I have also had this scam tried on me.
The fake buyer contacted me via mobile first (as i stupidly put my mobile number up on the ad)...although i assumed Gumtree would have made users click to reveal that and not leave it open to a crawler bot.
I then sent an email reply.
Long story short:
Email addresses used by fake buyer:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Name used by fake buyer:
matthew williams
Things to look out for:
1. Insists on using PayPal for the transaction
2. Is super keen to purchase the item
3. Expects you to take down the ad before the transaction completes
Here is a transcription of the last email i recieved from the fake buyer:
"i would have love to come for the inspection prior to the purchase but
i am restricted by work but never mind as i am really keen about the
purchase and payment will be made as soon as i have an order from u to
go ahead with the payment..the reason why i insisted on paypal was
because of my work restriction and all that.i would have to love to do
cash or a direct bank transfer but i dont have access to all that
here..i will only be doing paypal because i have my paypal account
attached to my bank account.. pls set up an account so that we can
move ahead with the sales. thanks so much for ur anticipated co
operations. pls get the ad off the internet as i am very keen and
serious about the purchase.. u can as well mark it as sold..i will be
waiting to hear from u soonest..i have a pick up agent that will
handle the pick up process
i am much more keen mate and i will be more than happy to put the
payment through as soon as i have ur paypal email address.. pls kindly
tell other interested party that it has being sold..thanks for ur
understanding towards the sales..
Thanks once again and God bless u..
Thanks
Matt"