Scammed out of $450 on OzBargain for JB Hi-Fi Gift Card. Can anyone help? (Updated September 2022)

LBenmc on 25/05/2022 - 01:16
Last edited 07/09/2022 - 14:24 by 2 other users

Hi all,

I thought I'd share my story with the hope of making everyone a-little more aware of what could go wrong with buying an gift card off another seller on Ozbargain. As much as I expected Ozbargain to be a tight knit community, there are some scumbags out there, so it is very much a case of buyer beware.The intent is not to scare everyone but to remind everyone there are risks and at the end of the day, it's worthwhile to be extra careful. Separately I am hopeful that perhaps there may be people on this forum who may be able to help me track down the seller as I have sufficient information that could lead somewhere.

About 3 weeks ago I had placed a classifieds add on Ozbargain looking for sellers of a $500 JBHiFi gift card for the price of $450. I got a number of responses through by PM and one of them was a user by the name of Fatsquirrel. Fatsquirrel had communicated that they had a $500 gift card and was willing to sell it for $450. Noting seemed unusual and the user had been a member of Ozbargain for a few months with some posts made. Two Fridays ago on Friday the 13th (it was really a black friday) I decided I was ready to buy my phone and reached out to FatSquirrel saying I was ready to buy.

Fatsquirrel provided me with his PayID and mobile phone around 6:40pm of that night for communications noting that I had done a deal with JBHiFi and needed the card ASAP to ensure I could buy before my deal expired. I responded back to Fatsquirrel at 7:30pm requesting for him to confirm his name based of the PayID he provided. He didn't respond, so I followed up with a call for which there was no answer so I followed up with a SMS for which there was an immediate reply over Ozbargain PM confirming his name. With this I had somewhat sufficient confidence to transfer the money to him (with nothing to make me doubt the situation). So at 10:07pm I had transferred to him $450 and responded via PM and SMS for which he responded by SMS saying he would send the gift card straight away. Nothing happened for half an hour and so I followed up with calls and texts for the next 90 minutes. There was absolutely no responses, every call I made went straight to VM. At 11:30pm I SMSed the guy and said if I didn't get a response I would recall the transfer through my bank within the next 15 minutes.

At 11:56pm he responded saying sorry and he was busy dropping his nephew off and then said he would send a gift card through. He ended up sending a $500 gift card screenshot through which on check of the balance on JBHiFi's website had $250 in value with a $0 balance. I think he had intentionally photo-shopped the voucher to read $500. When I questioned why there was a $0 balance with a screenshot he went silent again. The following morning he responded claiming that I had scammed him by recalling the payment and that he had provided the gift card and claimed that I had used the gift card as well. After this he went silent. I requested for him to call be constantly but obviously the scumbag was playing the game and didn't have a bar of it.

Anyway the net result is the money had already been transferred. I had logged a recall through my bank (but they can't do anything unless the other person consents) and his bank's fraud team confirmed separately that the money had been moved out of his up.me bank account. I have since raised a police report for it but I can imagine it'll be at the back of the priority list which is fair enough and haven't heard back since.

Notwithstanding I have the following pieces of information and am hopeful that someone might be able to help and name and shame?

Name from PayID: P A L__NG
PayID details: Happy to disclose but not sure what Ozbargains policy is.
Location: Appears to be from Melbourne asking me to meet up ACE Mechanics Denandong before dissappearing
Phone number: Happy to disclose but not sure what Ozbargains policy is.
Other details: Based on the dodgy JBHifi Gift Card he sent me there was a JBHiFi order number referenced on it for the $250 used. Hoping this order number might lead somewhere if someone can PM me to assist?
IP number: Ozbargain can't disclose unless its to the police I have been informed.

Anyway the moral of the story is use lots of caution in online transactions, even if they happen everyday of the week like the do on Ozbargain.

Thanks for listening and acknowledge I'll get smashed for being stupid.

Mod 7/9/22: Important message for victims, regarding refunds of funds. See here.

Site Discussion

Comments

  • cupcake on 25/05/2022 - 09:30
    -1

    I hope you get your money back.

  • tajid on 25/05/2022 - 10:02

    Nothing is safe nowadays and to be honest, there's nothing else you can do.

