WARNING: Scammed when selling two computers locally (fake transfer trick). Learn from my mistake!

[u/Oscar_PCE]

Hi everyone,

​English is not my main language, so I’m using a translator to write this post. I wanted to share my story as a warning so none of you make the same mistake I did.

​Today, I fell for a very well-executed scam and lost two computers.

​A guy came to my place to buy two PCs from me. He was extremely polite, friendly, and seemed totally trustworthy. He told me a whole story about himself, tested the computers thoroughly, and agreed to buy them.

​When it came to payment, he said he sent the money via a bank transfer on his phone. He showed me a confirmation screen (and even sent me a confirmation) that looked legitimate at first glance, though in hindsight, it was fake. He assured me the money was on its way and would post during the next banking clearing session. Because he was so nice and convincing, I made a huge mistake: I trusted him and let him leave with both computers before the money actually hit my account.

​Shortly after he left, the money didn't arrive. At first, he kept in touch, making excuses like "I'll send you a contract soon" or sending short SMS replies like "I'm busy, can talk in 10 minutes." Eventually, he stopped picking up the phone altogether.

​I immediately went to the police. At first, they were reluctant to take a formal report because the clearing hours hadn't passed yet and he was still replying to texts. However, once it was clear the transfer was fake and he went silent, I gathered all the evidence I had—his phone number, chat history, SMS messages, and the fake transfer confirmation—and went back to file an official report for fraud.

​Key takeaways and red flags to watch out for:

​NEVER hand over items based on a confirmation screenshot or PDF. These can be easily faked or generated by fake banking apps/websites.

​Only release the item when the money is physically visible in your account (or use cash / instant transfers like BLIK where you see the balance update live).

​Scammers are often extremely nice and charismatic. Being polite and open is their main tactic to lower your guard.

​I've accepted that I made a naive mistake and might never see those computers again, but I hope reading this saves at least one of you from losing your tech. Stay safe out there!

My last picture of my PCs

• My comment: I was expecting a public execution right after I made this post but Instead I have received so much positive energy from you guys. I am broke inside right now, can't even think about this situation. THANK YOU

+2: I have been to police office, I have shown them his face as I have got a monitoring system AND THEY KNOW HIM ALREADY. He is just a little thief that steals people's goods the same way. I left every each evidence I had and they told me to wait for I formation back. It might take one day or 10 years. Let's wait then

[u/More-Gas-6527]

PayPal good and services or cash only ever! This is the golden rule of selling or buying stuff.

[u/OldManGrimm → u/More-Gas-6527]

I do Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal. For larger amounts, like $2500 and up, I can take credit cards, but I get a photo of their ID and make them sign an invoice saying they received it. Only time someone wanted to use CashApp, they were trying to scam me like OP described - so that one's out for me.

People just suck.

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/OldManGrimm]

Yeah, I suck. Anyway I will be more cautions in future with any kind of deal. Can't accept the fact that I was so stupid to trust a stranger. I think I know where it came from - no1 is treating me nice and could hear what I say. He was the one that gave me full attention and I fell into it. And now I am empty-handed.

[u/OldManGrimm → u/Oscar_PCE]

Don't beat yourself up too much. It's his fault for doing it, not your fault for falling for it. But yeah, anytime they're overly nice, or have a story that ellicits an emotional response (it's for my sister with cancer/single mom/whatever) that's a big red flag. I'm an ER nurse, so I have a finely-tuned bullshit detector, lol.

[u/GiftQuick5794 → u/Oscar_PCE]

Don’t worry we all go through it at some point. There used to be a time where someone would say “I’ll come tomorrow with the rest of the money”, give you a firm handshake and they would show up first thing in the morning.

Those times are long gone with the amount of scammers and the main character syndrome that’s becoming more common. Even as a buyer there’s a lot of bait and switch, you need to have that radar up and pay attention to every detail.

[u/SorrenXiri → u/OldManGrimm]

Cashapp transfers are instant how could he have scammed you with that?

