Buying on Gumtree
Gumtree is convenient for local sales, but it has one of the higher fraud rates among UK marketplaces. Verify everything before you transfer.
Upload a screenshot of the Gumtree listing
We attach it to your report so you have a record of what was advertised next to the bank-account check.
Drop, paste, or click to upload
PNG, JPG, or WebP
Next: pick the level of check, then we'll collect the bank details from the seller.
In 2025, over £1.2 billion was stolen by fraudsters in the UK. Verify before you pay.
What we check
5 checks across the UK's most-trusted data sources, run in under 30 seconds.
Confirmation of Payee
Bank account matches the payee name
Companies House
Company registered & active
VAT verification
VAT number valid
DVLA Vehicle Check
Make, year, tax & MOT status
Seller Reviews
Reputation on Google, Trustpilot & more
Most Gumtree transactions are bank transfer or cash. The platform offers no payment protection, so once your money's sent it's effectively gone unless you can prove fraud to your bank.
Tips before you transfer
Run a bank check on the seller's account
The account name should match the seller's name. If they're a business, it should match a real company you can find on Companies House.
Reverse image-search the listing photos
Scam listings often reuse photos from other adverts. A quick Google reverse image search catches a lot.
Be wary of 'no time wasters' urgency
Time pressure is a classic scam tactic. If a seller refuses to let you take a day to verify, that's the red flag itself.
Use Gumtree's messaging — not WhatsApp / email
Scammers push communication off-platform to avoid leaving a trail. Stay on Gumtree's system until you've met in person.
Common scam patterns
- Photos copied from a legitimate listing elsewhere
- Seller is 'away on a rig / military deployment' and needs the item shipped
- Bank details belong to someone unrelated to the listing
- Pressure to pay a deposit to 'hold' the item
Verify before you transfer
Enter the bank details from the invoice and we'll show you what we can verify in seconds. No account needed to pay.
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