- Joined
- Mar 29, 2005
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- 1,912
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Hi All
Friends of mine are immigrating to Oz soon and decided to look at cars to buy online. They found a decent car that was well priced and after emailing for more details were told the seller has divorced and had moved back to the UK - the car was in Oz and could be transported anywhere there and inspected. They were instructed to use a link to "ebay motors" and the payment would be held on deposit and released on their satisfaction that the vehicle was as described. As they had family there already, they paid and arranged delivery.
I know, it seems so obvious, but they thought they were safe as the money was being "held" but of course no, they were scammed out of £4000 ish.
I have since googled the "name" of the scammer and its a common one that has been doing the rounds for a while. They have contacted their bank and the receiving bank as it was done by wire transfer and they have been told there is nothing they can do? They have also been told by the police that its a civil offence not criminal so they cant get involved either?? Surely "fraud" is a criminal offence?
Anyway, im gutted for them - its a big chunk of cash to lose, especially when you are about to start a new life abroad. Is there anything else they can do/try to maybe get the banks to try and help out or even get the police here or in Australia involved. I appreciate the scammer is probably sitting in an internet cafe in Nigeria but I cant believe they can operate with impunity? If thats they case its a wonder we are all not firing off emails offering people deals of the century in the hope that 1 in 1000 may take us up on our generous offer???
Friends of mine are immigrating to Oz soon and decided to look at cars to buy online. They found a decent car that was well priced and after emailing for more details were told the seller has divorced and had moved back to the UK - the car was in Oz and could be transported anywhere there and inspected. They were instructed to use a link to "ebay motors" and the payment would be held on deposit and released on their satisfaction that the vehicle was as described. As they had family there already, they paid and arranged delivery.
I know, it seems so obvious, but they thought they were safe as the money was being "held" but of course no, they were scammed out of £4000 ish.
I have since googled the "name" of the scammer and its a common one that has been doing the rounds for a while. They have contacted their bank and the receiving bank as it was done by wire transfer and they have been told there is nothing they can do? They have also been told by the police that its a civil offence not criminal so they cant get involved either?? Surely "fraud" is a criminal offence?
Anyway, im gutted for them - its a big chunk of cash to lose, especially when you are about to start a new life abroad. Is there anything else they can do/try to maybe get the banks to try and help out or even get the police here or in Australia involved. I appreciate the scammer is probably sitting in an internet cafe in Nigeria but I cant believe they can operate with impunity? If thats they case its a wonder we are all not firing off emails offering people deals of the century in the hope that 1 in 1000 may take us up on our generous offer???
