Gumtree Scam

[Chubbs]

Before I start, I know this is a scam and no I was not caught out but I was intrigued by something.

So I'm selling a phone on Gumtree and I receive a text from a Canadian area code saying "Hi is the phone still available? Kindly email my mom directly on xxxxx@xxxxx.com for further conversation.

The text rang alarm bells straight away but I thought I would humor them and email said mum.

Here is the reply...

Hello,
Thanks for getting back to me asap, How are you doing? I am Morency Jane by Name I am From UK i am buying this item for my cousin who
is currently studying in Doncaster as a Birthday gift  i would prefer to
pay for this item via Bank Transfer or PayPal  i want you to make
inquire with the shipment cost through post office, Royalmail to my Daughter
address below..

[Address removed]


Send Me Your PayPal Details Like This Below to send the Payment..

Bank Name
Account Name
Phone Number
Item Name
All Total Cost

OR

PayPal email Address
Full Name
All Total Cost
Phone Number
Item Name

I will be expecting your mail back.


What was strange is that they were offering payment via bank transfer. If I had sent them my account number and sort code (I haven't) what damage could they actually do?

I know Jeremy Clarkson a while back posted his details on the internet to test the theory and although no one got any money from him, someone did manage to set up a £500 monthly payment to a charity. But if that was a real scammer, what gain is that to them.

Just curious.

[Bogus Dave]

Thats a scam. I had about 5 messages along similar lines when I was trying to sell a sofa - ‘people’ looking to buy it for their cousin, all worded the same

[Chubbs]

Thats a scam. I had about 5 messages along similar lines when I was trying to sell a sofa - ‘people’ looking to buy it for their cousin, all worded the same

I know its a scam, I was just curious as to what damage they could do with my account number and sort code.

[Quagmire]

I don’t think Dave read your whole post 

[Chubbs]

I don’t think Dave read your whole post 

You mean the first line?

[Bob's Orange]

100% scam.

[Flashheart]

I think Chubbs is really enquiring as to how the scam works.

[Quagmire]

You mean the first line?

It’s a scam.

[Bogus Dave]

It’s definitley a scam

[Miles Mayhem]

Might even be a scamolaaa

[Flashheart]

Looks legit!

[jayohaitchenn]

That information, on it's own, can't really be used for anything. My guess is they harvest as much information as possible and then follow up months later with a phone call pretending to be from your bank. Using the little data they have they can probably convince you the call is legit.

Here's an example:

https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/money/sophisticated-cheque-scam/

[The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey]

You don’t get the favourite Nigerian wanting you help offload his millions scam any more.

Second hand cars are always a favourite. Advertise a very sexy car at an unbeleivably low price, then get told how there has been so much interest you have to pay a ‘holding deposit’ to ensure you get the car.

Luckily my holiday villa scam actually turned out legit - it just sounded dodgy.

[Chubbs]

You don’t get the favourite Nigerian wanting you help offload his millions scam any more.

In my reply to them i actually applauded them for being creative and not using the age old Nigerian prince scam.

[Legends-Lounge]

Tannsscam? 😂