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Original poster

Please help me - I have been an idiot

58 replies

1legmummy · 07/06/2007 14:49

I cannot believe what an idiot I have been - I have sent £300.00 by Trade Western Union for a Bugaboo which I dont think I am going to receive.

I was promised delivery once money had been sent which I did this morning.

I have just heard from them saying that they have sent two by mistake and could I pay for the other one and that they would only charge £220.00

What the hell can I do? I am in tears about this. I feel sick to my stomach that I have been such a fool. Half of me is still hoping this is genuine.

Their advert is in Gumtree and looks good.

Has anyone any advice?

OP posts:
TenaLady · 07/06/2007 14:52

Erm, Im not getting what you mean at all.

LilRedWG · 07/06/2007 14:52

Firstly - do NOT pay for the second one. Their error. They can arrange collection from you at a time convenient to them.

Secondly - call Trading Standards. If you type your postcode in here you will get the contact details for your local office.

Thirdly - name and shame the company on MN!

Good luck!

TenaLady · 07/06/2007 14:52

You sent money and they will send you two. Sounds bloody fantastic to me or am I missing something?

Gizmo · 07/06/2007 14:52

Don't quite understand?

You've sent the money this morning. You have now received an email saying they have shipped two items by mistake and they want more money?

Why?

babygrand · 07/06/2007 14:53

Don't panic. What's the name of the company? What makes you think it's not genuine? Definitely don't pay any more money. If they have sent two, that's their problem.

WigWamBam · 07/06/2007 14:53

It does dound rather dodgy - sorry.

If by some chance they do turn up, don't pay for the second one. Tell them that they have 30 days to arrange collection, and if it's not collected you will dispose of it. They cannot charge you for something you haven't ordered. Call Tradings Standards as well.

ktmoomoo · 07/06/2007 14:53

calm huni start again

TenaLady · 07/06/2007 14:53

Oh do you mean they sent two request for the money and you paid the second.

Original poster
1legmummy · 07/06/2007 14:54

I saw an advert in the local paper - spoke to seller, checked what they were selling and they said they would deliver a Bugaboo to me today but I had to send the money to them.

Got an email from Ebay with all the guarantees on it assuring me they were holding the money untill I confirmed the goods were suitable.

Now I dont think there is a pushchair at all

Just after some advice as sat here crying

OP posts:
fortyplus · 07/06/2007 14:55

Don't pay for the second one - unless it arrives and you think you can make use of it.

How did you pay? You can stop a cheque or contact your credit card co if you think it' not genuine.

TenaLady · 07/06/2007 14:55

what makes you think there isnt a pushchair and these people are a hoax?

Original poster
1legmummy · 07/06/2007 14:56

I paid by Western Union and now I have looked into it more apparently that is who the scammers use.

Their advert is in Gumtree freeads and they are supposed to be in Southampton

If you search for Bugaboo southampton then you will find it.

OP posts:
Gizmo · 07/06/2007 14:57

OK so you have an email from Ebay saying they (ebay? or the sellers?) are holding the money until you confirm the goods are suitable?

Right, so either Ebay will hold the money safe for you or the sellers are still talking to you - WHICH IS A GOOD SIGN. Rip off merchants tend to take the money and run away IME.

When do your sellers say the item(s) are due to arrive?

LilRedWG · 07/06/2007 14:57

Call Trading Standards NOW!

LilRedWG · 07/06/2007 14:58

Just reread - call eBay and ask them to confir,m the situation. Don't cry.

Original poster
1legmummy · 07/06/2007 14:59

I dont know it is a hoax for sure and I hope it isnt but the person said they would deliver today.

The first emails made sense but now they are definately sounding from someone who does not speak english (I hope this is just confused understanding)

Now I have received the email saying they have made a mistake but that I should pay (which I wont) that is not right.

Just something smells

Only wish I had smelt it yesterday

OP posts:
Gizmo · 07/06/2007 14:59

I'm sure scammers do use Western Union, but so do a lot of reputable people.

Scammers can also rip you off using VISA, cheque or cash, so you don't have to assume the worst.

I'm still hopeful it will turn out alright, but next time I'll bet you'll make a few more checks, eh?

Gizmo · 07/06/2007 15:01

Hmmmm, so they are saying they have made a mistake and want more money?

You're right, that does smell a bit. Where is your cash right now. In their hot little hands, still with Western Union, or with Ebay?

LilRedWG · 07/06/2007 15:01

Have searched on Gumtree and there are loads. Why don't you give us the company name. That way, if one of us has used the company we can put your mind at reast.

Original poster
1legmummy · 07/06/2007 15:02

Yes this has taught me a lesson I wont forget.

Thought it was a good offer but thought I had looked into it properly.

I have sent loads of emails now and also tried to contact Western Union and Ebay.

Western Union say they are liable

OP posts:
LilRedWG · 07/06/2007 15:04

What's the company called 1leg?

Original poster
1legmummy · 07/06/2007 15:04

If I had a company name I would give it. It is just an ad offering the package for £300.00 but I now see they have one for £100.00 and £330.00

The money has gone straight into their account through Western Union.

Name I have now been given is Valeriu Ciobanu and apparently they are the Rep for Ebay.

OP posts:
Gizmo · 07/06/2007 15:04

Another question - where does Ebay come into this? Wasn't it advertised on Gumtree?

Ebay do have a buyers complaint process where you can sometimes get some money back so if the transaction was done through Ebay you might be able to get back a good proportion.

Takes a while though.

nearlythere · 07/06/2007 15:06

how did you mske the payment? by card?

Original poster
1legmummy · 07/06/2007 15:07

Once I had agreed to buy it they sent me an invoice thing explaining that ebay would hold the money whilst I checked the goods. It looked realistic yesterday.

Then on same form asked me to pay through Western Union

I have checked and Ebay advise against Western Union.

I may go for a while as I have school collection but thanks for all your advice I will update you.

Thank you

OP posts: