I Just Got Scammed $1100 by Buying a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra from Facebook Marketplace

meong on 18/03/2025 - 21:23
Last edited 19/03/2025 - 17:37 by 2 other users

Met someone on Facebook at the park, paid cash.

Person in Facebook profile doesn't match.

Obviously catfished, but it was not obvious to me at the time because:

Box was sealed. It has matching IMEIs on the box, on the phone software, and I was even able to add the phone's IMEI to my Samsung account page. It came with a very legit looking receipt from JB Hi-Fi.

But everything else about the phone was all wrong until I started to play around with it.

It's slow, chimes and icons are weird even though it said it has OneUI 7. Phone doesn't support wireless charging or fast charging.

It was an S25 Ultra.

Camera lenses were fake. Like when you zoom it is obvious it's a digital zoom. Only one lens was ever active (you cover the lens to see if it switches to the other lens when zooming).

Went to two police stations to file a report. Both refused to file a report because they cannot see that the phone is fake because the IMEI matches. They have suggested me to go through JB Hi-fi or Samsung Store to verify if the phone is fake.

I won't be able to recover the money. The police are not going to catch anyone from the limited info. I really only wanted to report it, so they have it in the file somewhere to hopefully add to their knowledge that this is happening.

I'm obviously not in the right mind right now. I'm aware lessons learned. But please ask me anything about this scam. I'm happy to take photos to show how sophisticated the packaging is. It even came with a seal with a pull tab on the box.

Really, just posting for awareness. Please go easy on me, I just lost $1100.

Just adding some learnings here:

Common scams:
https://www.tiktok.com/@iskiprodz/video/7411411946626403591
https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgenant/video/7482663113255341354
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxeTXGEzI_0
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/807968
https://ibb.co/qM6q64tS
https://www.reddit.com/r/AusLegal/comments/1frzr4p/bought_fa…
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAnAustralian/comments/1i76laj/fr…

There is an email address for JB Hifi Forensic Team that can help quickly identify fake receipts.

They are very responsive:
[email protected]

Some photos:
https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/41247/120458/20250318_…
https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/41247/120457/20250318_…
https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/41247/120456/20250318_…
https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/41247/120454/screensho…
https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/41247/120459/20250318_…

UPDATE:

Based on this recommendation: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/16355472/redir

I have asked a few people to contact the seller who is still actively selling this.

Also, i have seen multiple listings with very similar looking receipts.

I have asked JB and the receipt that I had and the one the other sellers are selling are both FAKE.

I called Samsung, the IMEI for EUE is for a product that is made in Vietnam but sold in Austria. It is not supported for warranties in Australia.

I also send another IMEI based on another scam listing and that I added that, it appeared as legit but Samsung confirmed that it was made in South Korea but sold in China.

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Comments

    • neoleo on 19/03/2025 - 02:37

      Certain people also know the real price that sellers paid for the phone, maybe Ozbargainer too 🤷

      Previously I saw a Gumtree ads that wants to buy Samsung S25 Ultra for $1200. I guess maybe another Ozbargainer … The cost people paid for S25 Ultra during JB-HiFi preorder is >$400 + $800 cancellation fee assuming no additional code or gift card to reduce the cost. For people who got the code and/or gift card, the cost is around 1k.

  • browser on 18/03/2025 - 23:01

    Service stations are usually a good location. Easy to find, easy to park, open long hours, well lit when dark, good camera coverage, good chance to also the plate of the car they come in, many have a bathroom if you need to use it before or after the meet, and fill up while you are there (or charge up).

  • TightAl on 18/03/2025 - 23:04
    +1

    Kids making bank selling fake phones, you won't make this mistake again :)

  • skid on 18/03/2025 - 23:04
    +2

    This is a bit of a problem for Samsung. The IMEI checked out. Isn't that a reasonable way to check if the phone is authentic?

    I think hardly any of the blame goes to OP - only thing is that the phone was a few hundred too low.

    Samsung should be trying to shut these operations down, like how Nike and other shoe brands shut down counterfeiters.

    • meong on 18/03/2025 - 23:06
      -3

      If even the cops are using IMEI at the police station to confirm that this phone is not a counterfeit then surely the system has failed.

