10 Gumtree scams in Australia: How to stay safe

Gumtree recently warned users about a growing number of scams that don’t look like scams at the beginning. Many start as simple, everyday transactions, but take a different turn along the way. Most of them follow similar patterns once you know what to look for.

Here are some of the most common tactics, and how you can protect yourself.

Key takeaways:

Gumtree scams often start as normal, everyday transactions
Moving conversations off-platform is a major red flag
Fake payment links are one of the most common tactics
Urgency and “too good to be true” deals are used to pressure you
Never send items or money without confirmed payment
A quick check can prevent costly mistakes

What are Gumtree scams?

Gumtree scams happen when someone pretends to be a genuine buyer or seller, with the goal of tricking you into sending money, sharing personal details, or both.

Most of the time, nothing feels suspicious at first. The message is polite, the story makes sense, the price seems reasonable, and the profile looks real.

A normal conversation can turn into requests like moving to WhatsApp, sending “proof” of payment, arranging a third-party pickup, or asking you to click a link to confirm something. And that’s usually the moment when things start to go wrong.

The most common Gumtree scams

1. Delayed payment and shipping excuses

Some sellers say they will post the item only after they receive the money, which is normal, but scammers use this to their advantage.

They may claim their bank takes several days to process the transfer:

“My bank takes three days, I’ll send it once it clears.”

In reality, most transfers go through within 24 hours. Delays like this can be a way to buy time to move your money elsewhere before you realize something is wrong.

2. Fake payment links and requests to move conversations off-platform

One of the most common tactics right now is getting you off Gumtree Messages. A buyer or seller may say they can’t view photos, can’t use Gumtree Pay, or need to confirm delivery or payment details, and ask to continue the conversation on WhatsApp, SMS, or email.

Once you move off-platform, they’ll often send fake payment or delivery links. These may appear to come from Gumtree or from services like Payscan or Paysend. In many cases, they’ll claim they’ve already paid and that you need to “confirm” or “accept” the payment.

The link then leads to a fake page asking for your card details. It may look convincing, but its only purpose is to collect your personal or banking information.

3. “We need to confirm you have access to this account” scam

Some scammers impersonate Gumtree and send emails asking users to confirm their account or registration details.

These messages can look legitimate, but they are designed to get you to share personal information or login credentials. Any unexpected request to verify your account should be treated with caution, especially if it comes via email, SMS, or WhatsApp.

4. Gumtree Messages from: Gumtree Bot or a Gumtree employee

Be careful with messages that appear to come from “Gumtree Bot” or someone claiming to work for Gumtree.

In some cases, the scammer sends an image asking for your email address so they can continue the conversation outside the platform. The goal is to move communication to email, where the scam is easier to carry out.

In reality, genuine buyers and sellers usually stay within Gumtree Messages, and Gumtree itself does not ask for your email address or step into transactions between users.

5. Gumtree Delivery Scam via WhatsApp and/or SMS

Scammers may offer a “Gumtree delivery” service and send you a link via WhatsApp or SMS to arrange it.

The problem is that Gumtree does not provide its own delivery service or partner with one. These messages are part of a scam designed to get you to click a link or enter payment details.

If you receive this type of message, it’s best to stop the conversation and avoid interacting further.

6. SMS scams

A “buyer” may contact you by SMS and ask you to continue the conversation by email. This is unusual behavior and often a sign of a scam.

Messages may look like:

“Hello mate, I saw your listing on Gumtree. Can you let me know if it’s still available? … [email address]”

If someone is trying to move the conversation away from the original platform, it’s safer to stop engaging.

7. Pay with PayPal “Friends and Family” scams

If someone asks you to pay using PayPal’s “Friends and Family” option, be cautious. This option removes buyer protection, which means you won’t be able to recover your money if something goes wrong. For transactions with people you don’t know, this is a significant risk.

8. Fake escrow sites

In some cases, a buyer, seller, or even a landlord may suggest using an escrow service to make the transaction “safer.” However, some of these escrow websites are fake. They may look professional and trustworthy, but they are controlled by scammers. Once you send money, the item or service never arrives.

9. Fruit picking and farm job scams

There have also been reports of job scams related to fruit picking and farm work, often targeting backpackers and people looking for temporary jobs.

These listings may offer both work and accommodation, but require an upfront payment. Once the payment is made, the opportunity turns out to be fake.

10. “Sad story” scams

Some scammers try to gain your trust by sharing emotional stories. They may claim there has been a death in the family, an accident, or another emergency to explain delays or avoid sending the item after you’ve paid.

While real situations do happen, this type of story is also commonly used to manipulate people into waiting longer or not questioning the situation.

How to stay safe when using Gumtree

You don’t need to stop using the platform. You just need a few clear boundaries.

Keep communication on Gumtree as much as possible
Don’t trust screenshots or emails as proof of payment
Only send or hand over items after the money is confirmed in your account
Avoid clicking links sent by buyers or sellers
Be careful with the personal information you share
When possible, meet in person and use safe, verified payment methods

If you’re buying, a few extra steps can make a difference:

Ask for new, original photos of the product
If you pay via PayPal, avoid the “Friends and Family” option and make sure your purchase is eligible for buyer protection
Take a moment to understand how the shipping process should work

And maybe most important:

Don’t rush the process
If someone is pushing you to act quickly, take a step back
If a seller disappears, another similar deal will likely come up
If the price feels too good to be true, it probably is

How security tools can help

Before clicking on links or responding to offers, it helps to have a second layer of reassurance.

You can use free tools like Bitdefender Scamio to check suspicious messages, whether they come through Gumtree, email, or SMS. If you’re unsure about a link, Bitdefender Link Checker, also free, can help you verify where it actually leads before you click.

If you want more consistent protection, a family security plan can help cover everyday risks across all devices. Bitdefender family plans are designed to protect everyone in the household—from teenagers who are constantly online to parents managing accounts and purchases, and even grandparents who may be more vulnerable to scams.

It’s about having support in place before something goes wrong. If you’re curious how it works in practice, you can explore it here.

FAQs

What are fake payment links on Gumtree?

Fake payment links are phishing links sent by scammers pretending that a payment has been made or needs to be confirmed. These links often look like they come from Gumtree or a payment service, but they lead to fake websites designed to steal your card details or personal information.

What should I do if I get scammed on Gumtree?

If you’ve been scammed on Gumtree, contact your bank right away, report the incident to Gumtree, and file a report with Scamwatch or your local consumer protection authority.

Can you get your money back after a Gumtree scam?

Sometimes, but not always. It depends on how you paid and how quickly you act. Contact your bank or payment provider immediately, as they may be able to stop or reverse the transaction.

Is Gumtree safe to use?

Yes, Gumtree can be safe to use, but it requires caution. Most users are genuine, but scams do happen, so it’s important to recognize warning signs and follow safe buying and selling practices