Free Advertising Hit by Fraudsters

It is the common problem of free advertising sites that they can’t possibly monitor all ads before publishing due to providing a free service and the sheer numbers of ads posted. Gumtree.com is no exception to this rule and is therefore regularly used by fraudsters trying to embezzle funds from unsuspecting users. Providing a free service, the advertising sites can hardly be found at fault to keep down their costs for auditing their ads. Gumtree.com has instituted a ‘report this ad’ button where you can send them a message concerning the fraud or suspected fraud.

The current set-up of the fraudulent ads may be found in the flat for rent offers. The ads promise the rent of a flat or house in the centre of London with a low monthly rent to pay. The ads never show a phone number. Upon first contact by e-mail, the return e-mail states the advantages of the flat or house as seen in the ad and includes the information that the owner of the flat is now abroad and needs some proof of funds before returning to London to go through with the deal.

For the proof of funds you are asked to send money equivalent to one month rent and the deposit to your own best friend in Britain by Western Union and to provide a scan copy of the transaction to them immediately, as the interest in the flat or house is so high. But with the transaction number on the Western Union transaction sheet as well as the full names of both recipient and sender, the money may be claimed by somebody unauthorized.

In a trial run on one ad that seemed to be fraudulent to me, I received an e-mail informing me that the landlady was now in Denmark. I replied that I was in Denmark, too, and could we meet please? Whereupon, the landlady was suddenly to be found in Dubai.

How can you be sure that you are not defrauded in a case similar to the one stated?

All you have to do is apply a bit of common sense. As a first step, always be aware that there are many fraudsters out in the net, trying to get the unwary. Be aware that fraud is not something that happens to others only, but could be aimed at you anytime. Secondly, a thing that sounds too good to be true usually is. And third, never give a Western Union transaction number to anybody but the recipient of the money. And use the reporting buttons offered on any site, so they can take out the fraudulent ad to safeguard other users.