Gumtree - scam or no scam?

[delarge]

Hi all,
I have a machine for sale on Gumtree and someone contacted me today asking if they could lay-by until August. I am very cautious of Gumtree scams. This doesn't sound too sinister, but wondering what others think and how I should handle this? Has anyone else encountered something similar?

I asked for their location and a phone number to call them. They replied tonight and said they lived near Sydney and supplied a mobile number. Will call them tomorrow as I'm heading out now.

Cheers!
Adam.

[ktm450]

I guess if they give you a deposit, you can keep it and relist if they pull out of the deal come August

[swinks]

i just wouldn't offer paypal, name a deposit amount and direct deposit into your account which would see if he was serious plus include a monthly payment plan, thats if you want to go the layby direction, personally I wouldn't, but a had a few attempted scams via gumtree and just don't bother anymore.

[pinnies4me]

i just wouldn't offer paypal, name a deposit amount and direct deposit into your account which would see if he was serious plus include a monthly payment plan, thats if you want to go the layby direction, personally I wouldn't, but a had a few attempted scams via gumtree and just don't bother anymore.

Tend to agree - I have a special account I use for internet only stuff that holds nil otherwise, wouldn't use an everyday account if you do decide to go that route.

[pinball god]

i just wouldn't offer paypal, name a deposit amount and direct deposit into your account which would see if he was serious plus include a monthly payment plan, thats if you want to go the layby direction, personally I wouldn't, but a had a few attempted scams via gumtree and just don't bother anymore.

Tend to agree - I have a special account I use for internet only stuff that holds nil otherwise, wouldn't use an everyday account if you do decide to go that route.

+1 big time. A lot of scammers are just looking for your full name and account number so beware

[roundball]

Do you really want to layby till August?

Get money on the drip, or a lump sum for the next purchase?   

[Pop Bumper Pete]

Do you really want to layby till August?

Get money on the drip, or a lump sum for the next purchase?   

Agree, I'd keep it for sale and hope somebody buys now, rather than wait 6 months

[Steevsee]

Agree.

Leave Lay-by to department stores.

[delarge]

They wanted to do bank deposit, so I said I'd be happy to do a lay-by if first instalment was paid via Australia Post money order. Two days since last correspondence and no reply since I mentioned a money order....

[pinnies4me]

They wanted to do bank deposit, so I said I'd be happy to do a lay-by if first instalment was paid via Australia Post money order. Two days since last correspondence and no reply since I mentioned a money order....

Great idea, seems to have exposed a possible scammer from the looks of it.

[delarge]

I figure that if they're keen, they'll get back to me. Otherwise they weren't as interested and committed to the deal.

[pinball god]

I think scam for your bank details