carthorse
Well-Known Member
Would 'watchdog' take a look at these cases.
eBay Fraud - BEWARE!!!
- Thread starter Bille
- Start date
Debz87
Well-Known Member
I was going to buy a car from Autotrader and messaged the seller to confirm details and to arrange a viewing as it was late evening, I got an almost instant reply saying she had moved for work and had to take the car but she would be willing to do a buy it now on ebay so I would have protection of ebay and paypal and then she would have the car delivered, I tried calling the number supplied and no answer, I asked her to message me a phone number I could contact her on and she said the signal was bad and that she didn't do internet deals via the phone, so i looked into the advert a bit more and noticed the photos used had in tiny print that they were property of autotrader, i decided to report the seller and low and behold it was a fake advert, they try to tempt you to buy via ebay then give you some crap about their paypal account not working and so ask you to do a bank transfer!
I also had issues with a caravan I bought, it was a ***** I got it from not that I knew that until I bought it and there was literally everything wrong with it, ebay wouldn't accept responsibility as its classed as a motor vehicle just like a trailer will be so no come back, I managed to search all over the internet with the seller id name and found some details, I found where they were storing caravans and called them and said if they didn't give me the guys address I would be sending them the court papers, so they were very helpful and told me what I needed to know, so i wrote to the guy I got the caravan from saying I wasn't happy and I will take him to court if he doesn't give me my money back, in the end the guy drove 300+ miles and handed me £1000 cash, I was pooping myself at the time but at least we got something out of it! So if you have any details, look on google for related adverts etc and call people if you have to once you have a name, if you chase people they normally want you to go away and you may get lucky, I hope it all gets sorted, sorry to hear this happened to you.
I also had issues with a caravan I bought, it was a ***** I got it from not that I knew that until I bought it and there was literally everything wrong with it, ebay wouldn't accept responsibility as its classed as a motor vehicle just like a trailer will be so no come back, I managed to search all over the internet with the seller id name and found some details, I found where they were storing caravans and called them and said if they didn't give me the guys address I would be sending them the court papers, so they were very helpful and told me what I needed to know, so i wrote to the guy I got the caravan from saying I wasn't happy and I will take him to court if he doesn't give me my money back, in the end the guy drove 300+ miles and handed me £1000 cash, I was pooping myself at the time but at least we got something out of it! So if you have any details, look on google for related adverts etc and call people if you have to once you have a name, if you chase people they normally want you to go away and you may get lucky, I hope it all gets sorted, sorry to hear this happened to you.
HardySoul1
Well-Known Member
Have u also informed Trading Standards? Even if they don't pursue your individual case, they need to be aware of as many incidents as possible.
LilMissy
Well-Known Member
PLEASE NOTE
I worked in a bank for 8 yrs. I actually sat for many hours of my working day on 'BACS Recalls' and ran the team.
If you pay any money in error by BACS (online transfer), direct debit or standing order then you can recall your money the same day or by 12 the next day.
YOUR bank must do this for you and will undertake to contact the other persons bank to have the payment recalled. The bank I used to work for charged a small fee for this service (approx £10-£25) this if it was a customer error but obviously better than losing thousands. This is similiar to the way that cheques can be stopped and returned and therefore you will not have access to those funds for a few days. If you look at your T&Cs for your bank account it will also advise that direct transfers, standing orders and direct debits credited to your account can be removed immediately or by noon the following day.
This is just my opinion but this is what I would do (I also worked for five years on the complaints team and them was team manager too!)
OP - you have a case against Lloyds IMO as if you paid by the above method(s) then they could have recalled that payment for you as you phoned them immediately. Im afraid that when I worked in Banking, Lloyds had a reputation for being difficult/lazy with recalling payments. Judging by this doesnt look like much had changed!
You need to write to them immediately, use the words 'concerned' and 'disappointed' which will mean it will be a complaint letter straight away. They have two days to send you a confirmation of receipt and seven days to issue a reply. If they are still denying doing anything wrong then go straight to the Financial Ombudsman.
We had a fraud team who used to do anything possible to assist customers in retrieving thier money in these circumstances regardless of it being a 'voluntary' action. Its still fraud and they used to work very closely with the police, you always needed a crime ref number to start off. I cant believe that your bank havent referred you to thier fraud dept as well! Disgusted really with Lloyds as well as the fraud.
