Are bank transfers safe

[tellow]

I bought something which I'm having to take back. The says they've already banked the money and will have to pay me back by bank transfer.

What details do I have to give them? Is it safe to be giving my details out to a complete stranger ?

I’ve now posted in ‘Legal’ to see if I can get any advice about how I might go about trying to get the money back. I’m miffed because it was actually my son’s birthday money.

Like I said earlier, I think your only recourse will be sending a letter before action and then taking them to the small claims court - providing that you have enough evidence of what’s happened. Keep all the texts etc

If you picked the item up from their home then just go back there and ask for your money back?

Just go and knock on their door and get the cash!

Surprise surprise still no refund!

I’ve been texting the person a few times, she said on Sunday it should be in my account Wednesday (today) but nothing so I text letting her know. She said she would contact her bank as the money has left her account. She then asked for my details again. Not heard anything back since. So I’ve just text asking if the bank has sorted the problem. No reply yet. I really think they are playing games now. It’s not great knowing they have my money (my son’s money) and are refusing to give it back. How would you handle this next? I don’t really want to go back there, it was a bit uncomfortable going there originally and really uncomfortable when returning the item. It was their bad not mine. Why do they think they can keep my money? I don’t even know their names only the address. Any ideas how I can find out their names?

This morning they say the bank says the money has definitely left their account and my details were correct. She also adds that she’s not got enough money to send another £30. I’m still thinking this is suspicious but I’m still cautious about calling them a liar and thief. I’ve asked for the transaction number just to test them. Not sure of what to do next any ideas?

They now say the bank cancelled the transaction for some reason. She wants my address so her parents can send me a cheque. I’m not giving my address out to them.

I'd say that I don't have time to go into town to bank a cheque and that your brother will call round to collect in cash on X date.
If she stalls on that (she will) then tell her you are contacting the police.
And mean it.
She's conning you, but at least you have all the texts admitting she owes it to you.