So sorry to hear that.
I had same situation back few months ago, I bought a remote chopper on gumtree from Brisbane. I had a chat with that person who seemd very decent and honesty. So I transferred money to his bank account. then he said he was going to do it that afternoon but I had been watching for 3 days, nothing happened. And more than that, his phone was turned off.
I told myself, just wait another week, and also wish there's nothing wrong with him.
But, after two weeks, I still got nothing from post office and his phone was off.
I was so pissed off, it's not just money, it's the feeling. I have been on gumtree for years, sold and bought numous stuff with no issues at all. I won't let this guy ruin my good experience.
I searched his name cos its real name, thru google and facebook.
Guess what, I found him. Found his company and his trade number, Abn number. But he refused to add me as his friend.
So, I added all his friends, and asked one of the friends to see if they are real friends. And to find out how that guy going.
After found out he's fine and fit. I sent a message to his friend to pass the message that I have been looking for him.
Eventually, I got response from him, he said he have sent the item out second day, I asked for proof but he can't give me anything.
And he said he switched his phone number later.
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