Been robbed by seller - feel like an idiot!

[SimplyRedHead]

Hi all,

This is my first post.

I have been using eBay regularly for years and am probably a bit too comfortable with it which has caused me to let my guard down.

Basically, I made an offer on a pram which was accepted. The seller asked for quick payment because she was 'going on holiday'. I couldn't transfer money into my PayPal account because I have just moved and changed my name and my PayPal details don't match my bank details.

I sent an email explaining this and asking to transfer the money via bank transfer. She gave me her bank details and asked for my email and text number so she could contact me if needs be.

I didn't think anything of it and transferred the cash we she acknowledged. We then had regular email conversations about delivery.

The pram hasn't turned up, the item number is showing as 'invalid' on eBay, she's stopped responding to my emails and I've noticed all her feedback is very recent and all from her buying, not selling.

I feel sick that she has £670 of my money, my address, my email and my mobile number. I have contacted eBay and opened a case but because I didn't pay via PayPal I'm not covered. I have contacted my bank but there is nothing they can do. I plan to contact the police.

I am just about to go on maternity leave and that was all the money I has saved up so I can't afford another pram.

Can anyone offer any help or suggestions please?

(I know I was an idiot and should have used PayPal or a credit card)

Thanks,

SimplyRedHead

[HotShotLin]

Hi there SimplyRedHead.

I am so sorry to hear about that and it would seem like this con artist has in-fact ripped you off and probably others.

I am not actually sure if you would be covered or not. I know not through PayPal but I think there is an option for buyers to open a dispute via eBay when they have paid by such as postal order and cheque. But by bank transfer I honestly do not know. It might be worth checking out though..

Under your "Purchase History" but you said the item number is now showing as invalid so it might not be there at all.. But eBay will still have a history of the item and you should report the seller anyway.

Also if I were you I would do as you said and contact the police. It would be a good idea for you to print out every conversation you had with her and E-Mails sent automatically from eBay confirming you had won the item as there might be a picture of the pram she was "selling". You know though, any details and ANYTHING that will help you.

I really hope you can get it sorted out.
I am sorry I can't be of any more help.

Take care.

HSL xx

[fergoose]

Setfire - did you go to the police, get your money back?

[FannyFifer]

What a nightmare, hope you get your money back.

[SimplyRedHead]

Her initials are NM and his are SB.

[SimplyRedHead]

Yep - they've both been arrested for alleged fraud.

She claims to have bought the pram from
Another website and then listed it straight onto eBay without having it in her possession. The original seller was then supposed to send it to me to save the fraudulent seller postage costs.

The money was paid into her boyfriend's bank ac hence why he's been arrested too.

The whole thing is dodgy as hell! Apparently she was very remorseful and wants to pay me back in full but we'll have to see what happens!

[BuggedByJake]

Sorry missed the bit about them being interviewed.Glad its getting sorted.

[BuggedByJake]

You could get her address by contacting buyers she has bought from. Look on her feedback & contact a few of them, they might not want to help but its worth a try.

[INeverSaidThat]

Thanks for the update. It is a shame you have to be so cautious with this type of thing. Hopefully you will get some of your money back. Do you know what she has done with the pram or did it never exist?

I guess it won't hurt to remind everyone to NEVER EVER pay for EBay items by bank transfer.

[fergoose]

so do you need to take them to small claims court to recover your money?
Terrible, am glad you went to the police.

[SimplyRedHead]

Hi everyone

I reported the crime to the police and they've been excellent!

Luckily I have everything in writing because it all happened online. Both people involved have been interviewed and the girl has admitted taking my money and not delivering the pram whilst her boyfriend has denied all knowledge.

They are now both on bail. Looks like I may get my money back but it'll probably be £1,50 a week for the next 10 years or something similar!

Thanks again for all your help, it was invaluable.

[MissAnglia]

Any news?

[Ninjaforever]

I think you should name and shame if you have indeed been ripped off. Similar thing happened to me a few years ago, my very first baby purchase for my first child. I was gutted. Turns out the person was a known 'offender'.

[AllOverIt]

I hope you have results OP. A similar thing happened to me, but thankfully I paid through PayPal so it was sorted.

I think EBay offer some protection, not everyone pays through Paypal.

[JakeBullet]

.. That is awful.....really hope the police will take this up for you. Surely they can't refuse to investigate what is basically a theft.

[badgeroncaffeine]

Another piece of advice, start a thread on the eBay "Buyer Central" forum page
here

While people on Mumsnet are great, the people there are extremely knowledgeable.

[badgeroncaffeine]

Sorry to hear you've been scammed. Bank transfers are nearly always a bad idea.

I haven't read it all but:

Leave a negative if you haven't already and 1 star for everything.
I see you've contacted the police. Tell them you expect them to investigate (it's not hard, you have her bank details..almost certainly) and if they make excuses, make a complaint for "neglect of duty". The police will often avoid investigating things if they can. Apart from if you have a tiny defect on your car or go 1mph over the speed limit.
Contact eBay.
Start civil action.

Good luck.

[dobby2001]

Hope it gets sorted Simply. Anychance she is still on holiday and genuinely has no idea?? (ever hopeful me...)

[HousewifeFromHeaven]

Send the sherrifs!! I watch too much daytime tv.

Joking aside, good for you. Hope you get the result you want.

[SimplyRedHead]

Just incaase anyone still cares .........I have now reported the crime to the police who have basically said they'll use the information as a 'jigsaw piece' to help build up a picture of Internet crime but that they can't investigate it directly due to lack of staff!!

I'm now trying to get her address to start a small claims court case.

[SimplyRedHead]

Hi again,

I've sent her an email saying that if I don't have my money, or the pram, by 5pm on Monday I will be contacting the police and starting legal proceedings.

I've had enough now!

Thanks again for all your advice.

[SimplyRedHead]

Hi there,

I'm still waiting her hear back from her. The eBay case finishes this week and I plan to send a last and final email on that day threatening legal action if I don't get my money or the pram within 3 days.

I've managed to dig around and get quite a lot of information about her from various online sources which I will share with the police.

I've been so busy I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and wait for a reply but I will start kicking butt this week!

Hell hath no fury like a pregnant woman scorned!

[PoohBearsHole]

OP, where are you up to now? Any news? Have you been to the police? or heard from the ebayer?