Sorry if I have missed someone else saying this, I skimmed replies as was furious when I read that you had phoned the bank within 30 mins!
Please pm if I can help further
I worked in a bank for 8 yrs. I actually sat for many hours of my working day on 'BACS Recalls' and ran the team.
If you pay any money in error by BACS (online transfer), direct debit or standing order then you can recall your money the same day or by 12 the next day.
YOUR bank must do this for you and will undertake to contact the other persons bank to have the payment recalled. The bank I used to work for charged a small fee for this service (approx £10-£25) this if it was a customer error but obviously better than losing thousands. This is similiar to the way that cheques can be stopped and returned and therefore you will not have access to those funds for a few days. If you look at your T&Cs for your bank account it will also advise that direct transfers, standing orders and direct debits credited to your account can be removed immediately or by noon the following day.
This is just my opinion but this is what I would do (I also worked for five years on the complaints team and them was team manager too!)
OP - you have a case against Lloyds IMO as if you paid by the above method(s) then they could have recalled that payment for you as you phoned them immediately. Im afraid that when I worked in Banking, Lloyds had a reputation for being difficult/lazy with recalling payments. Judging by this doesnt look like much had changed!
You need to write to them immediately, use the words 'concerned' and 'disappointed' which will mean it will be a complaint letter straight away. They have two days to send you a confirmation of receipt and seven days to issue a reply. If they are still denying doing anything wrong then go straight to the Financial Ombudsman.
We had a fraud team who used to do anything possible to assist customers in retrieving thier money in these circumstances regardless of it being a 'voluntary' action. Its still fraud and they used to work very closely with the police, you always needed a crime ref number to start off. I cant believe that your bank havent referred you to thier fraud dept as well! Disgusted really with Lloyds as well as the fraud.
Sorry if I have missed someone else saying this, I skimmed replies as was furious when I read that you had phoned the bank within 30 mins!
Please pm if I can help further
Spottyappy
Well-Known Member
Sadly,the fraudsters are generally several steps ahead of the banks,and know exactly how to work these scams.
I work for a bank,and we deal with these things daily.
You have no protection if you send the money by bank transfer.
I would recommend no one sends money ahead of receipt of item.
You must go in person,either taking cash, or do a bank transfer,in the bank,with vendor accompanying you,but only once you have at least seen the item,and checked documents are genuine.
If the vendor is genuine,you could send a cheque for nominal amount as deposit,requesting they do not pay it in,but hold it until you collect the item. If you want,place a stop on the cheque( your bank may charge you) to prevent encashment.
A genuine seller should not mind this as it protects you,but shows them you do want the item.
I work for a bank,and we deal with these things daily.
You have no protection if you send the money by bank transfer.
I would recommend no one sends money ahead of receipt of item.
You must go in person,either taking cash, or do a bank transfer,in the bank,with vendor accompanying you,but only once you have at least seen the item,and checked documents are genuine.
If the vendor is genuine,you could send a cheque for nominal amount as deposit,requesting they do not pay it in,but hold it until you collect the item. If you want,place a stop on the cheque( your bank may charge you) to prevent encashment.
A genuine seller should not mind this as it protects you,but shows them you do want the item.
Spottyappy
Well-Known Member
Iil missy, op says she sent funds by Internet transfer,this isn't he same as bacs,and can't be recalled.
SpruceRI
Well-Known Member
To be honest, MOT certificates are not worth a bean either.
A friend of mine bought a very expensive car privately, having been to see it, on the basis that the seller get a new MOT on it so it had a year to run.
A few weeks later, friend caught a train to pick it up as it was miles away, paid for it, and started the journey home. Was driving along on the motorway when the brakes failed. He managed to slow down using the gears and roll onto the hard shoulder.
He had to call the AA and get the car recovered as it was too dangerous obviously to drive home.
He complained to the seller who blamed the MOT Testing station. The MOT Testers washed their hands of it, so friend complained to 'The Ministry' who were useless. Basically my friend could pay to have the car transported to one of their garages and checked out, like, in a month. But then all they'd do is tick off the MOT Testing station. He had no financial comeback from anyone it seemed.
