++++ Warning: Anyone selling a bicycle online? +++++

Hi

My bicycle has been for sale on gumtree for many months. Finally I got an email asking about it, if it were still for sale, is it in the same condition etc, etc.

Finally they write:

Thank you very much...............I would have arrange time for the pick up .............but i am out of town for business trip..............kindly find out the shipping cost of the item through Express Post Office service 3-5 days delivery to my cousin in Australia and get back to me with total cost together with both price of the item and the shipping cost..........I will be paying you through my pay pal account....................advice asap.

I reply with price and paypal ID. Only to receive this email which is totally not how paypal works. This email also included paypal logos.

========================================
Dear Jeeten (including surname),

You have an Instant Payment of $2,272.65 AUD from Amelie Fardeau ([email protected])
Payment Details:
Purchased From:Jeeten Jinabhai
Transaction ID:ES582556710520100841926
/ CAIXESBBXXX
Item Site Item Title Quantity Price Subtotal
Sydney.gumtree.com
85370316

Mongoose Black Diamond Triple
1
$1,950.00
AUD

$1,950.00
AUD

Postage & Packing via Standard Delivery :
(includes any seller packing fees)
$270.00
AUD

Pay pal tax $52.65 AUD
Postage Compensation (not offered): -- --
Total:
$2,272.65
AUD

Payment Information:
We have just received payment for item Sydney.gumtree.com 85370316 from the buyer Amelie Fardeau ([email protected]) Although payment has been received by us, it is currently on pending due to the Shipping Address specified on the pay pal receipt. We have now verified this Shipping Address and it is now safe to ship the item out to this Address in Australia. For Safety Reasons, we have decided to hold the payment until you have supplied us the shipment reference number as proof of shipment of the item. This shipment reference number will be verified within 5 minutes after which your account will be credited. Do understand that this security measures are taken to protect the Gumtree community. Contact the pay pal representative who handled this transaction on [email protected] immediately with the shipment reference number so we can credit your account. Gumtree and Pay pal database as well as the buyer has completed the purchase by authorizing payment accordingly.You are required to follow our instruction immediately and complete the transaction.

Attention: You are not authorise in any circumstances sending the shipment reference number to the buyer until we have confirmed the status of the shipment & credited your Pay pal Account. If you have any questions do not hesitate to write us back at: [email protected] or call this phone number +447031861711.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delivery Information:
Receiver Name: Adrian Wayhudi
Address: 6, Winthrope Drive
City: Melbourne
State: Victoria Melbourne
Country: Australia
Postal Code: 6150.
Address Status: Confirmed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for using Pay pal!
The PayPal Team

========================================

Take note: I have to email the shipping reference to [email protected] once I have shipped the Item with-out payment! What the.????? The address is incorrect and how do they verify the shipping in 5 minutes?

It almost got me! I had the bicycle packed and was waiting payment. I called Paypal to confirm this and they advised this is crap and it is not how PayPal works. I actually told this person that I wasn't selling the bike anymore but later changed my mind!

I later sent them a fake shipping ID number only then to receive the following:

========================================
Dear Jeeten (Including surname),
Thank you for contacting us!

We are very sorry for the late responding to you, we are having much transactions before yours & we respond to our entire member's accordingly. the shipping reference number you sent to us is unable to verified at the moment, You are require scanning the Shipping receipt given to you at the post office from the shipping company official after the shipment of the item while we can go through it & complete the verification of the shipment.

As soon as this is done the total sums of $2,272.65 AUD paid by the buyer will be credited into your Bank account within 6 hours upon the shipment verification have been successful verified.

Attention: You are not authorise in any circumstances sending the shipment reference number to the buyer until we have confirmed the status of the shipment & credited your Pay pal Account. If you have any questions do not hesitate to write us back at: [email protected] or call this phone number +447031861711.

========================================

Well I have reported this to PayPal and GumTree. Not sure what other action I will take. There really isn't much I can do.

So people aren't always after cash, but items too.

Good luck to any sellers out there..... ; )