Got Scammed and lost $1500 on Gumtree -_-"

LRNDM on 06/01/2020 - 22:09
Last edited 15/01/2020 - 11:35 by 1 other user

I thought I was being careful, but sadly not careful enough to account for the failures in lose implementation of JB Hifi's gift card policies.

Had 3 x $500 gift cards from JB Hifi, from the promo in Dec last year
Listed it here for a couple of weeks, no takers.
So then I listed it on Gumtree.
"James" contacts me, from ACT.
Asks me "Do you have proof of balance picture? or receipts?"
Not knowing any better, and assuming that a hidden "PIN" code is required to actually redeem these cards.
I provided the card numbers, to allow him to check the balance on the cards.
…
James says he'll pay at the end of the day.
I get messaged here on Ozbargain, snowymatthew, so I decide to allow them to pay instead.
I receive payment, via PayId.
I send copies of the unscratched cards, and then again with the card numbers and PIN codes revealed.
Following day, snowymatthew tells me there's issues with the card.
Since the PIN codes are all revealed now, I confirm the balance on the cards.
Discover they've been redeemed in ACT.
Blah blah … I'm %^&*
Returned the money back to snowymatthew.

…

So, it looks like James has been able to convince someone at JB HiFi to redeem the cards, with the PIN codes, and without the physical cards. I checked the terms and conditions: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/pages/how-do-i-use-a-gift-card-to-…. "Redeeming in-store at JB Hi-Fi … The actual gift card MUST be presented.". From responses from various stores, staff are not "meant to" accept anything by the physical cards … there lies the issue.

The presence of the PIN code in this instance gives a false sense of security.

Even retracing all the steps taken, I don't think I could have foreseen this - other than "don't use Gumtree". So, I guess this is a warning to others, that the card numbers only are enough to redeem a gift card. Meaning there's no real way for a buyer to validate available credit, or for sellers to have any form of security over the gift cards. This to me, is easier than counterfeiting money and JB accepting it, at another customer's expense.

Expensive lesson, and usually careful with these things. But, aw well, not expecting such a positive outcome. If anything, it just ruined my day.

…

Since then;

Left my details with the store to follow up
Filed a report with ACSC
Emailed JB Hifi, asking how and why cards can be redeemed by the card number only, without the physical card which is contrary to their terms.
Contacted Gumtree seeking assistance.
I asked James to pay, as agreed and I would cease the police report.

…

So yeah, great first day back at work. -_-" And now have to deal with the missus.

And not that it means much, but this is the lovely guy that benefited from this all. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-seller/1170622367193

I really didn't like the idea of having $1.5K in gift cards lying around, just didn't feel secure. And it really had to happen.

Update: So, it would seem kinda useless at this point. But because of the way that I shared the photo with James, it shows an account of his.

(Mod: removed personal information - please see commenting guideline)

Key updates:
* By RNDM on 07/01/2020 - 14:35
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/8208345/redir
* By snowymatthew on 08/01/2020 - 16:47
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/8213127/redir
* By RNDM on 14/01/2020 - 13:30
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/8235494/redir
* By RNDM latest
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/8239312/redir

General Discussion

Related Stores

Gumtree

JB Hi-Fi

Comments

- dacow on 20/01/2020 - 17:09
  
  +1
  
  Imagine if this investigation ends up uncovering some massive crime ring!
scissorspaperrock on 23/01/2020 - 12:18

-1

Good luck OP, i was tempted to head over to woden to see if there was any employees called james, (but its 99% chance his gumtree account name, isn't his real) but now it seems that its not an employee running this scam, that there is no benefit anymore
exc3113nce on 27/01/2020 - 08:35

+1

Many times I've noticed that giftcards haven't required a pin to access online. I usually black out the numbers if I am selling. I also stick to ozbargain for 90% of my voucher/coupon buying.

Another good tip when buying on gumtree is to check how old the account is and whether they are selling other goods that appear to be general.
AssociatedADDYT @ Gumtree on 28/01/2020 - 04:20

+1

It got as bad to the point where I warned my fellow Switch sellers to watch out for those (4 scammers/trollers) trying to obtain my personal information and possibly use it against me. That's how f cked up it got me, and I really hope the people doing this know this isn't normal and should have some recollection of the things they've done.