      I want to raise this as a case for TIO to investigate.

      • skid on 18/03/2025 - 23:16

        I wonder what would happen if you made a warranty claim stating that the camera zoom was faulty. Surely that would get Samsungs attention when it hurts their wallet.

        • meong on 18/03/2025 - 23:18

          Police officers from both station told me to get Samsung Store or JBHifi to produce a statement that this is fake before the police can accept that a report will need to be made.

          I asked them if they can print something for me to bring to Samsung and JB to ask them to write a statement.

          But imagine, would the underpaid retail store managers even be willing to do this or even have the procedure for this?

          It looks like I really do need to claim a warranty to get them to acknowledge that this is counterfeit.

          • skid on 18/03/2025 - 23:35

            @meong: How close of a counterfeit is it? Does it have the right SoC CPU, RAM size, storage etc?

            • meong on 18/03/2025 - 23:36

              @skid: It looks very similar to the youtube video above:
              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxeTXGEzI_0

              Snapdragon Gen 3 shown as the CPU.

              • greatlamp on 19/03/2025 - 02:06
                +4

                @meong: It will have a fake ROM. All those specs are fake. If you have logged in with your google ID I would change password also, who knows what's running on it in the background.

                Try run a benchmark, it will explain why it is so slow. Or CPU-Z may be able to tell you the real hardware

                Very disappointing response from Police.

          • browser on 18/03/2025 - 23:45

            @meong: Probably just go to Samsung direct.

            If you go to JB, they may tell you the receipt is fake. Since the receipt is fake, the phone is not from them, there's nothing they can or will do, and that will be the end of it.

            • meong on 19/03/2025 - 00:02

              @browser: Makes sense.

              I think someone just pointed out below that the receipt looks fake.

              • skid on 19/03/2025 - 09:47

                @meong: After reading the links people have provided, I'm understanding more how the scam is run.

                1. Someone in the supply chain from Poland is copying the list of IMEI's from genuine S25 Ultras
                2. Phone is manufactured off stolen cloned dimensions
                3. The list of IMEI numbers gets sent to the counterfeiters for burning into the software and printing the label
                4. Boxed counterfeit phone is sold on the marketplace
                5. Local teen imports the phone off the marketplace
                6. Sets up fake Facebook profile
                7. Does the sale for profit

                Pointless targetting the teen as that is too far down the chain but can understand how that teen got killed over selling fake air pods.

                • meong on 19/03/2025 - 10:50

                  @skid: Not just poland it seems.

                  I just interacted with another ad on Facebook with VERY similar JB Hifi receipt and its showing this:

                  IMEI 358603754032

                  SM-S9380ZTWCHC

                  • MS Paint on 19/03/2025 - 10:57

                    @meong: Buy it and report back.

                  • pharkurnell on 19/03/2025 - 12:26

                    @meong: use another account to interact with the seller and see how you go…

                • meong on 19/03/2025 - 17:39
                  +1

                  @skid: I called Samsung, the IMEI for EUE is for a product that is made in Vietnam but sold in Austria. It is not supported for warranties in Australia.

                  I also send another IMEI based on another scam listing and that I added that, it appeared as legit but Samsung confirmed that it was made in South Korea but sold in China.

    • gromit on 19/03/2025 - 15:07

      No, the IMEI is really only useful to check if the phone is reported as stolen. Nothing Samsung or any manufacturer can do about it, the standard for verifying IMEI would need to change, maybe using signed IMEI so it requires the IMEI plus a valid manufacturers hash validating the signature.

  • lachhelix on 18/03/2025 - 23:06
    +1

    Ahhh that sucks :(
    Sorry my friend

  • try2bhelpful on 18/03/2025 - 23:18
    +5

    My sympathies. I avoid Facebook completely. Facebook thinks you are the product and they don’t care how badly you are treated. Most social media has become a cess pool.

    • neoleo on 19/03/2025 - 02:33

      It depends on how you use it. I sometimes use Facebook to get info from Facebook Group of people from my country here. Info such as food, rent, job, etc. Also Facebook Event is useful to check any interesting events. I have been to many great events that I wouldn't know if I don't check Facebook Event.