When my friend had the car checked by an independent garage they said the brakes were worn through to the metal. No way would the car EVER pass a brakes test. Said the seller must have 'thrashed it' in the weeks between my friend test driving it and then selling the car if the brakes had been OK when he'd tried it. So basically the original garage were dodgy and had just issued a pass certificate without even looking at the car.
A friend of mine bought a very expensive car privately, having been to see it, on the basis that the seller get a new MOT on it so it had a year to run.
A few weeks later, friend caught a train to pick it up as it was miles away, paid for it, and started the journey home. Was driving along on the motorway when the brakes failed. He managed to slow down using the gears and roll onto the hard shoulder.
He had to call the AA and get the car recovered as it was too dangerous obviously to drive home.
He complained to the seller who blamed the MOT Testing station. The MOT Testers washed their hands of it, so friend complained to 'The Ministry' who were useless. Basically my friend could pay to have the car transported to one of their garages and checked out, like, in a month. But then all they'd do is tick off the MOT Testing station. He had no financial comeback from anyone it seemed.
When my friend had the car checked by an independent garage they said the brakes were worn through to the metal. No way would the car EVER pass a brakes test. Said the seller must have 'thrashed it' in the weeks between my friend test driving it and then selling the car if the brakes had been OK when he'd tried it. So basically the original garage were dodgy and had just issued a pass certificate without even looking at the car.
Bille
Member
Just need to make a point of letting everyone know, that Claire Perry (Wiltshire MP), has not only replied to my letter, but she has contacted the Commissioner of Wiltshire Police on my behalf, to which an investigation has now been launched.
EVEN if I don't get me money back, MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, being less accepting of Fraudsters getting away with these sort of scams will help
EVEN if I don't get me money back, MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, being less accepting of Fraudsters getting away with these sort of scams will help
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Superhot
Well-Known Member
Have you contacted your bank as LilMissy suggested? There is no way the bank should be allowed to get away with this either...
Bille
Member
I have made many calls to Lloyds TSB and they have made a few back following my admission that I had written to my MP.
BUT after LONG deliberation they still feel they are in the RIGHT!!!
AND NO....I haven't finished with them yet
Again thank you EVERYONE for all your fab help and suggestions
BUT after LONG deliberation they still feel they are in the RIGHT!!!
AND NO....I haven't finished with them yet
Again thank you EVERYONE for all your fab help and suggestions
grandmaweloveyou
Well-Known Member
Feel for you. Ive lost £1250 to a con man in Nov & having done ALOT of research have sourced 9 other victims. I have made the mans life hell for 3 months badgering him and contacted all the media. I have not stopped and wont til I get my money back or get him on tv. Its hell so I totalky understand. Neither paypal or lloyds will help.
claire777
New User
Hope this is ok to post on here and I apologise if it is out of context however I seemed to have been scammed by a girl called Sophie Blanchett who is from Ashtead in Surrey and I believe she has links to Chase Farm Stud. This person contacted me via a wanted ad for a saddle and said she had what I was after, after many emails and texts I decided to purchase the saddle from here and sent her £500 for the saddle and she was going to deliver it for me. After 2 weeks of many excuses (or lies) from her I was then told the saddle was damaged. I ask for a refund and after many many more excuses I am still waiting on my money. I don't know this girl and quite frankly IMO she is a fraudster and I wanted to post this on here as god knows how many other people she is scamming like she has done to me. I am in contact with the police over this matter and if anyone has any information on this girl then please PM me and the fraud squad are investigating.
Spottyappy
Well-Known Member
Claire,how did you pay her?
grandmaweloveyou
Well-Known Member
Following on from the post about not paying for anything upfront, how do u, get around thiswhen it is a deposit for manufacture of bespoke goods ie double glazed windows, and the remainder due on completion of items as per many companies policies? And for a company with all the accreditations and certificates amd found through a trade recommended site? This man has been doing this for 15 years and sits in clients houses very plausible and articulate.....
luckilotti
Well-Known Member
sorry i havent read all of the replies but - if the fraudster is in a different police area - try calling them!