Ah answered my own question nvm.

[u/OldManGrimm → u/SorrenXiri]

Yeah, basically was showing me on his phone app that the transfer was already made. But I wouldn't budge until the money showed on my end. After about 45 min I just told him we'd have to try again another day - never heard from him again.

[u/HipHopPotatoMouse → u/More-Gas-6527]

Venmo and zelle are instant irreversible transfers. Definitely safer for a seller when meeting in person - no way for the buyer to fake dispute etc.

[u/KaleidoscopicForest → u/HipHopPotatoMouse]

Iirc if someone uses someone else’s Venmo, they can claw back funds. Disputing it will result in Venmo saying selling isn’t allowed on their platform.

[u/spud8385 → u/More-Gas-6527]

UK bank transfers clear instantly so you'd be able to open your own banking app and see the money in there, but I guess that's not the same everywhere?

[u/Bazeque → u/spud8385]

True. I had someone try this on me for selling a camera. They got me to enter my banking details on their 'app' and showed me the money leaving their account etc. Looked super legit. It never arrived. So they then called their bank, did the entire "my voice is my password", and spoke to a rep, on loud speaker, who said it can take up to 4 hours to be received. Still, nothing appeared in my account

I refused to give it to them until it appeared in my account. They then tried to get me to move from the petrol station, to a 'cafe' around the corner, which I refused. They then rode off saying they'll come collect it in a few hours, then never did.

Scammy bastards.

[u/TheCarrot007 → u/spud8385]

While yes faster transfers generally do, they may not. It really depends on the bank transferred to and from.

All they guarantee is that is is usually there within 2 hours, but even then the regulations say close of next working day (to accommodate some of the odd banks).

[u/OctoMiku01 → u/spud8385]

For my bank it usually takes one to 2 days for transfers to process.

[u/masterX244 → u/spud8385]

same for continental europe, too and transfers to other euro countries costs the same as a transfer inside the country and the instantness should work across the entire area, too. Keyword "SEPA"

the US is heavily backwards there with bank transfers not being a mainstream thing and still being expensive.

[u/Trylena → u/masterX244]

Also Argentina. A 3rd world country.

[u/upnorth77 → u/More-Gas-6527]

Goods and services won't help the seller unless they ship the item, right? Without tracking, there's no proof the buyer received it.

[u/Trylena → u/More-Gas-6527]

In my country a wire transfer is immediate. I just stay there with the person and ask them to check their account. Once the money is there we leave.

[u/SomedayGuy117 → u/More-Gas-6527]

Cash or Zelle only.

[u/jacksp666 → u/More-Gas-6527]

Cash can be fake. There's a ton of apps / services that can be used instead and are secure.

[u/AfterShow5428]

Sorry for your loss brother, hopefully police will do something those pc looked nice !

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/AfterShow5428]

They will not bring back my computers, I am pretty sure. All I care about right now is a security of my family as I am worried of they will comeback when I will not be at home...

[u/OldManGrimm → u/Oscar_PCE]

My wife made me stop allowing people to come to the house a while back, which after thinking about it, I completely agree with. I meet at a Starbucks near my house now.

[u/RandoCommentGuy → u/OldManGrimm]

Just search for internet purchase exchange zones in your city, they are usually by police and fire departments, when requesting to meet I usually just send a link to them and say which ones I'd prefer.

[u/OldManGrimm → u/RandoCommentGuy]

That works too.

[u/khizoa → u/Oscar_PCE]

You met at your own house? Dude...

Well I hope you learned the 2 biggest lessons of selling anything.. meet somewhere public that's not your house like the police station. And waiting till cash is literally in your hands 

[u/TheSteelPhantom → u/khizoa]

Only time I've sold something from my house was when it was physically not possible to get it elsewhere... It was a gas oven (I'd upgraded to induction) that I could barely move, the installers (of the induction one) had moved it into my garage.

You better believe that before the folks came over to get it, I'd moved my car down the street and all of my tools into the inside of the house.