      I only use Facebook in a different browser just for Facebook with adblocker extension too. It's better than using Facebook app.

  • FireRunner on 18/03/2025 - 23:20
    +23

    I appreciate that you’re willing to share your story.
    The internet has a way of shaming victims of scams but staying silent just allows the scammers to get away with it more.
    You’re handing it like a champ. I hope you have better luck in the future

    • meong on 18/03/2025 - 23:22
      +29

      Tbh, i was too ashamed to write this.

      I tried to create another account solely for this post but got busted by the mods for ghost accounts 🥲

      But i thought, who cares, if it fooled me and the police, it would've fooled many people, so I needed to post this even if it has to come from my real account.

      • lachhelix on 19/03/2025 - 00:59
        +14

        Absolutely no need to be ashamed - people make mistakes all the time - it's the strong ones that actually admit it

        I've learnt a lot from this post alone so you've definitely helped at least one other person

        • meong on 19/03/2025 - 18:38
          +1

          Thanks!

          I know that the money is basically not recoverable now.

          I could choose to be sad and angry or use that energy to at least try to prevent this happening to the next person.

          • lachhelix on 19/03/2025 - 23:54

            @meong: Exactly right - that's all you can do!
            They'll get caught eventually and it won't turn out well for them I'm sure

      • neoleo on 19/03/2025 - 09:28
        +1

        We don't know your real name or face, so no need to be ashamed. In the news there are people with real photo of their face who got scammed much bigger amount than you. There's one old lady (with face in the photo) who got scammed >$1 million. The money came from inheritance. If I am her, I don't want to show my face in the news …

      • Tomatosaucevinegar on 19/03/2025 - 13:46
        +1

        No shame mate, thanks for raising awareness of these scams. I wasnt aware it existed and now i do, youll probably save one person by sharing. Good on you and hope you get some justice.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 18/03/2025 - 23:20
    -1

    I'm sorry to hear about this. Not a great experience.

    Just remember the 1st iphone that Steve jobs demonstrated on stage, was rumoured to only be a simulation device, but never confirmed.

  • AwesomeAndrew on 18/03/2025 - 23:32
    +10

    Here are a few ways of spotting fake phones easily. Of course this advice only applies to the current generation of fakes, fake phones keep improving so not all of these tips will apply to newer generations of fakes but most will.
    1. NFC: Most fakes don't have NFC. It may be possible to detect the presence of NFC even without opening the box, if you install the "NFC Tools" app on your phone and try scanning the back of the phone through the box (you may need to move it around slowly to align the NFC coils). Many phones have NFC controllers which are active even when powered off. Tested working with S25 Ultra (unfortunately not brand new) in box.
    2. Wireless charging: Most fakes don't have wireless charging. You can use the "Wireless Powershare" feature on your phone to try and charge the new one, even if it is still in the box. However, wireless charging has much less range than NFC. Check unboxing videos online, if there is nothing between the back of the phone and the side of the box then it should work. This method doesn't work with S25 Ultra but works with some iPhones.
    3. Display: All modern flagship phone displays get crazy bright when outdoors. If the display seems dim outdoors, it's a fake. Also, most modern phones have thin and uniform bezels. If the bezels are thicker than expected or not uniform around the edges, it's a fake.
    4. Camera: Most fake phones only have one camera. Note: sometimes phones will switch to other wider lenses if the object is closer than the minimum focusing distance of the zoom lenses, or if the scene is too dark, such as when you try to block the camera.
    5. Processor: Run a quick online benchmark. I prefer webbench. If the benchmark score is abnormally low, it's a fake. For reference, on webbench S25 ultra scores around 40 after running for 20 seconds, this drops to around 30 after 1 minute after thermal throttling starts.
    6. Software Integrity Attestation: Even though I'm not a fan of this anti-consumer DRM-like garbage, I have to admit it's quite effective in easily determining if a phone is fake. Install Key Attestation Demo app either from Github releases section, or Play Store. It should show only "Bootloader is locked" message without any warnings. If not, the phone is either fake or has been rooted. Then check the brand and model number after scrolling down a bit. If they don't match, the phone is fake.