the reason i say this, is my sisters soon to be ex hubby has done all sorts of fruad with her accounts - i am talking tens of thousands of pounds over the last 6 years. She has moved back home to my parents (despite him never paying a penny for the house/upkeep etc but thats another story!) and as such, the local police in our area have compiled quite a case against him for fraud..... managed to get some money returned to her by one company but... as he lives in a different county, the local police have transferred it to them basically for them to haul him in, arrest and take to court.... BUT... they say its a civil matter - NOW... if that was the case, our local police who are very busy and overstretched at the best of times wouldnt have put time, effort and officers on the case to compile the case!
it's worth a try incase they can be more helpful
the reason i say this, is my sisters soon to be ex hubby has done all sorts of fruad with her accounts - i am talking tens of thousands of pounds over the last 6 years. She has moved back home to my parents (despite him never paying a penny for the house/upkeep etc but thats another story!) and as such, the local police in our area have compiled quite a case against him for fraud..... managed to get some money returned to her by one company but... as he lives in a different county, the local police have transferred it to them basically for them to haul him in, arrest and take to court.... BUT... they say its a civil matter - NOW... if that was the case, our local police who are very busy and overstretched at the best of times wouldnt have put time, effort and officers on the case to compile the case!
it's worth a try incase they can be more helpful
grandmaweloveyou
Well-Known Member
Andiamo. Paypal DONT protect u. I am entangled with them fighting for my deposit back. They shrugged it off as 'anserviceor intangible goods' what the hell? They have very amhiguous terms and conds when u do need them.
Bille. Same thing here, its the lack of helpt and all the calls emails etc, ive lost nearly a weeks work I think trying to get help, i am self employed, but I will not let go. Good luck. The law is an ass and it is soul destroying.
Re everyone talking about dodgy trailers, I bought one face to face, cash, was promised it had been used right up until the week before long journeys etc, my mates checked it over......got it home took to get checked professionally and cost me more to fix than to buy but whilst I was angry, just put it down to one of those things. Even when u do everything right financially...u can still get stung.
This is not the case I am dealing with as fraud. If you are bored google john houlihan or highgrove windows in kent and you'll see how much wr have all lost. Telegraph and Guardian links too...
Bille. Same thing here, its the lack of helpt and all the calls emails etc, ive lost nearly a weeks work I think trying to get help, i am self employed, but I will not let go. Good luck. The law is an ass and it is soul destroying.
Re everyone talking about dodgy trailers, I bought one face to face, cash, was promised it had been used right up until the week before long journeys etc, my mates checked it over......got it home took to get checked professionally and cost me more to fix than to buy but whilst I was angry, just put it down to one of those things. Even when u do everything right financially...u can still get stung.
This is not the case I am dealing with as fraud. If you are bored google john houlihan or highgrove windows in kent and you'll see how much wr have all lost. Telegraph and Guardian links too...
claire777
New User
Spottyappy stupidly I paid cash direct into her bank account. So have no comeback through this (lesson learnt in my behalf not to be so trusting)!
ester
Not slacking multitasking
I'd agree that a current MOT doesn't mean anything, my clio has an MOT cert that is 3 weeks old and the rear brakes failed this week and the speedo does interesting things once you have driven a certain distance (could deny all knowledge of that if I wanted to if selling it). I have to say I find the concept of transferring money for an item you do not yet have without any of the usual paypal/credit card protections a bit too trusting tbh.
Spottyappy
Well-Known Member
People need to be aware,the best way to protect ourselves is to pay some of the money by credit card. This protects you,even if you pay the outstanding balance by other means,as it forms Part of the consumer credit act, and should the transaction not only turn out to be fraudulent,but if it fails, or is not as described amongst other things,your credit card company has to sort it out,and in the event of fraud,refund you. Your bank debit card does NOT give you the same protection.
Obviously,individual people,do not normally accept cards.
There is not a 100% way to protect yourself in this instance,but never send cash to a bank account,or use and transfer without seeing the goods(especially for large sums,which the fraudsters tend to use).
I would,as I mention above,send or take a cheque to use as a deposit.
Then,when you have both seen the goods do exist,and satisfied yourself they and the documentation is as genuine as you can,go to your bank,with the vendor.
