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

[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.

[BuggedByJake]

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

[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!

[SimplyRedHead]

Her initials are NM and his are SB.

[FannyFifer]

What a nightmare, hope you get your money back.

[fergoose]

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

[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