    • andy2 on 19/03/2025 - 12:08

      thank you, very useful

    • belongsinforums on 19/03/2025 - 22:49
      1. Don't buy from facebook at 30% of bought price, still brand new
      • neoleo on 20/03/2025 - 00:19

        Not 30%. The real cost for S25 Ultra 512 GB during preorder is only under $1300, even cheaper if people can get $200 code.

        So, 1 TB version for $1100 doesn't make sense.

  • Rukiata on 18/03/2025 - 23:36

    what about the invoice? can you send picture or go to jb about it

    • meong on 18/03/2025 - 23:37

      I plan to do that tomorrow.

  • THICKnSLOW on 18/03/2025 - 23:48
    +8

    Sorry to hear that OP.

    I think it's just nuts that people are paying laptop money prices for a flagship smartphone that's only suppose to last 4 years or so.

    We all have to stop accepting this nonsense from manufacturers. Say no to $1000+ smartphones

  • Kelpei on 18/03/2025 - 23:49
    +1

    Sorry to hear about this. Yes there are an alarming number of dishonest people out there. I buy and sell stuff from time to time on marketplace and always get suspicious when someone wants to meet at a place other than their home. It's usually because they don't want to be found when their dishonesty is exposed. Don't dwell on it too much, it's a valuable lesson learned.

    • profounddominator on 19/03/2025 - 01:52
      -1

      Better to meet in a public place with cameras when it's a high value sale

  • Dong11 on 18/03/2025 - 23:58
    +1

    I did some checks.

    • The bar code from the product box doesn't match the Aussie version of the phone.
    • The invoice looks a bit off - is that "(Rou)nd up" on the invoice? "GST included" should be rounded to two decimals (e.g. $248.81)
    • The phone model shown on the website indicates the model is sold in the European market (i.e. Poland or neighbouring countries)
    • meong on 19/03/2025 - 00:01

      How did you get the info about the country?

      • MS Paint on 19/03/2025 - 00:08

        EUE - Europe East?

        That's a guess btw.

      • Dong11 on 19/03/2025 - 00:10

        From the suffix EUE

        • meong on 19/03/2025 - 10:52

          I saw another scam ad posted with similar JB Hifi receipt and the IMEI returns this: SM-S9380ZTWCHC

          Which country is this?

  • browser on 19/03/2025 - 00:07
    +1

    The receipt is almost certainly fake.

    The suffix in the receipt number indicates shopId, don't know where 13 is, probably non-existent. Chadstone Home Superstore is 145, so the receipt number should end with "-145".

    • browser on 19/03/2025 - 02:34
      +1

      13 is Highpoint, VIC

  • fantombloo on 19/03/2025 - 00:17

    And now OP's fingerprints are public knowledge too.

  • belongsinforums on 19/03/2025 - 00:51
    +1

    if it seems too good to be true…

  • Raj09 on 19/03/2025 - 02:39

    This is pretty bad. Sorry op for this that's the ultimate scam

  • AustriaBargain on 19/03/2025 - 03:16
    +1

    I barely trust Amazon to send me genuine devices, I'd never trust a random on the Internet. It's so easy to set up fake profiles. And people are crazy, there's a reason why Crim Safe ads have been on TV for decades now.

  • Ash-Say on 19/03/2025 - 07:27
    +1

    1TB latest phone was never going to be $1100. That's your 1st biggest red flag.

    • neoleo on 19/03/2025 - 09:18

      That's what I have noticed too. For 512 GB version, it's possible if the seller got it for the cost around 1k with $200 code. So, $1100 for 1 TB version doesn't make sense for now … Nobody wants to sell at a loss.

  • foxmulder on 19/03/2025 - 07:49
    -1

    What's the chance is just a faulty phone? Have you tried to verify transaction with JB?

    • MS Paint on 19/03/2025 - 07:51

      Zero. Don't drag JB into this and waste their time.

  • jacross on 19/03/2025 - 08:03
    +2

    I could see that fooling me. Maybe the price is a little low. But yeah I would just assume it's legit under those circumstances.

  • Gervais fanboy on 19/03/2025 - 08:25

    Sorry to hear about this and I am almost impressed by the level of civility shown by users in the comments, it’s a rare sight.

    Btw what was the scammer’s first name? Some rough description? If it’s okay for you to share that..

  • ESEMCE on 19/03/2025 - 08:25

    Sorry to say but your scam radar is out!
    I noted the same phenomenon when looking for a Pixel 8 Pro last year (cause of the dumbass E000/3G shutdown allegedly killing my, perfectly functional handset).
    Yes they were convincing enough posts, but it didn't take me long to spot these sellers is because they invariably sell other high end stuff. For example, they'll also be selling BNIB Pixel 9's and PS5's.
    It might be understandable to be selling one flagship phone in near/brand new condition, but 2, plus a BNIB console?
    Their pricing is always just below market rate and quite often the photos they use are identical to other scammy posters.

    Ended up getting a decent deal from someone who'd upgraded to the Pixel 9 Fold.

    • MS Paint on 19/03/2025 - 09:01
      +1

      someone who'd upgraded to the Pixel 9 Fold.

      See that's a red flag to me. Who is stupid enough to upgrade to a fold phone?

      • ESEMCE on 19/03/2025 - 09:41

        :D
        I agree, but I guess he's just on the yearly upgrade cycle anyway. TBH now that I've seen the pre-order deals, I'm tempted to jump on it myself!
        I paid $750 for my used (extremely good condition) Pixel 8 Pro, preorder deal on the Pixel 9 Pro was only $200ish more…
        Rotating phones annually for $200, I can just about live with!

      • tenpercent on 19/03/2025 - 11:18

        They used to be called flip phones. Youngin's don't remember. They think it's cool.

        • MS Paint on 19/03/2025 - 11:22

          I had an Ericsson T28 many moons ago. Flip phones were compact and the flippy bit protected the phone.

          Folds are humongous, chunky and very susceptible to breaking with the folding screen and extra display.

          No comparison IMHO.

  • SnowDragon on 19/03/2025 - 08:26
    +2

    That's rough OP. I can imagine myself falling for the same thing - sometimes people sell things cheap like this.

    It's easy for those in the peanut gallery to laugh and point out "obvious red flags" but really you could have also walked away with a brand new phone for $1100.

    • Gervais fanboy on 19/03/2025 - 08:29

      Maybe not $1100 but for $1400 yes maybe, having said that the op did try to match the listed serial numbers. Most people are just not aware of the sophistication of scams going around these days.

  • onesandtwos on 19/03/2025 - 08:33

    That sucks, thanks for sharing though.

  • vorsprung on 19/03/2025 - 08:35
    +1

    I see loads of these scams in my local community Facebook groups. Selling for sister… unwanted gift… many are so brazen that they’ve got 1 star reviews and tens of similar sold items).

    Of course Facebook seems to do nothing to police this. Whenever you report a scam they sit on it for 2 weeks and then say it meets their guidelines and I should just block the person if it upsets me. Maybe this is a use case for the billions they’ve spent on AI?

    Lots of talk about the IMEI but the phone probably comes loaded with some scam OS, allowing the IMEI to show whatever. Presumably the phone has a different IMEI when connecting to the telco?

    Reset whatever passwords you have entered into the phone immediately.

  • shaybisc on 19/03/2025 - 08:37

    What is the phone?

    • overthinking on 19/03/2025 - 12:07
      +1

      Presumably a cheap android phone that's been modified and packaged to appear like a flagship Samsung.

      • shaybisc on 19/03/2025 - 17:08

        "It was an S25 Ultra."

        I see. I was wondering what that meant.

  • Emenent7426 on 19/03/2025 - 09:13

    Well. I m sorry to hear that. I recently sold my s25 ultra but someone who was tried to negotiate with me also got scammed for 1250 for 1TB version. I know its hard and I have faced it twice myself and that also by selling on facebook. I can suggest few key points but there is no silver bullet in this case.