ADDYT @ Gumtree on 28/01/2020 - 04:20 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
- stirlo on 28/01/2020 - 13:52
  
  +2
  
  So why have you got 2 switches for sale?
  - AssociatedADDYT @ Gumtree on 28/01/2020 - 16:37
    
    -2
    
    If I was to be honest I've bought these on black Friday through a friends account as I was traveling. and now contemplated wether to use them/ give one to my nephew. It's just been stored up and collecting dust. I would return these if I was able to but I can't also don't know a lot about Amazons return policies. Don't think I'm able to return them now. "Also used McDonald monopoly Amazon vouchers to get some discount"
    
    Edit: I've already given the red n blue joy switch to my nephew because selling is that dam hard.
AssociatedADDYT @ Gumtree on 28/01/2020 - 04:44

Currently, 4:42 in the morning, have read everything up to this point. I sympathise with OP and hope his problem is solved and those involved caught. I would also like of those who came from here to stop harassing me and leave me alone in peace.

Stay vigilant 🙏

ADDYT @ Gumtree on 28/01/2020 - 04:44 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
- Slippery Fish on 28/01/2020 - 05:25
  
  Your in a bad time zone. Currently 4:24 aest and as we are all wondering did you have dealings with op? I'd forgot about this thread
  - AssociatedADDYT @ Gumtree on 28/01/2020 - 11:59
    
    +3
    
    I stayed up till 4 to read everything and took me till 5 to fall asleep.And no I never had dealt with OP before. I never knew about this thread until someone messaged with a link.
    - Lets Go Brandon on 29/01/2020 - 21:50
      
      So why are you unable to receive bank transfers and requesting prospective buyers sign up to Beem It? We are well aware Beem It payments are sent directly one's bank account.
      
      You have high hopes of anybody handing over such a large amount of money in such dodgy circumstances. A person asking for a blanked out ID featuring a face and name to confirm the Gumtree account is real is a very small ask. A seller denying this is shady. 2.4 billion facebook users share their name and photo every day.
      
      It sounds like you're a veteran of selling online yet you've only just signed up to Gumtree. Seems odd.
      
      You still have both listed despite giving one to a nephew. Just a heads up.
      
      It would be a real shame if JAMES is now aware of this thread. I bet he'd read the whole thread and have trouble sleeping.
      - AssociatedADDYT @ Gumtree on 30/01/2020 - 04:02
        
        -2
        
        @Lets Go Brandon: It's great that you are accusing me of being someone to this extent, you must really have a lot of hatred for this person which I do understand probably not in your perspective though. I'm sure if I were James, I would be here talking to you instead of planning some mastermind escape out of the country. When I said I was unable to receive bank transfers as an excuse, was because you were the person that gave me a fake address that was on sale. I have never sold on gum tree till about now, and I do regret it. Should've just stuck to FB n eBay. I've also wholly left the gum tree scene haven't touched the app ever since some scums decided to make my life 10x harder so thanks for the heads up ill make sure to take my ad down. If your so keen on asking for someone's id would you mind if asked for yours? And of course with everything blurred out but your name and face silly ;). And yes I do have trouble sometimes sleeping on constant thought of my safety when people like you are out there looking for people's info, you have no idea how something can be impactful and traumatic on somebody. Evidently, I would provide PayPal as an option If you weren't so keen on getting my personal information and for an update, I've already sold the last set on FB.
        
        Edit: Also, this thread has been out for 26 days, I wouldn't be surprised if "James" wasn't made aware of this yet.
        
        Edit: Also kudos to the guy that always downvotes my comment after a few minutes of posting, I always notice that hha
        
        Samsungnote10 on 30/01/2020 - 12:38
        
        -2
        
        @ADDYT: for the record, other than enquires from various selling places, have you received any harrasment/threats that has made you so stressed?
franco cozzo on 29/01/2020 - 16:05

+4

…ok. this just got weirder….
any updates from the op?
- Samsungnote10 on 29/01/2020 - 23:02
  
  +4
  
  Op please come back
Heaps for Cheaps on 30/01/2020 - 15:04

Maybe this thread should be locked until & if OP decides to update it as I hate to see innocent people named & shamed, highlighted for google searches to see forever more.
- JimmyF on 30/01/2020 - 15:46
  
  +8
  
  Once locked, the OP won't be able to update. Maybe people just need to lean not to witch hunt.
- Moderatorneil on 30/01/2020 - 16:37
  
  Comments with personal information have been removed as per our commenting guidelines.
RNDM on 31/01/2020 - 08:38

+14

Not much of an update, the contact person at JB hi-fi only came back from leave this week. It’s no surprise that nothing has really progressed. She tried following up with the police and has yet to hear any updates. And they’re also trying to do a complete investigation into everything, so that includes looking into all of the Telstra services that were associated with these gift cards.

