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WEBUYANYPHONE.COM -- a warning

profmjh

profmjh

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Mar 7, 2015
1,734
1,801
UK
THIS IS A WARNING TO PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING TO SELL THEIR PHONE OR TABLET ON WEBUYANYPHONE.COM IN THE UK

I sent these people an iPhone and an iPad. They received both on Thursday 23rd March. Despite the iPhone being in flawless condition, they claimed it was "good" rather than "excellent" and dropped the offer price. To avoid the stress of getting my phone back and having to find another way of selling it I accepted the lower price.

They confirmed payment would be received on Friday 24th. It was not. Nor on Monday 27th. On Tuesday 28th I tried calling. The line was engaged. I had to redial 40 times before I got through, then waited 10 minutes on hold. The person I spoke to said he would sort it out and I would get paid that day.

I was not paid. So I called on Wednesday 29th. This time it took 80 redials to get through. I spoke to the same person, who again assured me I would be paid that day.

I was again not paid. So I called today, Friday 31st. Got through first time and was met with the same "I'll sort it out, I promise" spiel. I have zero confidence I'll ever see the money. I'm filing a report with Trading Standards and looking at what other options I can take.

As to my iPad -- they've confirmed receipt but haven't even tested it yet and can't give me any time-frame for when this might happen.

I was taken in by the content of their website which promised top-prices and speedy payment. I now see that I was naive -- it was all too good to be true.

Don't make my mistake. Find a trustworthy, reliable company to do business with (I've used O2 recycle in the past with no problems) or sell it yourself on eBay.

I've noticed there has been a slew of negative reviews of this company on TrustPilot in the last few days and the company has taken down its reviews page. You have to wonder what's going on.

Don't take the risk. I wish I hadn't done so.
 
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Can ask then to send the items back to you using a tracked service like Royal Mail special delivery or DPD.
 
Not being sure of the laws in the UK but can you contact them again (I know) and demand they return the phone and iPad next day or you will report the devices stolen and sue them? Be sure to take screen shots of everything on their web site they did not hold up to.
 
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At this point I simply don't trust they'll do anything they say they'll do.

My guess is that this is either a company that's going under, or it's become the victim of its own success and can't handle all the business it's getting.

I used them for two reasons. First, they offered the highest price. Second, they promised speedier payment than their competitors.

I usually like to think I'm web savvy and not likely to be scammed. I guess I was wrong.
 
profmatt said:
At this point I simply don't trust they'll do anything they say they'll do.

My guess is that this is either a company that's going under, or it's become the victim of its own success and can't handle all the business it's getting.

I used them for two reasons. First, they offered the highest price. Second, they promised speedier payment than their competitors.

I usually like to think I'm web savvy and not likely to be scammed. I guess I was wrong.
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Wish I'd read this a few days ago, sent my phone to them on Wednesday, I'm already dubious as they advertise you get the money the same day they get the device, they got it yesterday and I've had nothing back no money or even an email confirming they have my phone
 
profmatt said:
At this point I simply don't trust they'll do anything they say they'll do.

My guess is that this is either a company that's going under, or it's become the victim of its own success and can't handle all the business it's getting.

I used them for two reasons. First, they offered the highest price. Second, they promised speedier payment than their competitors.

I usually like to think I'm web savvy and not likely to be scammed. I guess I was wrong.
Click to expand...
Did you use a tracked delivery service to send the items?

I think you have a few options:

1) Try and get them to pay you what they owe. However given that they are dragging their heels in it's unlikely that they will or will try and pay less than what you've agreed.

2) Demand that they return your items via a tracked delivery service

3) Threaten to take them to the small claims court and be prepared to do so if they don't comply. Save all correspondence and of course your proof of delivery.
 
wba1990 said:
Wish I'd read this a few days ago, sent my phone to them on Wednesday, I'm already dubious as they advertise you get the money the same day they get the device, they got it yesterday and I've had nothing back no money or even an email confirming they have my phone
Click to expand...

I'm sorry to hear that. Do post again if you do get paid.

It's possible I've just been unlucky for some reason. But when I saw all the posts on TrustPilot I started getting very nervous.
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Shanghaichica said:
Did you use a tracked delivery service to send the items?

I think you have a few options:

1) Try and get them to pay you what they owe. However given that they are dragging their heels in it's unlikely that they will or will try and pay less than what you've agreed.