    I have been scammed twice on ozbargain before.

    The first time, I know another member and myself got scammed (i.e. only 2 people). Tried police and bank and didn't go anywhere. Tried acorn and I got contacted by a police officer in VIC as apparently this person also scammed 40 odd people on Gumtree and police found them. They wouldn't even bother if only a couple people got scammed. This happened like in 2017/18. The person got put in court, court got adjourned many times and when the court did happen, nothing much happened. He was asked to pay back but only if he had the fund and nobody's chasing.. If I wanted to, I had to spend at least $100+ to lodge a small council court to get him to court again but then no guarantee at all. So I rested this case. PS the member had account from 2013 at the time…

    The second time, there were at least 15 people here that got scammed for Coles cards. Bank recall and police case didn't go anywhere..

    I'm surprised that even their bank wanted to tell you that the money had been taken out of their account as it's a confidential information.

    • tajid on 25/05/2022 - 10:07
      +4

      To the mods, is it possible to do a rating system here on Classifieds? It's not perfect but helps filtering out.

      • TEER3X on 25/05/2022 - 10:26
        +1

        Can easily circumvent that by having a few dummy accounts and boosting each other's ratings, or transacting small gift cards a few times legitimately.

        Seems scammers are getting more sophisticated.

        I've purchased gift cards on here before, but I was absolutely certain I would get them and I did, but by the same token, I could've easily gotten scammed.

        I think it needs to be on a different platform, probably already exists but some type of crypto tech would make it more secure. I'd provide more a blueprint….. but actually have no clue what I'm talking about.

        • FeZZa21 on 25/05/2022 - 11:25

          The buyer will always need to make payment first before receiving anything as the seller whether genuine or scammer would never hand over anything before receiving payment first, so method of payment won't ever make anything secure.

        • FireRunner on 25/05/2022 - 11:26

          Maybe some criteria to have access to the classified section. Like 6 months and at least say three deals/posts. It will limit the number of burner accounts at the very least

    • Benmc on 27/05/2022 - 23:46
      -1

      Yeh the lady from the scammers bank was from the fraud team who I spoke to. She didn't give out the information but she used enough selective words for me to make meaning on what had happened with my $$$.

  • Luo18740 on 25/05/2022 - 10:19
    +4

    Have I got this straight? Someone used the Fatsquirrel account to scam $1500 in February, then Ozbargain added a note about that person including their name and Pay ID details to warn other members.

    But then in May the same guy used the same Account to PM the OP here and scam more money?

    What investigation of the Fatsqurrel account was done in Feb? Was it the original owner of the Account that did the scamming or was it hacked? At the very least why was the Account not closed and/or had PMs disabled?

    Unless I am reading this wrong it seems like this is very embarrassing for Ozbargain.

    • FeZZa21 on 25/05/2022 - 10:21
      +1

      No Fatsquirrel wasn't hacked, he was the scammer who disabled this account on May 16th, 3 days after he stole $1500 from me.

      • Luo18740 on 25/05/2022 - 10:22
        +1

        Thanks for confirming. It seems quite strange he was still able to PM people months after Ozbargain were aware he was a scammer.

        • FeZZa21 on 25/05/2022 - 10:34

          Yeah I don't know. I think if Ozb adding a simple note for buyers to ask sellers for ID that matches their bank details in the classifieds section would really help filter out the scammers.

    • tajid on 25/05/2022 - 11:24

      Most likely same person, different accounts from other cases done by P Luong or whoever names they used.

  • Drakesy on 25/05/2022 - 10:59
    +5

    Well i guess you went from a 10% discount to a 100% price increase

    Oof.

    • FeZZa21 on 25/05/2022 - 11:28
      +2

      True, jack would be proud

  • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2022 - 11:57
    +5

    would be easy to scam people on here, most are so tight trying to save a few bucks will fall for it.

    • netjock on 25/05/2022 - 14:53

      I am 32" waist but for a few bucks cheaper will squeeze into 31" but can't do 33" as cost of a belt outweigh the savings. Not sure what your point is. Joke.

    • cashews on 27/05/2022 - 16:42

      I am always amazed at how easy it is to scam people if you know proper grammar. I'd probably give it a crack but I have morals and a conscience.

