http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/pts/1862014563.html

 

If you have to ask, assume it's a scam. Always trust your gut instinct.

 

Yes. I've flagged it a few times in various regions the past few months. Pops back up in a new spot.

 

It was removed already.

 

It's BACK



http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/col/pts/1861882533.html

 

What's the scam? Does he want to send you a check to deposit and send him a part of it back?

 

Anytime you see a car like that for that cheap, they usually want you to send them a deposit or full amount and when you send the shipping company after it, the address doesn't exist. Then their free ISP suddenly disappears.

A friend went through this with a $5K '69 Camaro. He kept insisting to look at the car and the guy kept telling him "No".

 

Unfair to call it a "scam" as the ad sits now (not knowing the history of the ads like you guys do), not to say if you write to the person and they then hit you with all the "scam" possibilities. But, as the ad is now posted nothing says scam other than the low price being the suspicious thing about it, and that doesn't necessarily indicate a scam either, maybe someone down on their luck and needs to unload a car.............

 

Red flags usually go up for me when there is no phone number.

 

first thing, those pictures were NOT taken in fort myers.

 

I use to think that as well, however, recently adopted a more conservative craigslist "Modus Operandi".

Now whenever I post to CL, I ask interested parties to send me an email through CL. From there, I use my 2ndary email address and the potential buyer to send me their phone number. If they sound legitimate, and I'm selling a small item, I set a public meeting place, like a nearby shopping center, Lowes, gas station, or police station parking lot to complete the transaction. This is a good thing for both parties. When you sell a large item and have potential buyers come to the house, it is best to have "your people there with you" and a contigency plan.

I've had a scammer's contact me (by email) with bad grammer and an "unwarranted sense of urgency" in their emails. Also had the check/MO offer in excess of asking price with a request for refund. Even had a disgruntled CL user who was unhappy that someone purchased the item before him. He/his girlfriend left numerous msgs with foul language on my cell.

I have met many very nice people through CL. Unfortunately, it only takes one to ruin your day. My tip is to take some time and setup a safe transaction than having to wish you had.

 

The same ad was posted in Minneapolis in July.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...861957936.html

 

Haha...here is the reply I got back from this bozo...supposedly a lady doctor which I assume the only thing she practices is reaming your backside out.

Here it is:

First of all I would like to thank you for your interest in my car.
I am forced to sell it at such low price due to a recent divorce that I went through and current harsh economy.
After the divorce I had to buy a new house and now I am struggling making the mortgage payments .
This car is in excellent working condition, with no scratches, flaws or any kind of damages. The car comes with a clear title in my name .
The VIN is 194679S234123 and you can check it . The car has 25698 miles.
From the beginning I want to let you know that for the payment I would only accept a secure pay method. I would prefer the payment to be done through eBay
because I am affiliated with eBay and I have a purchase protection account.
The final price that I want for this car is $8800 and I will pay for the shipping costs.
If you are still interested in buying the car I would need your full name and address so I can initiate the transaction through eBay.
I look forword to hearing from you.
To see more pictures follow this link: http://s894.photobucket.com/albums/ac145/usdoctor/

Dr. Lucy Anderson

I sent her/him a reply with a bogus name and address to see what she/he does now.

 

check that vin? i believe that all 69s had a 7 as the first digit after the S
there is also no dr lucy anderson in fort myers. intersesting isn't it?

 

I got the same response as above.

 

But, but...she's affiliated with eBay and she has a "buyer protection plan" with them, doesn't that make it safe to buy from her???

And maybe she's a "new doctor" that just came to town?

 

Yup, I got the same response from Dr. Lucy locally about a late '70s Trans Am, except there her husband had died unexpectedly - poor woman, a divorce and a death in such a short period of time!

Funny thing here was, the T/A was a bit below market, but was by no means a steal, so I guess the scammers are getting harder to detect?

 

Here is her next email. I had sent an email back saying I was in Ft Myers and when could I see the car.

The car is already at the shipping company in Castle Rock, CO ready for shipping.
I have a contract with eBay so this deal must go through eBay Vehicle Protection Program.
I'm very busy with my job and I'm out of town ( i am in The Navy Medical Service Corps , deployed in Afghanistan now ) so I can't meet you in person , this is the reason why I chose to sell my car on the Internet. According with the eBay you have 5 days after you receive the car to inspect it and decide if you want to keep it or not.
Here is how it will work:
1.First of all I will need the following details from you:
- Full Name
- Full Shipping Address
2. After I will receive the details from you, I will forward them to eBay.
3. After they will process your info, they will send us both invoices. You will receive the invoice with the details on how to make a refundable payment.
4. eBay will contact me and I will ship the car to you. After you receive the car you will have 5 days to test, verify and do whatever you need to the car. If you will decide to buy, then I will get money from ebay .
5. If you will decide that you do not buy the car, eBay will refund your payment and I will contact shipping company to pick up my car from your address . If you wish to make the transaction, please send me the necessary info so that we can proceed. I look forward to hearing from you .

Thank you

EDIT- notice any difference in grammar ?

 

Wait a minute Roger, I was first in line to buy this car.

Soooooo, now the car has moved to CO. That's convenient for me since I'm in Kansas. I'll pull her chain a bit and tell her I'll come pick it up since it's so close to me now.

The sad thing is, there are people out there that will fall for this and send the money.

until the next episode....

 

You forgot the most important part-take a gun.
Here in our area, it has become popular to advertise say a big screen tv cheap, and when the buyer comes to the address, usually one just randomly picked, the buyer is robbed. Even meeting at Lowes,etc. people get robbed. Really gets kind of creepy at times buying on CL.
Most of the car scams want you to pay in advance, using Ebay escrow, which will hold the money until you are happy. Always a fake website, not an escrow account, your money is gone instantly and untraceable. They even will offer free shipping. I looked at a jeep for the daughter, and the woman pretended to be in the military in Alaska. Told me the Army would let her ship the jeep free on their planes to an airport near me. (Military does not ship any private vehicles, period.) Total scam. .Jeep then popped up in a different area..and yes, her grammar and spelling sucked. But she just was a Sargent...lol