Non-Delivery Scams on Gumtree
Gumtree sellers advertise in-demand items at attractive prices, request postal payment, and never dispatch — a long-running fraud on one of the UK's most-used classified sites.
Part of: Non-Delivery Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Non-delivery fraud on Gumtree is one of the most reported forms of consumer fraud in the UK. The platform's classifieds format — connecting individual buyers and sellers without formal buyer protection — creates an environment where fraudulent listings are only removed reactively after victims report them.
Items most frequently targeted include gaming consoles, bicycles, baby equipment, and tools — high-demand goods where buyers may accept a below-market price without excessive scrutiny.
How this scam works on Gumtree
A Gumtree listing advertises a sought-after item at a price that is attractive but not implausibly low. The seller claims they cannot meet in person due to distance or work commitments, and offers postage instead. Payment is requested via bank transfer before dispatch. After payment, the seller provides a fake tracking number or ceases contact entirely.
Some sellers use Gumtree's ad-boosting features to increase the visibility of fraudulent listings, generating more victims before the listing is removed. Others rotate listings under multiple Gumtree accounts to avoid profile-based suspicion.
A variant involves the seller accepting a small deposit to 'hold' the item and then disappearing, targeting multiple buyers simultaneously for the same listing.
Common red flags
- Gumtree seller who insists on postal payment only and declines local collection
- Price that is noticeably below comparable listings but not obviously too good to be true
- Bank transfer requested before any delivery proof is provided
- Seller with a recently created Gumtree profile or no previous transactions
- Fake tracking number that shows no genuine dispatch activity
- Request for a deposit to hold an item before full payment
How to protect yourself
- Prefer cash-on-collection for all Gumtree transactions to eliminate non-delivery risk
- If postal purchase is unavoidable, use a credit card via a payment platform with dispute resolution
- Never pay a bank transfer to a Gumtree seller before goods are in your hands
- Check the seller's profile creation date and any available reviews
- Report suspicious Gumtree listings using the 'Report this ad' link
How to report it
- Click 'Report this ad' on the Gumtree listing
- Report to Action Fraud in the UK (or equivalent national fraud authority) with screenshots and payment details
- Contact your bank for a chargeback if payment was made by card
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy from Gumtree sellers who only offer postage?
It carries significantly more risk than local cash collection. If you proceed with a postal purchase, pay only by credit card via a platform with buyer protection, never by bank transfer. This preserves your right to a chargeback if goods do not arrive.