  • avoidfullprice on 25/05/2022 - 12:05
    +1

    That's why you transact with Bit🪙, public ledger. 🎁card can be hacked, and fiat 💵 is a Ponzi scheme.

    Rekt joke aside, sorry for your loss. Although Im not sure you're asking for help as per your title, or a PSA as per your first sentence, or hoping for justice with the rest of your post.

    Either way, no one here is immuned to fraud and scam, no matter how tight knit you perceive this community is. As others have pointed out, someone took advantage of your FOMO with JB deal. Suppose the best outcome here is no one stole your ID and raided your bank.

    Thanks for your PSA and remind me not to deal with classifieds here.

    • netjock on 25/05/2022 - 14:52
      +1

      Gift card scams are better for the scammers. With crypto you can get out too late and end up holding worthless crypto. Gift cards you keep every cent you scam.

  • DemocracyManifest on 25/05/2022 - 14:16

    Jesus christ, next time just order through jb hi fi commercial etc. I've sold gift cards on here with no problem but I've never bought one. Sorry OP but this moron is a bit dumb as well with his name and details plastered everywhere, probs some teenager, I can't imagine the cops will do anything as its not like credit card fraudulent usage with pay wave at 7/11

  • netjock on 25/05/2022 - 14:51
    +2

    Gift cards. These things are dangerous.

  • Fexofenadine on 25/05/2022 - 15:31
    +2

    I just want to put it out there that I've had nothing but good experiences with Ozbargain classifieds. I hope a solitary bad egg doesn't put others off.

    I can't imagine somewhere like Gumtree being able to put up a notice above its listings about the details of a scammer. Says a lot that there is only one. Due diligence always important of course.

  • solidussnake on 25/05/2022 - 16:55

    Its only if ozbargain had some sort of obvious message when using it like…

    This is strictly for personal use between members only, and members do so at their own risk

    OzBargain is only providing the platform to allow users to create free listings and facilitate communication between interested parties - we do not offer buyer protection or facilitate payments.

    Risking $450 for a $50 saving is insane since it could be anyone oh well an expensive lesson learned

  • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2022 - 17:16

    I spend someone money on here all the time for 5% off wish gift cards, he's always been great.

    Saying that, he's a long term member. I wouldn't trust a recent member.
    I buy $10 vouchers here and there, no issues but scammer can be pretty intelligence unfortunately.

    It sucks, it's happened to alot of us.

    I would love if ozbargain had a feedback system, where if you bought or sold the person you dealt with could leave you a positive rating or negative rating. Admin could approve the ratings somehow.

    If it's a repeat offender, you definitely have a bigger chance of the police actually making an effort.
    However, you have a very slim chance of ever seen your money again.

  • Third_Gear on 25/05/2022 - 17:43
    +4

    Far out. All that effort to save $50…. Why?

    • FeZZa21 on 25/05/2022 - 19:00
      +1

      It only seems like a bad deal when things go south. But now I do agree selling and buying of gift cards should be banned on OzB like a few other things.

      • Gervais fanboy on 25/05/2022 - 21:43
        +2

        What ?
        Banning trade is quite the drastic step I’d say
        People buy and sell gift cards on their own risk and merit. 99% of people here are honourable and trustworthy.
        I’d rather we spread awareness and educate users like the op about the measures they can take such as checking the seller’s history, being aware of the warning labels on the classifieds tab etc

        • cookie2 on 26/05/2022 - 04:05
          +4

          It's the Australian way tho. Just ban everything. For the good of the people /s

  • Zabuza on 25/05/2022 - 20:29
    +1

    Havent had any issues in selling and buying gift cards. Although I always see their rego date and their post history. I dont deal with anyone <1 year/no posts.

    • badonde on 25/05/2022 - 20:52

      Same. A solid history on here is the only way id deal with anyone over more than a few dollars

  • Mysterious Laptop on 25/05/2022 - 21:02
    -7

    I'm not condoning scamming or anything but I've read Fezza21's post… she/he actually changed their mind about the gift cards. If an item goes out of stock that's on you and you're still buying the gift cards and I'm not returning any money full stop.

    • Zabuza on 25/05/2022 - 21:06
      +4

      He didn't even get the gift cards though? did he???? What are you smoking???? So you would keep the money and not send the gift cards? Mods should ban you :D future scammer in the making.