    1. 1TB S25 ultra is purchased by Mobile Monster etc for 1430 atleast. So that can be a reference where anything under that is possibly a scam. A person desperate enough can sell for more . Why sell for less.
    2. I sent a facebook add receipt again S25ultra 1 TB JBhifi to a friend to see if he can pickup small things. He picked it up as the receipt has a date of 31/02/2025 which is not possible.
    3. Even with all the codes etc. 1TB should have costed around 1500 ( i am adding all tradein amount etc.) so under that is also a giveaway.
    4. I believe your phone is fake as mentioned. There are factories that copy real imei to produce fake phones and send them over. The only thing scammer has to do is to make Jbhifi receipt matching imei. As the imei is also from an S25 ultra somewhere in the world.
    5. I believe paying by PayID is still better as its linked to legitimate phone number so cash should be avoided.
    6. While selling i always research before responding. I never reset the phone and only reset after payment is made and cleared as the phone is still my property and stealing will make a police case.
    7. Always do research and don't fall for bargains. Bargain mostly are in opened phones that you can check before buying.
    8. The biggest risk on FB with mobiles is buying or selling brand new as you cannot claim the item possession
    • browser on 19/03/2025 - 09:37

      The biggest risk on FB with mobiles is buying or selling brand new as you cannot claim the item possession

      Can you please elaborate?

      • Emenent7426 on 19/03/2025 - 09:47

        The point I am trying to make has 2 parts. Again its based on my experience.

        1. Buying a brand new phone, people like me tend to leave the seal intact or the seller is adamant that you shouldn’t open before paying. Paying can lead to seller running away ( believe me it happens). Also, i believe there is a default trust relationship with a brand new sealed phone. One of my friend paid a person and he ran away on bike immediately. I also have bought one on a gas station , a half price note 10 plus. The person came on car took cash while kept the car running and ran. It was a legit phone but got black listed in a month.
        2. Selling sealed has no control on the sold phone except IMEI. So even if you got scammed, the best you can do is blacklist IMEI in Australia only. Content insurance and police also doesn’t cover it as far as i know. I have personally been a victim of person running away with my phone after sending fake payment receipt and me calling police at the same time. I cannot beat that person even if catch him as assaulting a person will hamper my job or visa status
        • neoleo on 20/03/2025 - 00:13

          I sold 1 pc of S25 sealed to someone inside a big shopping center, not in a car park or something like that. There are CCTV around. Even if the person run away, police can check CCTV.

    • browser on 19/03/2025 - 09:50

      I believe paying by PayID is still better as its linked to legitimate phone number so cash should be avoided.

      If the transfer doesn't happen immediately, for example CBA sometimes hold it for 24 hours (I don't know if it can be recalled), you end up in a situation where the buyer has paid but you haven't got it, do you give him the goods and take that risk? The buyer surely wants to leave with the goods. What do you do?

      • Emenent7426 on 19/03/2025 - 09:55

        Happened with me once. The person gave me his driving license pic and the payment came after 24 hours. However, this can be an issue. In NZ, the payment happens At least 2 hours later across different banks so I take bank to bank transfers or cash payment. Have been scammed with cross bank transfer before.

        I think buying with PayID is better. Selling with cash is better.

        • plmko on 19/03/2025 - 10:45

          The thing with cash is there are fakes and there really good fakes. When I used to run my retail store there was a point I couldn't tell because they really well done especially if someone slipped a few into a wad.

          They always come from people of certain backgrounds. It can be a harmless looking older lady with kids to a younger guy but it's always that background of person.

          So just saying cash isn't safe.

    • Poor Ass on 19/03/2025 - 10:52

      I recently sold my s25 ultra but someone who was tried to negotiate with me also got scammed for 1250 for 1TB version.

      how do you get scammed if you are selling it?

      • Emenent7426 on 19/03/2025 - 11:18

        The buyer or negotiator got scammed. We didn’t agree on the price for 512gb used one and he bought 1 TB brand new cheaper than what he offered me for a used phone.
        He mentioned later that he got scammer by a fake s25 ultra phone. So this is a common phenomenon with new models

        • Poor Ass on 19/03/2025 - 11:57

          you said you got scammed or are you saying it as in a hypothetical way?

          • Emenent7426 on 19/03/2025 - 12:00

            @Poor Ass: The potential buyer got scammed with the same model and receipt for 1250. The OP got scammed for 1100.

            I was selling legit 512gb S25 ultra at that time and I wasn’t able to strike the deal with the legit potential buyer. He went to other listing that was cheaper than mine and got scammed.

      • browser on 19/03/2025 - 11:19

        I think he meant the potential buyer got scammed earlier, strange still persisting to buy from market place.

