Fraud

[Jessica1231]

I've recently put my phone for sell up on gumtree and this women wanted to buy it. I received an email claiming to be PayPal to say that she sent the money but wouldn't put it in my account until I send confirmation of postage. I posted it and did so but I haven't received any money. I now realise I may have been scammed, is there anything I can do?

[kernowlass]

@Jessica1231

THIS IS A TYPICAL PAYPAL SCAM.

They encourage you to use paypal and often ask you to send the item as a gift to a relative somewhere often Nigeria.

You will get/got a "fake" email that looks as though it is from paypal.....it isn't.

It will say the buyer has paid ...you won't have been paid.

They will tell you that the payment is released when you provide paypal with a tracking/shipping number......this won't happen.

They also threaten legal action...have a laugh at that one and ignore it as its rubbish.

Paypal NEVER tell you to send trackable, they advise it for seller protection etc but it is not compulsory.

Paypal NEVER tell you to send an item before the payment is showing in your paypal account.