    • Any thing on 26/05/2022 - 09:11

      I understand what you’re saying Mysterious Laptop. If it had of been a normal transaction with a genuine seller it would have been poor form for Fezza21 to ask for their money back. They were however dealing with a scammer so it didn’t change the outcome they were always going to pay and not end up with anything no matter what they did.

      • FeZZa21 on 26/05/2022 - 14:19
        +2

        poor form? The seller dictate the terms of the sale not you, so if a seller didn't want to give refunds in a "normal transaction" I would happily accept the gift cards as I could resell them back at the same 10% discount and get my money back that way if I wanted to. Also in my case I never got the gift card, and if I did I wouldn't have asked for a refund since there's a risk of me using the card after getting a refund from the seller's perspective, just common sense.

  • htc on 25/05/2022 - 21:07
    +1

    Thanks for sharing op, all ozbargain classified has a word of caution embedded, this is the first real case of scam posted. Can mod add this forum link to each ozbargain private classified.

  • soggypotato on 25/05/2022 - 21:30

    that sucks, f that scammer

  • gimme on 25/05/2022 - 22:27
    +3

    "Tight knit community" lol yea right. What makes this forum any different than any other forum? If anything, it's full of tightarses with more reason to have a % of scammers. Anybody can setup an account.

    • htc on 26/05/2022 - 00:02

      I am tightass too, but I find it hard to forget the amount of knowledge and/or money saving tips that I have learnt from other users on this forum. People spending time to post awesome deals so more people benefits. Like anywhere on Earth, you will always find good and bad people.

      It was unfortunate op was trying to settle a discount deal from JB, so under pressure to buy a discounted GC. By posting this at least OP will help prevent another person making the same costly mistake.

      Although even if GC is real, buying an expensive electronic device using GC may not be beneficial in the long term. If the product became faulty, at least refunds can be returned in cash rather than GC or store credit which forces the buyer to buy more from the store.

    • ChillBro on 26/05/2022 - 09:45

      I completely agree

    • umoddbro on 27/05/2022 - 00:52

      Yeh I wouldn't call ozb a tight knit community, I've come across a few scummy people on here who have no moral compass..

  • Melong on 25/05/2022 - 22:39

    It’s a good idea to transfer money to ppl on the internet!

  • wombok2 on 25/05/2022 - 22:52
    +1

    Scammers exist because people fall for it. Nothing surprising here, its business as usual. Sorry but move along.

    Now you know the risk wasnt worth $50(not sure why you wouldve done it in the first place).

  • cwongtech on 26/05/2022 - 01:31
    +7

    Ever since the restriction of supplying any discounted eGift cards as per this post, back them when I was a WISH eGift buyer (instead of being a WISH eGift seller these days)

    There is no incentive anymore to try to make it known individuals have access to work benefit portals or some channels to obtain eGift cards at a reasonable rate.

    Most of the sellers will only do this for credit card points.
    These are not valued by the ATO and thus cannot register as a business (ABN means nothing if the transactions aren't being recorded, and points aren't valued. Pointhacks valuation of points assume you are willing to pay full RRP for a premium flight ticket which is just nuts)

    With the blanket ban of available eGift amounts $1000 and up, classing them as "commercial quantity" (But $5000 worth of QF/Virgin points are fine?), what ends up happening is a bit akin to the GME/AMC price crash.

    For each transaction, there are two sides, buyer and a seller/supplier

    Delete one side, and you are creating artificial pressure (buying or selling).

    This is what happened in GME causing the price to crash, the brokers limited buying to only one share claiming "capital requirements", which removed the buying pressure.

    In financial markets, this is market manipulation.

    In OzBargain classifieds, it's called playing by the rules, and the result is, you only see buy side postings. All of them have ridiculous discount expectations, asking for 15% or 20% off gift cards when there is no promotion that existed in the past that could have provided them legitimately.

    This creates two issues:

    • Buyers set a ridiculous expectation of high discount rates, which tend to encourage scams from happening.

