Beware of bargains

Published: 14 October, 2010

• CAMDEN Citizens Advice Bureaux are often asked to help clients who have used Gumtree and have been defrauded by individuals advertising goods and services (Don’t lose your money to conmen posing as landlords, October 7).

We would strongly advise individuals who have experienced such problems to seek further advice, as even if there is a limited amount that can be done, we can use the circumstances of the case for campaigning purposes to ensure people will have more confidence that they will not lose money.

While we accept sites such as Gumtree provide a useful service, we always advise that the utmost caution is taken in dealing with any individuals you may contact, and that before any money is passed over you check the safety of the transaction.

LOUISE LEWIS
Volunteer advisor,
Holborn Citizens Advice Bureau