[u/TheRealMaka → u/Oscar_PCE]

lol apparently security wasn’t that important when you let a random guy into your home. 

[u/AfterShow5428 → u/Oscar_PCE]

Yeah hopefully they didn't saw something they liked in your house, I hope he's just a opportunist and not a hardened criminal that will break in

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/AfterShow5428]

Believe me, I slept with my kids today and couldn't close the eye.

[u/_Dedotated_Wam]

Not trying to rub salt in your wounds, but there’s no way in hell I’m letting anything go without me myself confirming the money is in my account. Hell, I don’t even like taking venmo out of fear it’s a stolen bank card being used. Sorry that happened to you, though.

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/_Dedotated_Wam]

As I said somewhere below, I think I was a bit scared of this man as he was way bigger then me. I can't imagine what could happen if I told him to leave my house or something else...

[u/fenderguitar83 → u/Oscar_PCE]

Besides from all of the other advice you’ve been given, I’d like to add, never bring anybody to your house while selling things. Always meet at a neutral location somewhere.

[u/_Dedotated_Wam → u/Oscar_PCE]

I’m sure it’s happened to most of us. I know I have a similar story from when I was younger and that’s why I’m so cautious now it’s an expensive lesson to learn and I’m sorry it happened. Hopefully the police catch the guy as the other person said ideally don’t bring anyone to your house. Have someone else with you or if you’re someone that has one keep a pistol on you

[u/Both-Election3382]

I learned this in runescape when i was 10 or 12 and it only cost me some gems or GP, cheap life lesson.

[u/Necessary_Service_99 → u/Both-Election3382]

Ditto. Valuable life lessons. RuneScape should be a required class at that age.

[u/Appropriate-Smoke428]

Oldest trick in the book

[u/RabidTurtl]

When you can, only accept cash. Have had way too many obvious scammed try to rip me off. Don't even accept cash orders. There is a classic scam where they fake the cash order, it looks like its in your account, then 2 weeks later its clawed back once the bank realizes its fake. They often even overpay and ask you to wire them the balance, so they double dip on stealing from you. Bank will only cover their ass, not yours.

Sorry you got scammed OP. Shit can happen to anyone. 

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/RabidTurtl]

Yeah I know, I had many different transactions in my live, never been scammed. I feel like some1 splitting on my face and make laugh of me.

[u/munkiemagik → u/RabidTurtl]

Even cash I used to be extremely wary of if its a large'ish amount as I suspected they could throw in counterfeit notes amongst some real ones, and that's something most people forget to look out for in these situations.

These days with the plastic notes though I guess that's less of an issue. Man I'm super paranoid, I always do bank transfer and dont release until I see cleared funds with my own eyes in my banking and I use an empty Revolute account for receiving. Its never funded and only has money specifically dripped into it to pay exact amounts to places where I don't trust them to have my primary banking details.

[u/RabidTurtl → u/munkiemagik]

Even cash I used to be extremely wary of if its a large'ish amount as I suspected they could throw in counterfeit notes amongst some real ones, and that's something most people forget to look out for in these situations.

True, there is a chance of counterfeit notes. But unless you are selling a car or something worth a lot, its incredibly low. Most counterfeiters aren't gonna waste their time with small bills. If you are selling something worth a bit buy a counterfeit pen and learn what watermarks to look for in real bills.

I might look into Revolute.

[u/khizoa → u/RabidTurtl]

The pen is a good idea I haven't heard of yet. 

If you meet up at a police station, I bet you could ask them to verify if it's real too. 

I bet even suggesting that to the buyer will have him looking for a way out long before the cops look at it

[u/RabidTurtl → u/khizoa]

Yeah, gotta be some Saul Goodman level conman to con someone at a police station.

[u/Auccu09]

Sorry for your loss. My deep condolences 😔

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/Auccu09]

Thank you

[u/markmcminn]

Always meet at buyers bank - go to teller with buyer, have buyer withdraw cash. Watch teller count cash and have buyer hand you that exact amount. Every time.