There was no real indication, as to whether they’re looking into this issue internally and how that might be progressing. It does kind of feel like, they’re simply trying to find the person at fault - hopefully this isn’t the case.

I’ll leave it for now, and I’ll chase it up next week.
RNDM on 06/02/2020 - 09:36

+12

So a bit of an update. Telstra and the police have all the details of the situation with them, and JB hi-fi was under the impression that the police would be reaching out to me to get a victim statement from me.

Over the last week or two and no one has really talked to me, I haven’t heard from the police. So I simply emailed JB hi-fi again saying that I see that there are three main issues, and wif they could shed any light on them.

First being to identify the person or people involved in the redemption of the cards, which I believe police are largely handling. Secondly the internal policies and procedures when it comes to processing gift card redemptions. And lastly reimbursement of the credit.

Their response was, focusing on the first two points. Meaning working with the police to identify the people involved in the redemption of the cards. And also working with VII, when it comes to reviewing the policies and procedures and systems.

They said that continuing to work on it and will get back to me. So we will see. I expect this to be a very slow process.
- JimmyF on 06/02/2020 - 11:19
  
  +3
  
  And lastly reimbursement of the credit.
  
  Of course they ignored this one. I would be pushing them a bit harder now. Basically saying something like as there is a police investigation underway and clearly some internal issues that need resolving, I would like to have my gift card credit reimbursed for bringing this to the attention of jbhi so they can correct the issue for future users.
  
  Honestly if they don't, then start pinging the media to warn over 'sellers', as its poor form of them not to close this issue up ASAP and give you something for bringing it to their attention.
  - Spootage on 06/02/2020 - 15:53
    
    +6
    
    Agreed. you have played the slow game long enough. Time to ramp it up and put the pressure on them. Sounds like they have little to no interest in reimbursing you. This should have happened already, regardless of the continuing investigation around the other things.
RNDM on 06/02/2020 - 17:02

+13

Alright, so I did send an email back to JB hi-fi. I simply reiterated my three points.

The first point being the police investigation, acknowledging that a police investigation is well underway and JB hi-fi has CCTV footage and should have a copy of their driver's license so they shouldn’t have any problems in finding this person or people.

The second point, I acknowledged that they are reviewing their policies and procedures internally and working with VII. I mentioned that I am interested in hearing the outcome of their internal review if possible.

And then lastly just saying, that I feel that it is only appropriate to simply ask for the equivalent value of the gift cards be reimbursed to myself. I mentioned that I have spent a month pursuing this situation, and the outcome would only be of benefit to JB hi-fi and its customers.

I mentioned that even though I know the internal review and investigation, and police investigation may take some time. I don’t feel that I necessarily need to await each outcome before having my situation resolved personally.

…

Auto-response.
"Back in the office on Tuesday 11th February."

…
- Circly on 06/02/2020 - 19:47
  
  +2
  
  A Current Affair bro
  - WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 06/02/2020 - 19:50
    
    “Pippa From A Current Affair, I’d like to ask you a few questions about…”
- JimmyF on 06/02/2020 - 20:28
  
  Auto-response.
  
  DOH…. But at least you know why they're not replying this time.
  
  and I agree 100% with your email to them.
  
  You have helped them out, and the benefit to JB hi-fi and its customers in the future is huge in closing this loophole.
  