    • Suppliers who had access to discounts via benefits/work portals, are now discouraged due to ridiculous expectations from buyers, and are no longer interested in satisfying the needs of buyers

    So, safe and legitimate suppliers exiting classifieds, leaving only the trash (scammers) to satisfy the buyers
    This in turn creates more risk for OzBargain members.

    There are more and more forum posts indicating scams are now happening more frequently
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/518777

    Also classifieds manipulation is a thing, there were allegations about Tuvz (points seller) asking their buyers to edit their past classifieds listings to put a lower points asking rate (pre-covid)

    Anyone can post up a wanted posting for an eGift card for 50% off, then mark it as found.

    This then creates a new precedent for inexperienced eGift buyers looking to save a buck thinking its always possible to get it at 50% off, safely.

    Just some food for thought.

  • tyvod on 26/05/2022 - 03:41
    +2

    Wow.. honestly I thought OZB was a tight knit community too. What a scumbag 😡🔪🔪🔪

    • gimme on 26/05/2022 - 10:46
      +3

      Just some free unsolicited advice. It may help you in the future. How can Ozb be a tight knit community if ANYONE can join? I could be a Nigerian scammer and still join Ozb. There's no barriers. Food for thought. Just apply a similar logic in other areas to hopefully save you any disappointment.

      • PopCounty on 27/05/2022 - 10:09

        Hi Prince Amer….o……….f……..Nigeria !!!

  • gromit on 26/05/2022 - 09:42
    +1

    It sucks that scammers exist. But when you put out an Ad like that you are basically ringing the dinner bell for them and hence you need to be exceedingly careful with zero trust. No online community is a tight knit community, especially an open one like this, it will always have a percentage of scumbags looking for opportunities. Honestly though, as others have pointed out, the very minor savings here don't make sense for the severe risk you were taking.

  • Ruckmauler on 26/05/2022 - 10:33

    I think what is interesting in stories like these is how easy it appears for scammers to use existing banking infrastructure to steal. I'm always hearing that Crypto is 'bad' because it's anonymous and great for scams - but I don't see anything different with traditional banks etc. The story always ends with - nothing the police could do - nothing the bank could do - the money has magically disappeared. What happened to KYC - 100 points etc etc - is it all just theatre?

    • gromit on 26/05/2022 - 10:41
      +2

      The reality is often the account is opened with 100 points of easily stolen information from someone else, as soon as the money hits the account the scammers transfer it out as they expect the account opened with fake credentials will be shut down once reported.

  • techlead on 26/05/2022 - 10:45

    I've never bought a gift card online apart from the actual store or a gift card website like Prezzee.

    What's the safe play here? Meet up in person before sending the funds? I can't think of a safe way to do it virtually without using an escrow service from a trusted independent third party.

    • gromit on 26/05/2022 - 10:59

      in person in the store and use the card in front of them. beyond that you are wide open to scammers and the best you can do remotely is check the person has a long history or selling and buying without scamming people.

      • techlead on 26/05/2022 - 14:17

        Seems too much risk for very little gain.

        • gromit on 26/05/2022 - 15:08
          +1

          it most definitely is a huge amount of effort or risk for very little gain. basically betting $450 in the hope of winning an extra $50, for that to make sense you need to be more than 90% certain you are not going to lose and I can't see how that is realistic online.

    • FeZZa21 on 26/05/2022 - 14:33

      or another option is to pay via paypal (not as friends) so it's fully covered

  • t_c on 26/05/2022 - 10:49

    5% off jbhifi giftcards everyday after free signup at sunsuper.

    So risk reward was for only $25. 🤔

  • michaelTito on 26/05/2022 - 10:50

    Usually the people that go aorund and scam/steal things from others are either drug addicts or gambling addicts. Don't worry OP karma will bite them in the ass so hard they wish they didnt born.

  • SoapyWooder on 26/05/2022 - 10:50

    I sold discounted JB hi-fi gift card before via Gumtree, insisted on the buyer to pay me cash and redeem the card on the spot. Did this around 4 occasions no problemo

  • O15 on 26/05/2022 - 12:10

    Why go through all of this to save $50 off $500.
    Madness.

  • Nebargains on 26/05/2022 - 12:46

    That is crazy, I could not imagine risking $450 to save $50. You could probably just as easily ask for a discount at JB and save just as much depending on the product. Or maybe wait for a sale even.

