I am selling stuff on a website called GumTree and I have had lots of enquires about 30-40 but only 2 or 3 sales as the potential buyers keep asking to pay by bank transfer. I do not want to give out my bank sort code and account number for obvious reasons but this is putting a lot of people off.
I have suggested payment by postal order, Paypal and cheque but no.. they want to pay by bank transfer. Am I right to be cautious?
They cannot pay cash in hand due to the geographical distance from me..
2006-10-02 23:23:44 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
Nope don't do it!!!!!!!
Once they have your sort code and Number they can start all sorts of dodgy dealings.
Insist on Paypal or Cheque!!!!
2006-10-02 23:26:17 · answer #1 · answered by Rob S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say definitely not. They would have access to all your account info if you did that. If they cannot pay by paypal, which is essentially a bank transfer then something is rotten in Denmark, and I would say no way !!
Additional:
My husband had money stolen from our account only after doing a transfer like this. Our bank told us that we should NEVER give any info to anyone we are not 100% sure of. You can pay bills online by check and all you need is the account # and routing number ... that is what the person did,, bought things online by check. Fortunately we caught it fast enough & he only got about $150 USD .... SO I honestly don't think some of you who are saying it's perfectly safe, and all the others cautioning are "idiots" that know nothing really have a leg to stand on in this case !!!
2006-10-02 23:27:15 · answer #2 · answered by Michele A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This depends on if you're giving them your address and all your details. They can't do much with just your account number and sort code as they will need to know all sorts of other things to be able to take money out. But I agree it could be dodgy, why can't they pay you by cheque.
I like the idea of setting up a savings account of some sort and only giving those details, not your current account.
2006-10-02 23:32:55 · answer #3 · answered by Gervs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
contrary to all the idiots on here that dont really know what a bank transfer is, its perfectly safe.
all you give them is your account number and sort code. the only thing you can do with this is deposit money into an account - they cant take money out of your bank with this information. try it - go into you bank and ask to take money out of your account giving them your account number and sort code - they will ask for banking id (your bank card) and a signature which must electronically match your own. say you dont have any ID and give them a bad signature - they'll tell you to bugger off.
if you want to be extra safe open up a seperate current account for these transactions and as soon as the money arrives take it out and personally put it in your account but you'd be wasting your time as there is nothing wrong with a normal bank transfer. if in doubt phone your bank.
2006-10-03 00:02:09 · answer #4 · answered by BigBoy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I was you I would set up an instant access savings account purely for these payments to go into and transfer them to your main account as and when they arrive. That was your account details cannot be used for fraudulent purposes. Keep all correspondence from the people making the transfers to you and then if anything does crop up you have covered yourself with the bank
2006-10-02 23:30:02 · answer #5 · answered by MGN2006 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just because someone has your sort code and bank account number is irrelevant, don't listen to the dopes who say you can be defrauded just on the basis of that info.
everytime you have written a cheque you are handing a stranger a piece of paper with your account number and sort code on it.
Banks have systems in place with security measures for direct bank transfer called BACS.
2006-10-02 23:34:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't do it. With your account details then they can cause all sorts of problems. Your account will be emptied within months. Details will be forwarded abroad for them to use.
This is the sort of information identity fraud people go through your bins for.
If they can't pay by cheque, PO or paypal then stay clear.
2006-10-02 23:32:42 · answer #7 · answered by Valiant 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bank transfers are safe ways to get paid. Yes you have to give your account number and sort code but those details are on any cheque you write anyway.
Its also instant and convienient.
2006-10-02 23:31:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bank account is fine, large companies do it. Setup a seperate account if needed.
2006-10-03 10:13:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I would suggest you not to give your bank details for security reasons as you are not aware of who they are and what their intentions are. I recommend you to stick to you current payment options are they are safe.
2006-10-02 23:30:22 · answer #10 · answered by SAM M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