A Gumtree user was stunned when they came across someone selling a child on the site over the weekend.
Listed around 9pm on Saturday night the advert had numerous bullet points reading –
‘Kid for sale fitty bucks.
‘Can deliver/drop off.
‘Or pick up.
‘Gender male.
‘Identifies as a three meter flatty (fish)’
According to NT News the post also listed an exact pick-up address, which they chose not to publish for privacy reasons.
Under “outdoor toys” category the section consists of sellers advertising swing sets and other play equipment.
The shopper who spotted the ad told NT News ‘You find all sorts of quirky things but I wasn’t expecting to find a boy for sale.’
Clearly violating Gumtree Australia’s terms of service which outlines ‘we do not accept ads selling body parts/bodily fluids, adoption or surrogacy anywhere on the site’.
Gumtree Australia told 7NEWS.com.au that these posts are not tolerated on the platform.
‘We rely on our users’ feedback to keep the platform safe and we do not tolerate these types of adverts on Gumtree. We have a variety of measures in place to ensure they do not make it on to the platform and work closely with law enforcement agencies to share information.We strongly encourage our engaged community to report any concerning listings believed to be unlawful in any way,’ Gumtree said in their statement.
The post has since been removed.