    That is a lot of risk for such little upside.

  • Slippery Otter on 26/05/2022 - 13:44
    +1

    Yup I learn't my lesson 5 years ago on here. I lost about $200.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/303763 and he keeps changing his username. New name: Peteholdencruze and back then it was Cryptotrader.

  • yjun355 on 26/05/2022 - 14:04

    Sorry to hear your story. I wonder why there isn't any motivation from government/police to take these offences seriously. That will automatically prevent these low level scammer to try anything.
    I'm sure if that wanted to, they can trace the scammer easily in this case.
    Worse is for 65+ year olds who are successfully targeted for big scams.
    As minimum, government should launch awareness campaign.

  • lonewolf on 26/05/2022 - 14:25
    +1

    Ozbargain wasnt always like this but since it has grown to a large userbase, you will find some of them are just plain scumbags. Just like when i started on ozbargain about 13 years ago, there was no snarky comments or bullying or trolls. But these days they are quite common, almost dime a dozen. Its just the nature of the beast since it has such a large userbase. As well as i think over the past decade morals and etiquette has declined in australia perhaps to do with society losing its way or the every man for himself attitude has come down here from some overseas societies.

    • Laziofogna on 02/06/2022 - 12:00
      +2

      I agree on everything. I think though Ozbargain has a large user base because someone involved earns money by that, it does not just happen and it's not to gain glory.

    • Gervais fanboy on 02/06/2022 - 12:14

      ‘Overseas societies’ ?
      Even though I don’t find diversity beneficial to any nation’s core. As an immigrant myself, I can admit that it’s us the immigrants that negatively affect the cohesiveness that it takes amongst the citizens to keep their leaders in check.

      But to your point about these rude know-it-alls on the internet. They are all products of the ‘progressive movement’ that pretends to be all nice and virtuous but is slightly demonic in some parts.
      Immigrants aren’t guilty of all the sins in our society.

  • zoe hart on 26/05/2022 - 14:33
    +3

    Good on you for posting Benmc. Sorry for your experience. We all need reminding to be careful. If you have made 1 person reconsider transaction, then your post had been worth it!

  • machej on 26/05/2022 - 14:59
    +1

    Would be good if Ozbargain had a feedback system for classifieds like eBay.

    • Vote for Pedro on 26/05/2022 - 17:00
      -3

      Or not offer the service except to verified users. It’s time platforms that facilitate fraud be held to account and be required to lift their standards.

  • raptormesh on 26/05/2022 - 15:18

    Sorry to hear that OP, hope you get your money back.

  • Sneeze on 26/05/2022 - 17:42

    Request the transaction be conducted inside the reception area of the most convenient police station and both parties can do their due diligence on the spot with the protection of CCTV and having police 5 metres away.

    As soon as either party declines to do the transaction this way then it's dodgy.

    Of course this doesn't help if one party is interstate, but then you shouldn't be taking the risk of not doing it person in the first place.

  • ribze1 on 26/05/2022 - 18:12
    -1

    So much risk to save $50, wow

  • [Deactivated] on 26/05/2022 - 18:13

    Hope you find the scumbag.

  • Deals For Days on 26/05/2022 - 18:40

    Sorry to hear. I do think you need to be careful online, unfortunately best thing is so do every transaction in person. Personally I wouldn't do otherwise unless the platform provides insurance.

    E.g. recently sold a 2nd hand item online. Guy wanted it posted. I accepted only if he sent to me and I waited it to clear that account and withdrew the $, then I sent it to him. Unfortunately hard to protect both seller and buyer remotely.

  • OhNoUShiz on 26/05/2022 - 19:55
    -1

    Its not worth buying gift cards from anyone for that small savings regardless online or meet up.

  • Davo1111 on 26/05/2022 - 22:30
    -2

    members do so at their own risk.

    Which part of that don't you understand?

  • bitcoinorbust on 27/05/2022 - 00:35

    A true ozbargainer never gets scammed. And its tight arse not tight knit.

    • core101 on 27/05/2022 - 11:36
      +1

      tight knit enters the chat…

  • XeSSiV on 27/05/2022 - 02:04
    -1

    Sent you a pm

  • LongMemory82 on 27/05/2022 - 10:05

    I am sorry this happened to you.
    You should still contact the police.