2) Demand that they return your items via a tracked delivery service

3) Threaten to take them to the small claims court and be prepared to do so if they don't comply. Save all correspondence and of course your proof of delivery.
Click to expand...

I've looked into the small claims court option. There are steps you have to take first before you can use it. I'm going to wait till Monday to see if my most recent complaint is actioned.

I'm also contacting Trading Standards in the hope that other people won't get ripped off.
 
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Probably a bit "after the horse has bolted", but in the UK, I have had excellent service from Mazuma Mobile (https://www.mazumamobile.com) with recycling my old iOS devices.

I've sent them four iPhones and an iPad, service has been nothing short of excellent, and the promised monies, without issue, have been sent straight to my bank within a couple of days.

Very fair prices too.
 
profmatt said:
I'm sorry to hear that. Do post again if you do get paid.

It's possible I've just been unlucky for some reason. But when I saw all the posts on TrustPilot I started getting very nervous.
[doublepost=1490960700][/doublepost]

I've looked into the small claims court option. There are steps you have to take first before you can use it. I'm going to wait till Monday to see if my most recent complaint is actioned.

I'm also contacting Trading Standards in the hope that other people won't get ripped off.
Click to expand...

Just send them a "letter before action" (make sure it's clear that's what it is), stating that you want full payment of the original amount quoted or return of the devices in the original condition they were in within 14 days, or you'll proceed to file a claim in small claims court against them. If you send the letter today it'll get there Monday.

Send it via recorded delivery, and make sure you keep the receipt.

For most companies, that's normally enough.

This is their company info (and registered address): https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/08321525

Once it's done, might be worth reporting them to companies house. Their "accountants" are based at the same residential address as them - which stinks of fraudulent activity!
 
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Absolutely NONE of these places will offer you "excellent condition" quotes, lol. If they do, it was probably a mistake on their end.

Also, I HAVE used sites like this in the past, MACMEANOFFER.com is legit and has ALWAYS paid their quoted price to me. I have sold them a 2012 Mac mini, 2013 iMac 27" and a few iPads and will be using them again when I exchange my 2015 iMac and iPad Mini4.
 
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Newtons Apple said:
I do not think you have to wonder too long about what is going on, they are scamming people.

Sorry you got involved with these people.
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Pretty much, or they're waiting to sell it in order to pay you.
Like many of those online buy back programs they promise you one price and then give you another once they receive your item. Usual Bait and switch approach.
And then if you dont accept their lower price good luck getting it back and chasing them around. Once they have your device they got you and the game starts.
 
Ive sold multiple iPhones on eBay with no issues. However, I decided to sell on Swappa this year before my luck ran out lol

I also do Craigslist or use the Let Go app and just sell for cash in person. Just takes extra effort dealing with people.
 
profmatt said:
I'm sorry to hear that. Do post again if you do get paid.

It's possible I've just been unlucky for some reason. But when I saw all the posts on TrustPilot I started getting very nervous.
[doublepost=1490960700][/doublepost]
Click to expand...
Out of curiosity mate what do it says when you log in and check your trade in and then status?
 
MistrSynistr said:
Absolutely NONE of these places will offer you "excellent condition" quotes, lol. If they do, it was probably a mistake on their end.

Also, I HAVE used sites like this in the past, MACMEANOFFER.com is legit and has ALWAYS paid their quoted price to me. I have sold them a 2012 Mac mini, 2013 iMac 27" and a few iPads and will be using them again when I exchange my 2015 iMac and iPad Mini4.
Click to expand...
I've used Gazelle and was quoted excellent offer prices. Once tested they accepted and paid the excellent condition quote.
 
Buybackworld also offers decent payback. I was offered $100 more than what gazelle offered for my 7. In fact, their average condition offer was $60 more than gazelle's excellent condition offer.
 
wba1990 said:
I emailed them today so will see what their response is!
Click to expand...

Not the way to go: they apparently ignore e-mails. You need to call them. Also, I trashed them on TrustPilot. They seem to monitor that all the time and respond when people post there. Make sure you include your real name or your order number.
 
Read the reviews on trust pilot, the positive ones are extremely fake.

Laughable fake, spelling errors, incomplete sentences on every single one. No photos, only 1 review per account. Hope that company shuts down.
 
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