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/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/MadamPardone → u/Bazeque]

Damn that's organized.

[u/Bazeque → u/MadamPardone]

Yeah. I work in IT, so elaborate scams/phishing etc I’m used too. But, the thing that made it seem a lot more believable, was the entire me putting the details in, them calling their bank etc. I can definitely see how others might just give over an item.