The reason for this is partly as genuine vendor won't mind,partly the bank will have everything on CCTV,so if the worst happens,the police will hopefully co operate,and request to see the CCTV, and it also protects genuine sellers,who will be assured the fund have been sent so they can check their account has received them before releasing the goods. The bank staff are trained to some degree to spot suspicious transactions,and it is easier for this reason,if the customer is in front of them. Along with the receiving party. Some will always slip through,just by the nature of the scam,but we have stopped customers parting with their money on occasions. As you are sending it of your own free will,however,if you really want to,the bank can't stop you.
These fraudsters know every trick in the book,and many many more besides,and the way they work is similar to brain washing- they will seem genuine and completely plausible whilst somehow profiling their victim to suck them in.
Hope this helps a little.
I have seen the effects they have on customers sadly too many times,and many have lost their life savings. The way the fraudsters work,brain washing if you like,the customers believe them over the bank staff. It can be sad and traumatic for the staff,too,to deal with these situations but be helpless to stop it.
Obviously,individual people,do not normally accept cards.
There is not a 100% way to protect yourself in this instance,but never send cash to a bank account,or use and transfer without seeing the goods(especially for large sums,which the fraudsters tend to use).
I would,as I mention above,send or take a cheque to use as a deposit.
Then,when you have both seen the goods do exist,and satisfied yourself they and the documentation is as genuine as you can,go to your bank,with the vendor.
The reason for this is partly as genuine vendor won't mind,partly the bank will have everything on CCTV,so if the worst happens,the police will hopefully co operate,and request to see the CCTV, and it also protects genuine sellers,who will be assured the fund have been sent so they can check their account has received them before releasing the goods. The bank staff are trained to some degree to spot suspicious transactions,and it is easier for this reason,if the customer is in front of them. Along with the receiving party. Some will always slip through,just by the nature of the scam,but we have stopped customers parting with their money on occasions. As you are sending it of your own free will,however,if you really want to,the bank can't stop you.
These fraudsters know every trick in the book,and many many more besides,and the way they work is similar to brain washing- they will seem genuine and completely plausible whilst somehow profiling their victim to suck them in.
Hope this helps a little.
I have seen the effects they have on customers sadly too many times,and many have lost their life savings. The way the fraudsters work,brain washing if you like,the customers believe them over the bank staff. It can be sad and traumatic for the staff,too,to deal with these situations but be helpless to stop it.
wowser
Well-Known Member
to you all who got ripped off try this site http://thesheriffsoffice.com/ if your owed more than £600 pound you can take it to the high court they seem much better than county court bailiffs or have a look on iplayer watch one of their programmes see what you think it will give you some hope
Bille
Member
So sad to hear that so many of you have suffered a similar ordeal. All I can say I wholeheartedly feel for you!
Had the letter from Lloyds. Would appear they were working on the assumption, that I contacted them DAYS later! Idiots did not listen!
I called them within 30 minutes at a time when the money had not been credited to the fraudsters account and there blatend refusal to call Barclay's bank caused the failure to retrieve my funds!
Needless to say, I have written back to set the record straight. If still no luck I'll pursue this with the financial ombudsman.
The police is investigating. Have a meeting with them on Thursday. As with so many the fraudster is not who she claimed to be and does not live in Kidderminster, BUT somewhere abroad!
Keep fighting everyone! Only if we fight, things might change
Had the letter from Lloyds. Would appear they were working on the assumption, that I contacted them DAYS later! Idiots did not listen!
I called them within 30 minutes at a time when the money had not been credited to the fraudsters account and there blatend refusal to call Barclay's bank caused the failure to retrieve my funds!
Needless to say, I have written back to set the record straight. If still no luck I'll pursue this with the financial ombudsman.
The police is investigating. Have a meeting with them on Thursday. As with so many the fraudster is not who she claimed to be and does not live in Kidderminster, BUT somewhere abroad!
Keep fighting everyone! Only if we fight, things might change
Rattyv
Member
Hiya,
I just wanted to state that Sophie Blanchett has no connection with Chace Farm Stud whatsoever. I am a livery there and the owners are very unhappy that this person is stating that they are in some way connected. Claire777 we really hope you are able to get your money back.
We are currently trying to find out where Sophie Blanchett is in fact stabled and will pass on any information She can run but she cant hide!
