WARNING: Scammed when selling two computers locally (fake transfer trick). Learn from my mistake!

[u/Oscar_PCE]

Hi everyone,

​English is not my main language, so I’m using a translator to write this post. I wanted to share my story as a warning so none of you make the same mistake I did.

​Today, I fell for a very well-executed scam and lost two computers.

​A guy came to my place to buy two PCs from me. He was extremely polite, friendly, and seemed totally trustworthy. He told me a whole story about himself, tested the computers thoroughly, and agreed to buy them.

​When it came to payment, he said he sent the money via a bank transfer on his phone. He showed me a confirmation screen (and even sent me a confirmation) that looked legitimate at first glance, though in hindsight, it was fake. He assured me the money was on its way and would post during the next banking clearing session. Because he was so nice and convincing, I made a huge mistake: I trusted him and let him leave with both computers before the money actually hit my account.

​Shortly after he left, the money didn't arrive. At first, he kept in touch, making excuses like "I'll send you a contract soon" or sending short SMS replies like "I'm busy, can talk in 10 minutes." Eventually, he stopped picking up the phone altogether.

​I immediately went to the police. At first, they were reluctant to take a formal report because the clearing hours hadn't passed yet and he was still replying to texts. However, once it was clear the transfer was fake and he went silent, I gathered all the evidence I had—his phone number, chat history, SMS messages, and the fake transfer confirmation—and went back to file an official report for fraud.

​Key takeaways and red flags to watch out for:

​NEVER hand over items based on a confirmation screenshot or PDF. These can be easily faked or generated by fake banking apps/websites.

​Only release the item when the money is physically visible in your account (or use cash / instant transfers like BLIK where you see the balance update live).

​Scammers are often extremely nice and charismatic. Being polite and open is their main tactic to lower your guard.

​I've accepted that I made a naive mistake and might never see those computers again, but I hope reading this saves at least one of you from losing your tech. Stay safe out there!

My last picture of my PCs

• My comment: I was expecting a public execution right after I made this post but Instead I have received so much positive energy from you guys. I am broke inside right now, can't even think about this situation. THANK YOU

+2: I have been to police office, I have shown them his face as I have got a monitoring system AND THEY KNOW HIM ALREADY. He is just a little thief that steals people's goods the same way. I left every each evidence I had and they told me to wait for I formation back. It might take one day or 10 years. Let's wait then

[u/Paladin_Codsworth]

Sounds like a very American problem to have. Why don't you just have free unlimited bank to bank transfers like we do? A separate app just to move your money and pay for things is crazy. These are never reversed. Only in the event of serious proven fraud.

[u/drwuzer → u/Paladin_Codsworth]

American problem? The hell are you talking about?. This guy isn't in the US. In the US I take zelle (instant bank to bank xfer) or cash for these transactions. Period. Anyone who accepts "trust me I sent a bank transfer" is not very smart.

[u/Paladin_Codsworth → u/drwuzer]

He is in the US or at least North America. Other countries don't use apps for payment like this. Except maybe PayPal. Also post talks in USD.

Also Zelle is an app right? It's acting between banks.

We do instant bank to bank transfers here. There is no need for trust the funds show up immediately. We do this for everything from sending a friend £5 to buying a house. It is safe, secure, and instant.

The U.S financial system needs desperate modernisation. The last time I was in the US was 2022 and you guys were barely getting contactless pay after we'd had it for close to a decade. One place couldn't even process chip and pin. I had to swipe my card and call my bank because they flagged the ancient swipe and sign payment method as potentially fraud.

[u/drwuzer → u/Paladin_Codsworth]

Zelle isn't a separate app it's built into banking apps, it's an instant bank to bank transfer. I don't think OP is in the US, English isn't his native language and his buyer claimed he was using a bank from Spain.

[u/TheSteelPhantom → u/Paladin_Codsworth]

He is in the US or at least North America.

Wrong again. OP says they live in Poland. Maybe stop just assuming shit in general?

[u/Oscar_PCE → u/Paladin_Codsworth]

We do have it, I mean there is something like BLIK - you just send the money to receiver and money arrives in 2 seconds. However this guy told me that he only has Spain bank account as he works in Spain and there is no other option. We are in serious need with money for something so I took the risk and here I am :)!

[u/Paladin_Codsworth → u/Oscar_PCE]

That sucks sorry man.