Brandane
Legendary Member
- Location
- Costa Clyde
Having never used Gumtree before, today I decided to open an account and to start clearing out some stuff.
I have started off by advertising a motorbike and a pedal cycle. There will be at least one more bicycle and a host of motorcycle equipment to follow. (Giving up motorbikes after 33 years following the loss of 2 friends in 6 months in motorbike crashes; most recently on the way to a rideout I attended last weekend in the Lake district ).
The only responses I have had so far are with regards to the motorbike; surprising since according to Gumtree it has had zero views! All 3 responses have been by text message from 3 separate (or are they?) respondents. Strangely, their numbers don't show up on my calls received list on my phone, but a name does despite them not being in my phone book. That made me suspicious right away so I didn't respond. So far I have had texts from "Michael", "James" and "Richard". All texts follow a similar format along the lines of "I'm interested in your vehicle. What is your last asking price and its present condition? Kindly e-mail me and send photos to carlosjame@outlook.com".
If I was interested in a motorbike for sale, I would call the advertised number; not text them and ask the seller to e-mail details which are already clear on the advert!
Is this the beginning of some kind of attempt at a scam? e.g. next step is for them to offer above the asking price as long as I give them the difference first, or however that particular scam works. Just wondering what the score is with these people, as a newbie to Gumtree.
I have started off by advertising a motorbike and a pedal cycle. There will be at least one more bicycle and a host of motorcycle equipment to follow. (Giving up motorbikes after 33 years following the loss of 2 friends in 6 months in motorbike crashes; most recently on the way to a rideout I attended last weekend in the Lake district ).
The only responses I have had so far are with regards to the motorbike; surprising since according to Gumtree it has had zero views! All 3 responses have been by text message from 3 separate (or are they?) respondents. Strangely, their numbers don't show up on my calls received list on my phone, but a name does despite them not being in my phone book. That made me suspicious right away so I didn't respond. So far I have had texts from "Michael", "James" and "Richard". All texts follow a similar format along the lines of "I'm interested in your vehicle. What is your last asking price and its present condition? Kindly e-mail me and send photos to carlosjame@outlook.com".
If I was interested in a motorbike for sale, I would call the advertised number; not text them and ask the seller to e-mail details which are already clear on the advert!
Is this the beginning of some kind of attempt at a scam? e.g. next step is for them to offer above the asking price as long as I give them the difference first, or however that particular scam works. Just wondering what the score is with these people, as a newbie to Gumtree.