Need some help, determining if something is a scam?
I'm from Romania, and I announced on a local site that I'm selling a Nikon d300… Somebody contacted me from the UK about buying it, and he obviously translated to my language, since it was some really broken writing.
I told him i can understand english and s/he responded in broken english. Can they screw me over if I give them some bank details?
For some reason I can't post a image with the email…
Hello, sorry reply late the item Will Be sent abroad i will need World Payment details so That I Can transfer money to your account with Romania currency:
Kindly write me your full payment details for transfer:
Name and surname:
Account number:
Name of bank:
Swift Code:
Phone number:
After I made the Payment to your account i will send my shipping details to you, where are you-can ship it Ok…
*unedited copy paste*
SCAM!
Anyone asking for bank account information through email or phone call to buy something you are selling is usually a scam
My gut says Scam.
Ask yourself: Does it really make sense that someone from the UK is buying a camera all the way from Romania and asking you to ship it? Also, why is someone from the UK looking at a classified ad site meant for Romanians?
A search of Nikon D300 on Ebay.co.uk brings up 22 listings. Why wouldn't the person go there first?
I would break off contact.
Here is one hint. I'm not sure if this translates well but look for the word "item" in their initial email. The scammers are lazy and they send the same email to everyone. They really don't know (or care) what they are buying as they have no intention of paying for it anyway.
Edit: One of the sure signs of a scam is someone offering to pay more than listed price.
1400 Ron equates to 244 pounds. The same camera is selling for 179-199 pounds on Ebay.
You are definitely dealing with scammer.
Guaranteed 100% SCAM!
There's no reason why anyone in the UK would be looking for something in Romania. These are scammers phasing for your bank details to empty your bank account
Write back to say that you are sorry but it's cash only and you will not ship. Say that if they do not have anyone in Romania that can meet you with cash before Friday you have another buyer
As already mentioned that same camera is cheaper on Ebay UK and with free shipping. There's no legitimate reason why anyone would buy from you
Even if they don't empty your account, they will send a fake email stating the money has been sent but it will not show up in your account until you ship the camera and provide a tracking number. That is NOT how bank transfers work. You are never asked for proof of shipping.
This scam is reported weekly in the UK on various websites. You will lose your camera and never get paid
Sounds like a scam The payment will bounce and your camera will already be gone.
It's often a scam. Be careful. Less money you keep is better than more which evaporates 2 weeks later.