  Time to cough up some gift cards for your trouble/'reward' :)
- Spootage on 20/02/2020 - 13:04
  
  The person has been at work for a week and a half now. Any response?
- Spootage on 13/03/2020 - 08:56
  
  +1
  
  and then…?
Pootie Tang on 13/02/2020 - 09:11

+2

I did notice a sign pertaining to gift card redemption at my local JB a few weeks ago directly highlighting this issue. I only read half of it but this has definitely gone nationwide via HO.
Danstar on 16/02/2020 - 11:29

Homes get robbed with thousands of dollars worth of items being stolen, where CCTV footage usually shows peoples faces very clearly and nothing ever get done.

You see on the news people robbing stores in daylight with nothing really getting done.

This was case closed from day one of it happening. Nothing will get done.

/unpopular opinion
- Zachary on 16/02/2020 - 12:16
  
  -1
  
  Isn't lockup time something done?
  - Danstar on 16/02/2020 - 12:43
    
    I’m assuming you’re saying people get locked up..?
    
    Some do, most don’t.
    - Zachary on 17/02/2020 - 10:15
      
      yes, well first they have to catch the thieves to lock them up…..if they can't catch them, they wont get locked up…
      - Danstar on 17/02/2020 - 10:52
        
        @Zachary: My
        Point was police don’t spend too much time worrying about
        Low level crimes (if any)
        
        And if they do catch these people, they usually get let go without any punishment
        
        Zachary on 18/02/2020 - 20:36
        
        -2
        
        @Danstar: …and you know this because…..you're a cop?
- JimmyF on 16/02/2020 - 13:17
  
  and nothing ever get done
  
  Based on what?
  
  This was case closed from day one of it happening.
  
  They don't need to charge the guy if they don't want to, but they can close up the loopholes he was using, which is the bare minimum JB should be doing.
  - Danstar on 16/02/2020 - 13:59
    
    I’m sure this has happened many times before and JB and the
    Police are well aware of it.
    
    It’s not likely that this scam ( if it is a scam) is the first time it’s happened.
    
    Based on the many stories on the news where violent crimes have happened and people who are caught set free with a slap on the wrist.
    
    And with my own experiences; without getting into details what I do for a living. Seeing people get arrested for home invasions, violent assaults, store robbery and let go after being held for the standard 4 hours
    - Slippery Fish on 26/02/2020 - 10:42
      
      Community service worker for sure! Lol :) was I right?
solidussnake on 26/02/2020 - 10:39

+7

Any update on this OP ? This has left a void in my life

I want a happy ending !
- JimmyF on 26/02/2020 - 11:53
  
  I want a happy ending !
  
  You might have to give yourself one in that case…… The OP either had to sign a non disclosure agreement and can't talk about it anymore or has been taken down out by coronavirus.
  - Zachary on 01/03/2020 - 13:05
    
    …or can't be bothered wrapping it up or forgotten about this….
    - Spending2Much on 02/03/2020 - 03:24
      
      8 pages and nearly 2 months later
      - Zachary on 02/03/2020 - 13:03
        
        @Spending2Much: OK…maybe then he's just too busy to post back….and can't find the time to do so…and he was last seen an hr ago, so that means he's definitely not taken out by that coronavirus….unless someone else is using he's account whilst original account holder has been dead for some time now…
        
        And why would he sign a non disclosure agreement?! If this was me and asked me to sign such a form, I'd tell them to get (profanity)!
        
        JimmyF on 02/03/2020 - 13:13
        
        @Zachary:
        
        so that means he's definitely not taken out by that coronavirus
        
        Darn, I'm wrong again it seems!
        
        And why would he sign a non disclosure agreement?!
        
        It goes like this
        
        Sir, We're happ to refund your lost $1500 please sign these forms, one being a NDA.
        
        I'd tell them to get (profanity)!
        
        Ok sir, if you don't sign the forms, then no $1500 for you then.
        
        Thats why. Pretty standard thing. They like to 'hush' people up so they don't get the refund and run to the media as well.
        
        I've got a feeling the OP got a refund and a hush clause with it.
        
        Zachary on 02/03/2020 - 16:15
        
        @JimmyF: Well if the form includes the refund I guess I probably would have taken it, and maybe under the condition that I charge them extra for the stress I went through because they do want to shut me up with all this, right - don't they…..? hahaha
        
        …but then again…if you're one of those people who despise censorship in any way, shape or form and that 1500 is nothing to you or at least don't need immediate use of it…..
        
