Welcome to Scamwarners martin o'sullivan.
These scammers are a massive problem and are not only duping victims who tend to be from mainland Europe but they are also making the lives of honest UK traders a nightmare.
I would remove your phone number from the post and rely on people sending you a pm from within the forum.
I'm doing my best to collect info on these people but the only thing that is of any worth is details of the bank account they're using to receive funds. I have details of a few they're using and I'm doing research on them.
The reaction of the police and the banks isn't satisfactory, to say the least but, if I can collect enough information I'm prepared to go over the heads of the police and the banks. If you didn't think that was possible, I assure you it is.
If the bank account has been used before in a scam that has been reported, then the victim has a case against the bank as, under money laundering legislation they are obliged to do more than stand by and just watch criminals launder money. Forgive my caustic words but my background is banking and I don't consider it acceptable and, I know what I'm talking about.
Life's hard enough without scammers being given a helping hand.
CAR ADVERTS - If a car seller mentions escrow - he's scamming you Never ever for any reason pay anything until you have seen and inspected the vehicle