I just wanted to state that Sophie Blanchett has no connection with Chace Farm Stud whatsoever. I am a livery there and the owners are very unhappy that this person is stating that they are in some way connected. Claire777 we really hope you are able to get your money back.
We are currently trying to find out where Sophie Blanchett is in fact stabled and will pass on any information
She can run but she cant hide!
Jess Hoss
Well-Known Member
Hmmmm. I was checking out a black ifor about 6 months ago. Seller listed it as being in Inverness. I sent a message asking for the identification number as it wasn't that I didn't trust him, but I had been instructed by a friend that I must check it out first. He got back to me really quickly with a non-Scottish name & said that the trailer was at his farm with the papers inside ready to be transported to the buyer - he was ill & it was a 4 mile round trip to his farm. . . . .Delovery of the trailer was to be £50 - I asked what that was about ! Was he sending it first class post !? I never bid on it. The seller had no previous feedback AT ALL. Alarm bells were ringing. I put it on watch & saw the next day that the seller was no longer a registered user. . . .Funny that. Best of luck. There's some really bad people in this world ! x
Spottyappy
Well-Known Member
See my link to this post, not sure if should be in here, but have put in TR as think more people may view it.
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=11516299#post11516299
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=11516299#post11516299
Bille
Member
Following a visit from the police, I now know a bit more:
It would appear it was a West African immigrant, who lives in Leicester.
Maybe only allowing people, who will work and contribute, to immigrate to the UK would help?
He was responsible for a number of these frauds and the bank is finally shutting down the account.....
It'll be a long haul to find out if my money can be recovered......but at least if one fraudster is taken out of circulation....it's one less to worry about!
Thank you very much to Swindon Fraud branch for pursuing this case
It would appear it was a West African immigrant, who lives in Leicester.
Maybe only allowing people, who will work and contribute, to immigrate to the UK would help?
He was responsible for a number of these frauds and the bank is finally shutting down the account.....
It'll be a long haul to find out if my money can be recovered......but at least if one fraudster is taken out of circulation....it's one less to worry about!
Thank you very much to Swindon Fraud branch for pursuing this case
Spottyappy
Well-Known Member
Good news Billie. I hope you can recover some of your money.
The fraudulent horsebox on horsemart has Been pulled twice,but is there again today-these people are awfully persistent. Have reported it again. User name slightly different,but other details including email the same-must be a spice girls fan!
The fraudulent horsebox on horsemart has Been pulled twice,but is there again today-these people are awfully persistent. Have reported it again. User name slightly different,but other details including email the same-must be a spice girls fan!
birchave0
Well-Known Member
PLEASE DO NOT BID ON THE BELOW BOX!!!!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FANTASTIC...768&pid=100015&prg=1006&rk=1&sd=321069025481&
it belongs to a friend who listed it last week on ebay but it didn't sell and the auction ended, the box is still with her in the North East.
this is a scam and it's already been reported but still showing|!!!!
the advert has been cut and pasted into this one.
Scum bags!!!!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FANTASTIC...768&pid=100015&prg=1006&rk=1&sd=321069025481&
it belongs to a friend who listed it last week on ebay but it didn't sell and the auction ended, the box is still with her in the North East.
this is a scam and it's already been reported but still showing|!!!!
the advert has been cut and pasted into this one.
Scum bags!!!!
jodie33
New User
Hi this has happened to me as well same story also ring me on 07989444030 I have an appointment with the fraud team in my area on Sunday!! Same girl same story x
shellonabeach
Well-Known Member
I am looking for a large horse trailer and have come across several like that, all new ebay members with no feedback. Delivery inc in price anywhere in the country etc.
Feel sorry for anyone who gets scammed this way, they are even on places like preloved with smaller items like saddles.
Really hope everyone who has had problems gets their money back
KrujaaLass
Well-Known Member
Just been had by a rogue builder. Had £10,000 and hardly did any work. He took my money but passed the work onto somebody else. Came round talked the talked had great website but turns out he is not the director but his father is who has the same name. Business only been running since Oct 2012 his last business stopped trading just before then that went for just a year. Now works in a pub so not interested in business at all. False testimonials on his website. Very expensive lesson learnt. Be aware people dont pay money up front. My common sense went out of the window because he went to school with my daughter. Since found out he has conned loads of people, workers etc.