Could this be a scam ?

[Scaleyback]

I have an item for sale on Facebook marketplace, a Tow Bar mount Thule bike rack, asking price £175.00. Someone says he wants it and will send a Chronopost courier tomorrow with the cash to pick up the rack.
Chronopost seems to be part of DPD.
As anyone used this system ?
Could this be some sort of scam, if so how would it work ?
As yet I have no arranged anything and exchanged no details.
Your thoughts please.

 

[Adam4868]

Where's the buyer from ? Can you see his profile,any reviews etc.Ask him for his phone no and check him out ?

 

[fossyant]

Jog on I'd say.

 

[Scaleyback]

I asked the potential buyer for a full address and contact number.
They replied " I would like to explain but I am hard of hearing and have a problem communicating by phone, "

I have replied "To many red flags here, please do not contact me again"

I still cannot see the potential scam ? maybe I need to let it 'develop' a little more. Maybe I will be asked to pay insurance money for the courier payment ?

No harm done apart from a little time wasted.

 

[vickster]

Complete scam. I’ve had the same selling through Gumtree. Just block their number

 

[Scaleyback]

Complete scam. I’ve had the same selling through Gumtree. Just block their number

How does this scam work then ?

 

[Milkfloat]

If he can give the barcode for you to scan that eBay give ‘pick up’ buyers then you would presumably be covered. However, I cannot see a courier company agreeing to do that.

 

[Milkfloat]

How does this scam work then ?

Buyer just states that the item was not received.

 

[Chris S]

How does this scam work then ?

The courier turns up with a cheque (not cash) for more than the amount. You then hand over the 'change' and the item. The cheque then bounces.

 

[vickster]

Buyer just states that the item was not received.

This…or they pay via PayPal and then claim no item

 

[CanucksTraveller]

Where the buyer would like a courier, they need to pay you so you can arrange it.

Not sure how FB works but in eBay a common scam is for the buyer to arrange a courier, then the buyer keeps the towbar and then opens an "item not received" against you. As they have arranged the courier themselves, you will have no tracking and will be forced to refund.

I'd insist on cash on collection only.

 

[Cycleops]

The courier turns up with a cheque (not cash) for more than the amount. You then hand over the 'change' and the item. The cheque then bounces.

Can't see anyone falling for that.
The OP said the courier would bring cash.

Does sound fishy though.

 

[Adam4868]

If something sounds too easy or good to be true....
"A common ploy by criminals is they state that they are sending a courier to pick the goods, and the courier is bringing the money with them. The criminal then states that the courier firm will be in contact to organise collection. The seller then receives an invoice from a courier company, normally a falsified invoice purporting to be from a well-known courier company.

"The criminal states that the courier will bring the purchase price plus the extra money from the invoice with them, but this is obviously a lie."

 

[classic33]

DPD drivers aren't allowed to carry cash on behalf of the customer, in whatever form. Unless it's been booked in as a delivery for the customer. In which case it will be in a sealed package with full declaration made on the contents.

 

[TissoT]

Full on scam.

I have had the same Request when selling a item.