        JimmyF on 02/03/2020 - 22:36
        
        @Zachary:
        
        Well if the form includes the refund I guess I probably would have taken it
        
        Thats what they rely on. People want their money back, so sign whatever is put in from of them!
        
        NDA are more common than you think. Its also common when being terminated, one job I worked at, they offered 'hush' money as we called it, it was a extra 2 weeks pay if you signed a NDA saying you wouldn't talk to the media or document your termination anywhere in the public.
        
        It was a large global company doing a 'mass' 'right sizing' as they called it. So wanted to keep it under the covers as much as they could.
        
        Zachary on 03/03/2020 - 20:54
        
        @JimmyF: What happens if u refuse to sign or even want the money and just wants to be as loud as can be?
        
        JimmyF on 03/03/2020 - 21:17
        
        @Zachary:
        
        What happens if u refuse to sign
        
        Not sure, more people took the money and ran!
        
        and just wants to be as loud as can be?
        
        The loophole is, you can still be if you must. You just can't put your name to it. aka do it as an anonymous source
        
        Zachary on 05/03/2020 - 00:00
        
        @JimmyF: Well assuming OP's real name isn't RNDM, he should be ok to continue sharing details and the conclusion of the ordeal…..
        
        JimmyF on 05/03/2020 - 10:25
        
        +1
        
        @Zachary: Well those NDA don't work like that, as they know who it is.
        
        Zachary on 12/03/2020 - 15:12
        
        @JimmyF: I suppose so if it's just the one case…..but if it's two….or more…..
  - Spootage on 02/03/2020 - 13:08
    
    +1
    
    Maybe this thread is the ultimate scam and we won't actually get an outcome. Maybe the whole event is just made up.
    - JimmyF on 02/03/2020 - 13:16
      
      I'm learning to true, as there was a change in JBHI giftcard acceptance rules based on the signs popping up in store as all this blew up. Otherwise pretty good timing by the OP :)
      - Spootage on 02/03/2020 - 13:25
        
        @JimmyF: Oh nice. I missed that one.
  - Danstar on 04/03/2020 - 06:34
    
    I highly doubt JB would be cross checking his OzB account
    - AncientWisdom on 04/03/2020 - 15:22
      
      +3
      
      They would, if this thread is the reason for him getting his money back.
      - Danstar on 05/03/2020 - 06:04
        
        @AncientWisdom: I still think that would be highly unlikely JB would be scouring ozb to verify a scam
        
        JimmyF on 05/03/2020 - 10:26
        
        @Danstar: Well we all know its a scam, so nothing to verify. Its more than JB has closed the loop holes and the OP was made right for bringing it to their attention.
Danstar on 05/03/2020 - 06:08

I’d put my money on him realising he did get scammed and nothing can be done about it
Circly on 13/03/2020 - 22:20

+2

OP did a Houdini
Spootage on 16/03/2020 - 09:41

+4

I can only assume the OP got their money back after signing a non disclosure agreement.

I sent them a private message and they replied stating: "Unfortunately, I cannot comment on this issue further."
- JimmyF on 16/03/2020 - 09:54
  
  +1
  
  Yes I got the same reply after sending them a message too….. So I assume my comments above are valid. OP signed a NDA to get their cash back.
- Circly on 16/03/2020 - 21:15
  
  +2
  
  After all the help in this thread OP does a runner. For shame!
  
  At least respond to the thread to close it out.
  - richadam on 17/03/2020 - 10:42
    
    +1
    
    He can't. If he mentions anything he's probably in breach of contract and will lose his $1500 refund.
- mini2 on 17/03/2020 - 20:00
  
  Or it could be James has been identified, arrested, charged and before the court system so OP has to stay quiet.
  - Fredfloresjr on 17/03/2020 - 20:28
    
    Or james is OP
WT on 19/03/2020 - 12:24

fk this is still going?!?!? any TLDR summary?
- diazepam on 19/03/2020 - 13:34
  
  +1
  
  TL;DR: it is likely OP signed an NDA and probably got thier money back, and is unable to comment further.
  - JimmyF on 19/03/2020 - 13:37
    
    +1
    
    See comments above, this is what has happened. OP confirmed they can't 'comment' on this anymore. So yep NDA, got cash and ran.

Got Scammed and lost $1500 on Gumtree -_-"

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