When meeting someone in person, choose a safe, public location with good lighting. Inform a friend or family member about your meeting and share the seller/buyer's contact information. Inspect the item thoroughly before completing the transaction and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Never feel pressured to complete a transaction if you have any doubts.
Be wary of requests to send money via wire transfer or other non-secure payment methods. Avoid deals involving shipping items internationally. Be suspicious of overly eager buyers or sellers who offer more money than the asking price. Always verify the authenticity of cheques or money orders before accepting them.
Use secure payment methods like PayPal Goods & Services (where available) which offers buyer protection. Communicate through the Gumtree messaging system to keep a record of your conversations. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. If possible, arrange to meet in person to inspect the item before purchasing.
While consumer rights are more limited with private sales compared to retail purchases, the seller must accurately describe the item. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the item should be 'as described'. If the item is significantly different from the description, you may have grounds for a refund. Keep all communication and transaction records as proof.
Report the listing and user to Gumtree immediately. You can find the reporting option on the listing page. If you believe a crime has been committed, also report the incident to Police Scotland. Provide them with any relevant information, such as the user's profile, messages, and transaction details.
