I've heard of this lately, but this is the first one I've personally come across. The scam is, they insist you cannot see the car, but they will deliver to you at a very cheap price and you can "return" it. Gotta sell quick. They insist you use a method called "Amazon payments" to protect you both as a third party. Usually there's some story of why they are out of the country.

An obvious scam, but a slightly different method. Thought I'd post this so people are awake.

This try was a little better than most with decent English and the military story. Too bad they describe the car as having "ice cold AC"... but the car in the pictures has no air conditioning!!!

------------------------------------
Email today:

Hello,

This 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe runs and drives excellent. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained, hasn't been involved in any accident and has a clear title. Everything works in the vehicle: lights, gauges, radio, seats, windows, locks, a/c blows ice cold, etc... It has no leaks, drips and does not smoke at all. Has no electrical or mechanical problems, damages, dings, scratches or hidden defects.

I bought it when I was serving in Fort Lawton, WA U.S. Army base and now I am deployed in London, UK. The vehicle will be delivered from Washington, US. I have dropped my price to $42,700 (purchase price) that includes delivery and handling to your address since this is an Urgent Sale! I need to sell it before September 09th, when I will be deployed in Afghanistan with my platoon replacing the troops scheduled to come home.

I have setup this sale with Amazon Payments so this deal must go through them. The transaction will be managed by Amazon Payments for our own protection as they act as a neutral third part, which means that you will have a 5 days inspection period (starting from the moment when you get it) before committing to buy the vehicle. If the vehicle is not in same condition as I said, you will ship it back on my expense and Amazon Payments will send you a full refund. But I assure you won't be the case.

If you're interested to conclude this purchase in a timely manner email me your Full Name and Shipping Address to open a case with Amazon Payments. They will contact you to explain the entire procedure without any obligation to buy it or fees.

I don't want to offend you, but the vehicle is priced for a fast sale so if you intend to apply for a loan or financing please do not reply to this message.

Hope to hear from you soon!

E-9 Thelma Lord

P.S.: I have made a photo bucket album for vehicle

 

sounds ligit to me

 

I looked and there actually is such a thing as Amazon Payments, but I am pretty sure that you don't wait for someone to contact you. Do people actually fall for this stuff?

 

Except Ft Lawton, Wa. closed 2 years ago.

 

Ask him to verify the condition of the muffler bearings; that usually DOES it!

 

Every.

Day.

 

Just read the For Sale section on this forum. About three folks (forum members) got zapped for several thousand dollars ($8,700 in one case) when they jumped on a '65 project car sight unseen. The same car pics have been showing up for about three years in various geographic locations and auction sites, what-have-you. Its pure, tax free profit and you only need a few 'takers' a month to make a nice living...

 

An E-9 wouldn't lie…… would they?


Russ

 

And how many E-9 First Sergeants do you know that are named "Thelma"?

 

Maybe she meant: "error, Right Fielder."

 

Last spring when I was looking for a 66-67 I contacted a seller on one of the major web sites. We discussed the car for a while, car was in Florida and she was in Texas, when I finaly asked to see it, I was told the car was sold earlier that day, However her cousin had a 67 in Vancouver, BC. Funny pictures showed the car with Palm trees in the background. She said I could pay the shipment and if I didn't like the car I could ship it back. Payment for shipping was to be through Amazon. I called Amazon - they told me they do not deal with automabiles and it was a scam. So beware

 

Nope. I got out last year, and that would get you laughed it, E-9 or not.

Nobody in their right mind would sign an email with their rank unless it was a .mil email address anyway.

 

Perhaps that's just his "after hours" name.


Russ

 

There are quite a few female E-9s and even *gasp* generals nowadays.

Two of my five wing commanders (O-6/O-7) were women...one was supremely competent and is now a 3-star and #2 in command of Air Combat Command (SAC+TAC).

 

Now that was funny.

 

You will be delighted to know that the recently deployed 'E-9 Thelma Lord' is also selling a '62 Austin Healey at a very low price. Her description of the car is identical to the one shown here, despite the fact that Healey roadsters don't have a/c and the 'working seats' are completely mechanical.

Amazon Payments advises that they have no 5 day inspection period and have no idea what poor deployed Thelma is talking about. In fact the same car - identical photos - is also advertised (both on carsforsale,com) by one Kevin L, except that he is in Milwaukee, says it's a '61 and wants $2000 less money.

I may call a friend on the US Attorney's staff to see if he would like an A-H or Corvette; surely there's an FBI agent who could respond to Thelma.

Thanks again; it was great to see the identical response letter.