pretty sure it is a scam actually as have happened to see a warning about it yesterday.. £200 PlayStation and asked for £20 to deliver and then blocked the buyer and disappeared. Of course if it’s cash on delivery rather than in advance then that sounds fine!

StandUpForYourRights · 08/04/2023 09:43

Delivery ensures the buyer actually buys and the seller doesn't get let down, so I can understand someone offering delivery

Original poster
Sushead · 08/04/2023 11:50

Thanks All. Yes it will be cash in delivery

Just my anxiety getting the best of me .

OP posts:
Sparklesocks · 08/04/2023 11:53

It sounds ok to me. Alarm bells would be ringing for a scam if he’d requested money upfront, sent bank/PayPal details or arranged a ‘courier’ - but that’s more when you’re selling rather than buying.

KarmaStar · 08/04/2023 12:26

💐get some help with your anxiety op.

PoseyFlump · 08/04/2023 15:35

Sushead · 08/04/2023 11:50

Thanks All. Yes it will be cash in delivery

Just my anxiety getting the best of me .

There's nothing wrong with a little anxiety if you are taking steps to ensure your safety! That's just common sense. Go easy on yourself and be proud of yourself for double checking. Our instincts are good things - use them 😊

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