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

 

Kinda sad that the scammers are using our armed forces as a basis of a scam. As you said, the English used on this scam is much better than I have sen before. Funny thing is I have never heard of Amazon Payments, I had no idea Amazon was associated with car sales... Is this the same amazon that sells books and movies?

 

We had a very similar scam "opportunity" when we were looking for our Z06:

http://lxm1207.blogspot.com/2011/02/...corvettes.html

Very similar, but using "Google Payments" versus Amazon. It was a little iffy already. But when the "seller's" email immediately went to extolling the terms of payment and the "return" option, vs. starting to discuss those first obvious questions about the car, it's condition, where it could be seen, and so forth, that nailed it as a scam.

 

I thought the news said the troops were coming home.

 

Just long enough to sell their cars.

 

I came across a similar scam in Craigslist. I saw a used Bobcat for sale a couple towns over from me, so I sent an email that I wanted to check it out. The guy told me I couldn't because it was in Michigan. He said buy it and I'll ship it for free and if you don't like it, ship it back and I'll refund you 100%. Yeah, right! I told him that I wasn't buying anything without seeing it first.

 

Hi vb,
Yes the writing does seem pretty gramatically correct so you might think this is an English speaking person.
For me the giveaway that it wasn't, was... "If you're interested to conclude this purchase".
It seems people, for whom English is a second language, often confuse when to use 'in' or 'to'', and also when to put 'ing' on the end of a word.
Regards,
Alan

Might there be a Split-Window in your future?

 

Yes, I'm actively shopping for a split window and kinda ready to write a check, but the right car seems to continue to elude me. You can't force these things but I've had some unsuccessful attempts and wasted plane tickets this summer.

You are right about the language... in my LEO job I've found the majority of financial crime scams run by those with trouble putting together conversational English, but they still reel in some unsuspecting fish anyway.

I couldn't help myself- I answered the email and asked how the cold air is working so well with no air conditioning unit in the photos.

 

It woud be intersting to see what they say. Once I had a scammer text me bout a car I was selling, and the easiest way to figure out if they are a scammer or not is to ask THEM questions about the car. For example I asked him what color my car was, and he just replied with the title of my Caigslist post. Also when they ask if they can pay for the car though paypal I tell them there is a $1 million dollar feefor using paypal, and most agree it is actually kind of funny!

 

You mean you aren't going to start a WTB Friday Night Special '63 SWC thread?

By the way did you attend the National Convention? Great '63 eye candy.

 

Be nice!!! (I'm keeping my shopping to myself for the most part)

Couldnt make it, not getting to Carlisle this year either.

I am headed for Monterey for the Pebble Beach and Concourso shows and the auctions this weekend though. Doubt I bring anything home.

 

According to Wikipedia: "Fort Lawton was a United States Army post located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. A large majority, 534 acres of Fort Lawton, was given to the City of Seattle and dedicated as Discovery Park (Seattle) in 1973."

So this guy is still serving in the US Army after more than 40 years after Fort Lawton shut down? Yea Right!

 

It wasn't completely shut down; it actually closed down 2 years ago:

NEW September 2012 Update

Status of the property
The status of the Fort Lawton Army Reserve Base property remains the same as last fall: as of Sept. 16, 2011, the Army has vacated the base, leaving it in caretaker status until a decision is made on transfer of the property. Under “caretaker” status, the Army still owns and maintains the facility (graffiti removal, grounds upkeep, etc.). In addition they are responsible for securing the property. They have secured the buildings against entry and will secure the gates, but will keep the road open (used as access to the neighborhood and by Metro). All inquiries regarding the Fort Lawton property should be directed to Herb Dannenberg, (608) 388-0713 (office) / (608) 556-1180 (Blackberry).

Any decision about the sale of land at Fort Lawton remains in the Army’s hands, as Congress intended. City officials continue to consult with Army officials about the future of this important area.


By the way, "this guy's" name appears to be Thelma.

 

Since when has an E-9, Sergeant Major, been in a platoon?

 

I was going to respond with the same thing. Also rarely see soldiers refer to themselves by the E-grade. in this case (if used at all) would have been CSM or SGM.

Terry

 

Well goodluck! You are certainly living up to your moniker.

 

Same thing happened to be with a 67 Camaro on Auto Trader from what was supposed to be a service man stationed overseas. Was thinking it was too good to be true.

Noticed there was no phone number with the ad (first red flag), and the licence plate was blanked out (red flag number 2).

I contacted the seller, same scam, "it's in storage, waiting to be shipped to a potential buyer", all I had to do was pay for shipping and they would send it across the country to my door...I could decide if I wanted it then or not.

I called him a lying bastard and never heard from him again.

 

HEY!!!!!