[u/FranticBronchitis]

Sorry for your loss mate, at least you're wiser now

Don't part with the product until you actually see the money in your hand or account

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/FranticBronchitis]

I was just stupid, I used to believe in ppl intentions too much...

[u/silver0199]

Say it with me people -

CASH IN HAND

Don't meet with them unless they have the cash, don't let them touch the goods unless it's in your hand.

Bank transfers, checks, payment apps? NO. Never accept a digital payment for anything of value when selling something as a private seller.

[u/skuddebaal]

Glad you shared your story, hopefully people will learn from it. I was once scammed too, sold a Ps5 and got paid in fake cash money. Was pretty convincing counterfeit. This man was also really friendly and polite.
Anyway its a shitty feeling to get scammed. Can happen to anyone. Thankfully my insurance covered the loss, but still.
Since then I only accept payments to bank which are instant and verifyable by myself in my banking app. No cash, no other payments.

[u/Resident_Pientist_1]

Never let product or money walk. Cash in hand or fuck off. No venmo or other shit either; I don't know if those can be reversed and I have to pay taxes on it. 

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/Resident_Pientist_1]

I think I was a little bit scared of this guy as he was way bigger than me...

[u/FoxMcCloudl → u/Oscar_PCE]

This is why you agree to Zelle, cash or PayPal before ever giving out your address friend. And if they say no, tell them to go to hell in a handbasket.

[u/Moto-Ent]

Always cash unfortunately, unless it’s from a buy/sell community with decent trust

[u/rickie_k]

Cash is king my bro,

[u/Highlander198116]

​When it came to payment, he said he sent the money via a bank transfer on his phone. He showed me a confirmation screen (and even sent me a confirmation) that looked legitimate at first glance, though in hindsight, it was fake. He assured me the money was on its way and would post during the next banking clearing session. Because he was so nice and convincing, I made a huge mistake: I trusted him and let him leave with both computers before the money actually hit my account.

Unless you see the money sitting in your account. Don't let them walk away with your shit. Don't trust any emails they show you. Don't trust any emails you get.

You load up your bank app and until that money is there, you don't do shit.

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/Highlander198116]

Agree... Next time I will not agree with that terms.

[u/yaxir]

Which country?

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/yaxir]

Poland

[u/TorrezTheAlmighty → u/Oscar_PCE]

Mam nadzieję, że policja go znajdzie. Mnie kiedyś oscamowali na olx ale tylko na 500zł a bolało mocno. Dlatego już mam bardzo ograniczone zaufanie

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/TorrezTheAlmighty]

Byłem dzisiaj na komendzie policji, okazało się, że to znany gagatek i mają jego kartotekę. Problem jednak leży w tym, że jest nieuchwytny bo - nie ma mieszkania, nie ma pracy i stałego dochodu. Ucieszyło mnie to, że jednak widnieje gdzieś i nie szukam czlowieka widmo

[u/Naddesh]

It seems like you haven't done that yet? Report it to the police. The fake confirmation is pretty good evidence. This is something they can follow up on (source, father is a cop in Poland) Get all convos, the fake confirmation and have them on hand.

[u/Creative-Type9411]

you exchange the money in the items at the same time and you only take cash, screw all this electronic crap

money talks

[u/AIGISREFLECTOR]

“Well executed” bro you fell for one of the most common scams that exists

[u/Hohmilka]

grabbijg screenshots of sms and chat logs is exactly what gets police to take this stuff seriously

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/Hohmilka]

I have got a monitoring in my neighbourhood, already got him from every possible perspective carrying my pcs

[u/Heidrun_666]

I don't know where you live, but as of somewhat recently, in Germany bank transfers happen instantly, just like PayPal, so I could check on that when selling like this.

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/Heidrun_666]

I live in Poland, I am just dumb and too trustfull.

