The "I'll send my brother to collect the bike because I live out of town" scam

[sirmoun10goat]

it's all good and well not handing goods over until money is banked...but what happens when you the buyer.

 

you pay money over and the seller disappears with your money and you never see the goods? or do you demand to receive the goods before making payment?

 

unless it is a cash at the point of exchange arrangement, somebody is always exposed and at risk of being scammed

[ChrisF]

it's all good and well not handing goods over until money is banked...but what happens when you the buyer.

 

you pay money over and the seller disappears with your money and you never see the goods? or do you demand to receive the goods before making payment?

 

unless it is a cash at the point of exchange arrangement, somebody is always exposed and at risk of being scammed

 

which is exactly why "meeting the brother" happens often enough.

 

But as you do more business you build up a name and more people are willing to part with the cash before seeing the goods.

 

 

Which is exactly why the Hub rating system is so important.  Build a good rep, and people will be more willing to pay upfront.  As any business, it takes time and work to build a good reputation.

[Kranswurm]

Yeah, this is common and it's nuts that people are still falling for it. I guess that's why it's still happening.

 

The lesson is simple. Don't part with goods until funds have CLEARED in your account. It's only fair to both and a proper buyer will be patient.

Touch wood I have been lucky...but the scams seem pretty obvious.Never forget I was selling a Zula for a mate for 13.5K

The guys rocked up and pulled out a metal petty cash box like you buy at CNA and paid cash.I was astounded.

[sirmoun10goat]

which is exactly why "meeting the brother" happens often enough.

 

But as you do more business you build up a name and more people are willing to part with the cash before seeing the goods.

 

 

Which is exactly why the Hub rating system is so important.  Build a good rep, and people will be more willing to pay upfront.  As any business, it takes time and work to build a good reputation.

 

agreed

 

just saying people are quick to say never part with goods/money - but it has to happen. those who have been scammed should not feel like id10ts for what has happened. they are the people who keep an active market such as the hub active. the are the people who make trades with new members, people with low post numbers, etc and get the classifieds going. its just a pity some people bare the brunt of when things go wrong

[MrJacques]

Gumtree can be quite dodge, but there is an escrow service called Shepherd that might be useful in cases like this. https://www.gumtree.co.za/pages/shepherd/

 

I'm a bit hesitant when buying electronics and if it's just a GPS watch without it's charger I'm already suspicious that it might be stolen. I prefer to have the original packaging and accessories.

 

The best is probably to back away if something seems fishy.

[JohanDiv]

I sometimes fantasise about an obvious scammer like this sending his brother to collect. I''ll not meet him at my house, but arrange for an appropriate offsite venue.

 

I'll point scammer to an empty storeroom/garage/lockup, whilst I go make him a cup of tea. The moment he enters the room, I shut and lock the door and tell him that as soon as the money has cleared, He can take the bike and leave.

 

Meanwhile, I'll check the POP and if false, take him to the cops, tell them I have made a citizen's arrest and lay a charge of fraud.

 

This scenario played out a lot less violent than I anticipated after reading the first bit..

[gemmerbal]

If you pay with a credit card, can you not reverse the payment within a certain timeframe? I had similar concerns when a fellow hubber and riding partner told me that by using a credit card when paying, you have some degree of protection.

 

 

it's all good and well not handing goods over until money is banked...but what happens when you the buyer.

 

you pay money over and the seller disappears with your money and you never see the goods? or do you demand to receive the goods before making payment?

 

unless it is a cash at the point of exchange arrangement, somebody is always exposed and at risk of being scammed

[gemmerbal]

I believe it is called a “chargeback”. Never had to go this route but i understand that this is possible.

[Balooba]

Soooooo, any update?

 

Got a call at 16h30 stating they outside my house (I, of course was not home). Told them the money has not cleared my account so we need to discuss before collection.

 

Not answering the phone anymore...

[leeubok]

Got a call at 16h30 stating they outside my house (I, of course was not home). Told them the money has not cleared my account so we need to discuss before collection.

 

Not answering the phone anymore...

So you gave them your actual home address? Or a fake one?

[Shebeen]

Gumtree can be quite dodge, but there is an escrow service called Shepherd that might be useful in cases like this. https://www.gumtree.co.za/pages/shepherd/

 

I'm a bit hesitant when buying electronics and if it's just a GPS watch without it's charger I'm already suspicious that it might be stolen. I prefer to have the original packaging and accessories.

 

The best is probably to back away if something seems fishy.

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/177075-feedback-wanted-would-you-use-shepherd-for-classifieds-deals/

[sirmoun10goat]

I believe it is called a “chargeback”. Never had to go this route but i understand that this is possible.

 

 

Credit cards are the safest way to transact - there is comprehensive insurance and protection in place, depending on the timing of a authorized, processed and released. In short, you should never lose out when you pay by CC. Either your bank or the merchant (visa/mastercard) will have cover in place.

 

I have never tried it to pay an individual with a CC - is this possible? I always just assumed CC payments had to go through a gateway, which is part of the security process.

[Headshot]

Interesting tips and observations. My buddy is waiting for the cops to track and arrest the guy. Not holding my breath but kind of hoping some my faith in the institutions of this screwed up country might be restored....

[gemmerbal]

I don't know if the chargeback option exists when doing an EFT from one's CC account. I think it does because that was the advice I was given by a more experienced person. I will have to verify...

Credit cards are the safest way to transact - there is comprehensive insurance and protection in place, depending on the timing of a authorized, processed and released. In short, you should never lose out when you pay by CC. Either your bank or the merchant (visa/mastercard) will have cover in place.

 

I have never tried it to pay an individual with a CC - is this possible? I always just assumed CC payments had to go through a gateway, which is part of the security process.

[gemmerbal]

https://www.standardbank.co.za/southafrica/business/products-and-services/business-solutions/specialised/merchant-solutions/fraud-and-chargebacks

[gemmerbal]

https://www.chargebackgurus.com/blog/8-mastercard-chargeback-rules-that-merchants-should-know