What Sort Of Scam Is This (Local Freecycle)

I keep an eye on the local freecycle, occasionally someone throws away something I would find useful.

If something good is offered, they are usually inundated with replies so it's rare to get it.

So last week someone advertised this:

>
> Getting rid of this old boring second hand iPAD.
> Absolutely
free.still in good working condition.
> Pick up available
asap.
>
 
I replied but didn't expect to get a look in.

Today I had a reply:

Hello,
    Its good to read from you regarding the Ipad
offer.
I'm located in the City of Belfast  and I'm happy to received
you
and hand over to you the offer.Do let me know when you
you think it will be
convenient for you to come and pick up
the iPad.So that I can let you know
when I will be available
to match meeting and for me to email to you my home
address.
As you should know the iPAD is still in good working
condition.
 
WTF is that all about?  This was the INVERNESS freecycle group, I'm not going to BELFAST to get a free ipad.

But just exactly what's going on? It smells of scam, but I can't work out what.

They will prob tell you they will post it to you if you tx some money by western union or something to cover postage,

Belfast freecyclers prob get told its in Inverness.

shame you didnt find that last week, i could have picked it up on my way home....

ProDave said:

good to read from you

Click to expand...

ProDave said:

happy to received..........

to match meeting ........

Click to expand...

Going by the grammar this dude doesn't sound like he's from the UK. Sounds like a scam and they'll probably try wangle your bank or credit card details one way or another. Also.....unwanted ipad....c'mon, I know they're rubbish but I doubt anyone would give theirs away for free when they would get cash for it in their local classifieds.

Who De Scoobe'd Marvo for that? (I.ve scoobed you to balance it out)

Perhaps the originator of this offer is reading the this thread?

Anyway, I've replied asking why it was posted on the Inverness freecycle but turns out so be in Belfast.

ProDave said:

Anyway, I've replied asking why it was posted on the Inverness freecycle but turns out so be in Belfast.

Click to expand...

probably auto correct, started typing Belfast, it changed it to Inverness. same place, isnt it?!

ProDave said:

Who De Scoobe'd Marvo for that? (I.ve scoobed you to balance it out)

Perhaps the originator of this offer is reading the this thread?

Anyway, I've replied asking why it was posted on the Inverness freecycle but turns out so be in Belfast.

Click to expand...

Lol, thanks Dave, the descoobing thing is funny, maybe the con-merchant himself like you say or possibly some Apple fanboy who took exception to the fact I called them rubbish

As long as you're wide awake regarding the scam techniques it would be interesting to follow through at least until the angle becomes clear. 

if he asks for bank details, just give him those of HMRC or similar...

actually, better not. knowing how competent any government agency is, they will probably pay him, and then send him some more due to some 'error'

Maybe he's trying to Groom you Dave.

Steve3948 said:

Maybe he's trying to Groom you Dave.

Click to expand...

:run   :run   :run  

well if Dave suddenly goes missing, at least we know to start looking  in Belfast!

FFS ANdy,

dont you think there are enough of 'the disappeared' as it is,

Dave will simply be a number.......

Andy™ said:

well if Dave suddenly goes missing, at least we know to start looking  in Belfast!

Click to expand...

At least there's no part Pee there either  :innocent

maybe i should have stayed over there last week, instead of getting the next ferry back home

where were you at Andy?

coulda had a decent pint of Harp with you

steptoe said:

where were you at Andy?

coulda had a decent pint of Harp with you

Click to expand...

portadown

Here's the reply:

"I've resident before in Inverness but got a new job in
Belfast.
I posted on the Inverness  freecycle group but I got an
approved
message when I've been  here in Belfast.
I knew I was to hand it over to the
first freecyle member before
leaving for my new job in Belfast.But my ad was
only approved
after when I have arrived Belfast.I have seen your
interest
in getting the iPAD.
  I'm willing to post the ipad to you if you are willing to pay for postage."

So, If I pay postage, I'll get an ipad.

My next move will be to offer to pay the postage AFTER I get it.

I have about 0% confidence that I would receive anything if I pay the postage up front.

you want me to get my sister to pick it up for you Dave.? 

got an almost instant (and predictable) reply

"Got your home address but a postage fee of 10 pounds is required to
send the
ipad over to your home address."
  I wonder how many people he's in conversation with asking for £10 postage up front?

Yes Step's if that's okay with you, I'll ask for an address that I can collect it from, and if your sister is willing (and it's not a dodgy address) then she could go and have a look.

Just an update, I've only just noticed that the moderators of the Inverness freecycle group have posted a message saying they believe this to be a scam and several members have contacted them complaining.

I wonder how many have been mug enough to send £10 postage?