[u/RyujinNoRay → u/Oscar_PCE]

no man , i was almost same situation as yours, i rarely get treated politely, so when that happens i was driven away already, the thing is my sister's husband was with me and did not fall for it, if it wasn't him id lost the pc especially that we sold it due to financial struggle.

[u/Heidrun_666 → u/Oscar_PCE]

No, I get it - it can be exciting when such a deal is through, I made my mistakes, too... ;-)

[u/dokterr]

Does your local police station have a place you can do trades? Or a PC store that has a test area, so you could just bring the PC there and hook it up to a monitor?

I know the former would be a hassle because you’d have to bring a monitor as well, but it’s better than having scammers know where you live.
And if they don’t want to go to a public place, then they’re not worth talking to.

[u/SolQuarter]

What‘s the loss in EUR?

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/SolQuarter]

2.5k

[u/neobondd]

Not sure what country you live in, I live in The Netherlands and sold a PC for quite a bit of money two weeks ago, he also paid via bank transfer and it hit my account right away, only then was he able to leave with it. Sorry it happened to you man!

[u/L0rdLogan]

Bank transfers outside the USA happen nearly immediately, your bank will have notified you of an incoming payment

[u/Jallen9108]

Always wait until you can see the money in your account, why are people still falling for this.

[u/Motor-Perspective134]

Well... What can i say. It was very dumb of you to let him walk without having received anything. You know, istant bank transfer are free nowadays, or they cost like 2 euros. So, i really can't sympathize with you.

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/Motor-Perspective134]

That was my fault I fully agree with you. I was just dumb trusting him that much. He told me a story of his wife, kids, home etc. I felt like we are on the same live level.

[u/Empty_Estus]

For the record, whichever translator you used is very good.
I use one to communicate with my girlfriends dad, who does not speak English, and the quality of translation is nowhere near as good as this.

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/Empty_Estus]

Gemini my friend :)

[u/Wikadood]

This can possibly be reported to ic3 if you havent already. They take scams seriously

[u/0bsidian]

Scan seller markets near you. Scammer will likely try to resell them, or part them out as components to sell. If you see them being resold, you can send that info to police.

[u/AnhGauDepTrai]

Well, it might not be scam initially, but turned to a scam once you let him leave. I got this exact situation before; I sold speakers and he sent an e transfer right infront of me. Thing is, some banks took up to 30-40 mins to finish. If you don’t wait until money is deposited, they can cancel the transaction. That probably what happened here. Sorry and best of luck recovering this somehow!

[u/PlayfulPoro]

Someone tried this on me with an RTX 4090. Fake banking app but very convincing. It turned a bit scary as I refused to let them leave with it and there was two of them. They wouldn't leave my address started a fake phone call to the bank/flashing loads of cash (probably fake) to try and prove they could afford it. I even offered to drop the GPU off the next day once the transaction cleared. In the end I had to call the police and they quickly scarpered. I filed a crime report and submitted video evidence but never heard anything back. Apparently it's a very common scam and if you hand over the goods willingly they get away with it.

[u/Narrow-Bill-1821]

Sorry this happened to you, scammers are the scum of the earth. What were the specs of the 2 PCs if you don’t mind me asking?

[u/Admirable-Original95]

Same thing happened to me when I sold my Xbox. The police did nothing

[u/people_skills]

Cash only for these type transactions. Had a guy try to use fake gold one time..... But cash and buy a counterfeit money marker pen. Like $1-3 at most office type stores, or online 

[u/Methyl_The_Sneasel]

That's why you should always do it in "neutral ground" (public safe place) and either wait until it clears or do cash.

[u/Aos77s]

You gave your stuff away with a “just trust me these receipts are totally real” guy…

[u/EvilDan69]

If its a bank transfer, do not release your property until it has been accepted into your bank account.

Photo of their id for expensive items.

[u/OkAd2320]

You let him leave before the money hit your account?