  • Vash1984 on 27/05/2022 - 17:23
    +2

    If your still willing to risk buying on forums, at least check the person's profile. Shows how long they have been a member and see how they have contributed to forums/deals etc. Although the account could also be hacked so still a risk.
    You have been a member since 2008, thought ozbarbains would have taught you something about scammers.

    • Benmc on 27/05/2022 - 23:54
      -1

      Nup, I think being a long time member has actually contributed to the situation. I've seen so many gift cards on sale on Ozbargain classifieds and in posts that I became a-bit oblivious to the risks tbh.

  • Fabio08 on 27/05/2022 - 19:30

    Stupid thing to do but I do feel for you.

    If you set up a Gofund me page I'll contribute $10!

  • Wilson Wallace on 27/05/2022 - 22:34

    This is what I would do. Find out what phone provider he is with. There are many people out there (Do your research) who will be able to get his / her address. I had a friend of mine who had been ripped off 3k, he had the scammers phone number, managed to find the phone provider he was with, got his address, and his money back :)

    Good luck.

    • FeZZa21 on 28/05/2022 - 09:45

      Even if the number is now disconnected?

  • Oz em on 28/05/2022 - 08:31

    Ask for a photo of their license to be sent. It helps prevent scammers but not completely.

    • DoctorCalculon on 28/05/2022 - 10:54
      +2

      They will send someone else's ID they have stolen.

      • Oz em on 28/05/2022 - 18:39

        Clearly you say “take a photo of your Id next to your face”

        • DoctorCalculon on 28/05/2022 - 23:28

          How would you be able to tell if a sophisticated scammer hasn't doctored their photo onto the ID?

          If they are eager to respond to such requests, then they are more likely to be a scammer since they don't care about leaking their (stolen) ID to an unknown stranger on the internet.

          If you made such a request to me, I would tell you to shove it. I treat my ID like passwords.

          Either meet face to face in a public place, or no deal.

  • sunnyc on 02/06/2022 - 11:41
    -1

    It takes someone as low as Hybroid to be giving advice. The same scammers scammed another victim gave a valid gift card, having it checked, and then redeeming it immediately after it was checked. The same aftermath. Still gets scammed. For all the 110+ votes that members give him. You're not getting good advice, you're agreeing to a self-righteous idiot.

    • kerfuffle on 02/06/2022 - 11:42

      Are you implying Hybroid is a scammer?

      • sunnyc on 02/06/2022 - 12:38
        -1

        No I'm implying Hybroid gives shit advice. Really its just judgment that he is dishing out. Cash in hand doesn't mitigate risk whatsoever when it comes to gift cards. Unless you plan on spending the giftcard in front of them which practically nobody does. All a scammer needs to do is immediately spend it after the transaction before you get home to use the giftcard

  • Laziofogna on 02/06/2022 - 11:49
    +1

    I find fascinating to see such naivety still present in adults in 2022. Let's do a poll to see how many of us have a $500 gift card in the drawer waiting for a cheap buyer to call.

    • sunnyc on 02/06/2022 - 13:21
      +1

      Many Ozbargainers have 2k+ giftcards just sitting around for their own use, generally not to sell though

    • AsukaST on 29/06/2022 - 03:22

      I have around $5,000 egc sitting in my gmail inbox.
      I have also sold at least $5,000 if not $10,000 worth of gift card in the past here in OZB Classified.

  • Moderatorhamza23 on 07/09/2022 - 14:08

    A person claiming to be 'P L__ng' has contacted OzBargain last week by email, claiming that they were intending on refunding those victims. Whilst their email address was different from their registered OzBargain account(s), the email appeared genuine.

    Since then, we have received 2 reports from OzBargain users who were contacted by the user over the weekend, that they had their money refunded via PayID.

    If you were a victim of this user and have not been contacted, consider contacting them, using the contact details you were given at the time. As always, please exercise your own judgement. We cannot vouch for the validity of any claim.

    If you need assistance, please contact us via TWAM, not in this thread.

    Thanks

  • FeZZa21 on 14/07/2023 - 01:18
    +2

    I can confirm I got refunded today.

    • cupcake on 01/08/2023 - 10:01

      How?

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