Gumtree - Possible car purchase scam? Unsure?

emilyoliviahh
Contributor
Contributor

So I've been looking at a car for sale on Gumtree, here is the link to the ad 

https://www.gumtree.com/p/mercedes-benz/mercedes-a180-1.5-diesel/1300096985

It's a great deal so obviously I wanted to get some more info as it seems to good to be true, which is the first red flag.
I TEXTED, not rang, the number provided on the ad asking some questions about the car, I then received a sms with no number and instead just the name Daniel, I'm assuming it's a websms, with no option to reply to the sms or a number to ring (It wasn't a reply from the number I texted).
He said he got my missed call, even though I didn't ring, and asked me to contact him via email about purchasing the car.
I emailed and just asked the same questions I had already texted him, no reply yet.
I already know this looks really dodgy but I guess I'm just hoping it's not a scam as I want the car haha. 
I'm posting as I have searched the forums for something similar but have only found this happening to people selling stuff, whereas I want to purchase the car.

But all in all should I be pretty sure it's a scam?
I would only purchase if I could go and view it and pay in cash, otherwise if he suggested paypal should I pass on his email to paypal?
Thanks for the help!

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kernowlass
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@emilyoliviahh

 

Well i doubt you can prove its a scam if you don't actually pay him with paypal and then find he doesn't supply the car.

Also as you have 0 paypal protection for motor vehicles.


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kernowlass
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@emilyoliviahh

 

As you are going to pay with cash and not paypal and he is not asking for paypal then I really don't know what this has to do with the paypal forum?


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emilyoliviahh
Contributor
Contributor

Sorry I should of been more clear, he has not yet asked for payment, I would only go with cash, but I am suspecting that if it is a scam he will be asking for a paypal payment.
If so should I send his email address to paypal in order to report him if it appears to be a scam?

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kernowlass
Esteemed Advisor
Esteemed Advisor

@emilyoliviahh

 

Well i doubt you can prove its a scam if you don't actually pay him with paypal and then find he doesn't supply the car.

Also as you have 0 paypal protection for motor vehicles.


Advice is voluntary.
Kudos / Solution appreciated.
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emilyoliviahh
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Contributor

Okay, thanks for your help.

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