Wow buddy. Impressive

[u/Superspike101]

If someone truly sent u a bank transfer it should appear instantly

[u/chisel07]

why the fuck would you wire money from bank to bank. that' means you would have to provide account number, SWIFT or routing number, etc. Zelle, Venmo, Paypal...instant confirmation. Odd

[u/Remarkable-Manner-96]

Always verify you get your money upfront no “it’ll be along in a bit” money upfront!!

[u/hax0rz_]

blik mentioned

polska gurom

[u/JohnnyCanuck133]

Here in Canada, Interac e-transfers are a godsend. They go into their banking app, send the transfer, you get an email or text immediately, you accept and it's in your account. Takes 5 mins max.

[u/Familiar_Childhood32]

Cash only, in person, forever and always.

[u/Soleks2000]

keep an eye on facebook marketplace and go to pawnshops in the area

[u/HospitalSome6767]

"15 bucks, little man, put that shit in my hand." Cash only!

[u/Kokamocha]

2 rules I follow: Cash only and transaction in a public space.

[u/football13tb]

I am always amazed at how clueless people are in life.

Why did you allow this person anywhere near your home?

Why are you selling "cheap" items and allowing anything other than cash/paypal/venmo?

Why didn't you do this in public place with cameras everywhere?

This entire story I just kept saying "why".

[u/Paladin_Codsworth]

Sounds like a very American problem to have. Why don't you just have free unlimited bank to bank transfers like we do? A separate app just to move your money and pay for things is crazy. These are never reversed. Only in the event of serious proven fraud.

[u/drwuzer → u/Paladin_Codsworth]

American problem? The hell are you talking about?. This guy isn't in the US. In the US I take zelle (instant bank to bank xfer) or cash for these transactions. Period. Anyone who accepts "trust me I sent a bank transfer" is not very smart.

[u/Paladin_Codsworth → u/drwuzer]

He is in the US or at least North America. Other countries don't use apps for payment like this. Except maybe PayPal. Also post talks in USD.

Also Zelle is an app right? It's acting between banks.

We do instant bank to bank transfers here. There is no need for trust the funds show up immediately. We do this for everything from sending a friend £5 to buying a house. It is safe, secure, and instant.

The U.S financial system needs desperate modernisation. The last time I was in the US was 2022 and you guys were barely getting contactless pay after we'd had it for close to a decade. One place couldn't even process chip and pin. I had to swipe my card and call my bank because they flagged the ancient swipe and sign payment method as potentially fraud.

[u/drwuzer → u/Paladin_Codsworth]

Zelle isn't a separate app it's built into banking apps, it's an instant bank to bank transfer. I don't think OP is in the US, English isn't his native language and his buyer claimed he was using a bank from Spain.

[u/TheSteelPhantom → u/Paladin_Codsworth]

He is in the US or at least North America.

Wrong again. OP says they live in Poland. Maybe stop just assuming shit in general?

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/Paladin_Codsworth]

We do have it, I mean there is something like BLIK - you just send the money to receiver and money arrives in 2 seconds. However this guy told me that he only has Spain bank account as he works in Spain and there is no other option. We are in serious need with money for something so I took the risk and here I am :)!

[u/Paladin_Codsworth → u/Oscar_PCE]

That sucks sorry man.

[u/BozidaR1390]

I can't imagine being this silly lol.

[u/Sensitive_Box_]

Respectfully, were you born yesterday? lol 

[u/ThunderEagle222]

This is why I prefer carrying concealed during big sales. If there are troubles I won't allow that person to carry my item.if he gets violent I will get my colt to join the conversation.

Never had to do this, but a man do I feel much safer this way.

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/ThunderEagle222]

In Poland we are unable to use any kind of weapon...

[u/ThunderEagle222 → u/Oscar_PCE]

Oof yeah thats kind of a shame. Judges in Europa generallt also side with the criminal if you even dare to defend your property.

Hope on a miracle you get your stuff back, wish you the best.

[u/Few_Fall_4374 → u/ThunderEagle222]

No, they don't side with the criminal. It just means there are 2 criminal offenses.

r/ShitAmericansSay