        Seller can get scammed too, usually involves online payments. The old trick was scammer intentionally over pay using stolen credit cards, then asks for the difference back (or refund) in bank transfers.

        The more recent trick is they send you some phony payment notification, but it requires to open an account somewhere to receive that money and part of the process is to transfer a refundable deposit to prove identity.

        They were never going for the meet, make up excuses that a friend or relative will pickup, they want to pay first. They are typically from overseas using hacked profiles.

        • Poor Ass on 19/03/2025 - 11:58

          yep I know they can but facebook and scamtree golden rule cash only

          • browser on 19/03/2025 - 12:10

            @Poor Ass: Agreed, cash only. Cash on pickup is in the listing, I sometimes remind buyer just before the meet by asking if they have exact amount.

            Some buyers assume PayID is instant and therefore "same as cash", without prior discussion just showed up wanting to PayID.

  • Steamed Hams on 19/03/2025 - 09:37
    +1

    Sorry this has happened to you OP, that sucks.

    The old cliche rings true, if it is too good to be true, it probably is.

    You could report to Cyber.gov.au, the government's cyber crime department as another option, but safe to say the cash is most likely gone.

    I know a few people who have got their money back and the perps charged via this method back years ago, but it was a bank deposit transaction so easier to track.

  • prisonmike on 19/03/2025 - 09:38

    Go to the shop and have them have a look at it and confirm its genuiness. That way atleast you can then report to the the police.

  • fl360 on 19/03/2025 - 09:54
    -1

    A lot of apartment owners in Sydney pay over $1,300 per quarter for strata management fee and they get nothing back too… just saying.

    • Poor Ass on 19/03/2025 - 10:54

      admin fee and sinking fund

      you get something or at least shitty service but feels like nothing

      • fl360 on 19/03/2025 - 13:04

        sinking fund - once you sell you get nothing back. at least you can stop paying strata fee after you sell.

        • Poor Ass on 19/03/2025 - 14:23

          ya that's the way

          better than $3000+ body corp in the city apartments

    • Exec-Matrix on 19/03/2025 - 12:11
      +3

      You take the cake for the most irrelevant comment on this thread.

      • MS Paint on 19/03/2025 - 12:26

        I think they just wanted to make the thread about them and their $1300 quarterly bill (which they would have known about when the signed a contract).

      • fl360 on 19/03/2025 - 13:02
        -1

        I am just trying to make the OP feels better - at least he got a phone which can make calls…….

  • CMH on 19/03/2025 - 10:00
    -1

    Stop buying expensive items from Facebook/Gumtree/etc.

    Scammers love these sites because the buyer has no recourse when they realise they've been scammed.

    The only things I'd buy off such sites are cheap enough that I can write it off if I got scammed. Or simple enough that it's just as easy to make the real thing.

    • Raj09 on 19/03/2025 - 14:22

      Yep. Agree. Don't buy something you will regret losing. My max I will buy from fb is 600 to 700 not more.

      This post however was an eye opener. I was thinking of getting a samsung s25+over the marketplace.

      Thanks op for sharing your experience. It's tough.

      • Emenent7426 on 19/03/2025 - 14:25

        Even selling legit phone to legit buyer is not easy. Get 90% scammers who are trying to get hold off the phone for free.

        • neoleo on 20/03/2025 - 00:05

          It's safer to sell it to a phone shop that also sells second hand/refurbished phones. I did this and still got the profit ;-)

  • lint on 19/03/2025 - 10:28

    Appreciate you sharing this so others don't get scammed.

    Amazing that they even went so far as to fake a JB receipt printed on thermal paper. All the packaging looks legit to me.

    Really the alarm bells would be why they were willing to sell a phone they bought for $2,737 within a month for 40% of what they bought it for. If it's too good to be true, be skeptical.

  • tikboy2007 on 19/03/2025 - 11:14
    +1

    thanks OP for sharing.

    why are there so many assho$3s here? if you don't have anything nice to say just shut up. not that hard to do

    • meong on 19/03/2025 - 13:10

      Some people may be smarter than me by not falling for these scams. However, if the police can't even be convinced that it's fake then that means there are more victims out there.

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