When I was looking to buy our van a bargain price one appeared on Gumtree. Supposedly located in Sydney I asked by the e-mail address whereabouts it was so that I could drive up and inspect it. The reply was that it was actually in Perth, the owner was working on an oil rig but he could deliver it across the Nullabor for $100! The strange part of all this was that a South Australian registration was given for the van that when I checked it was a legitimate registration for that make and model.
By the time I had done all the checking I went to Gumtree to report it as a scam the ad had disappeared. Either he had a victim or else others had picked it up as a scam.
Anyway, the first clue that it is a scam is that they want you to communicate by e-mail to get away from leaving details on Gumtree.
The second is that they give a reason why you cannot view the van in person - in this case it was the other side of the country.
By that time you should be aware that it is a scam and not go for the third reason - being to transfer money via Western Union or similar.
Anyway, we later did buy a van off Gumtree but went to the sellers home and inspected it. I then paid with a bank cheque presented on pick up.
Hi Long weekend, This is the only safe way to go when buying like this - bank cheque. My daughter could have been caught up in this as well when selling her car. The story was the same -working on the oil rig and can't inspect. Her dad and I said leave it alone and fortunately she did. It is just a shame when people fall into their trap.
Enjoy your van of purchase. Such good times to be had out there. Travel safely.
Unfortunately even a Bank Cheque is not safe these days. The drawer of the cheque can still have it cancelled at the bank even without possession of the cheque, and the cheque have been presented by the recipient.
The only safe way is cash. Assuming of course the money is not counterfeit!!
