craigslist scam on truck

Replied to Add below. Information sent back seemed a bit odd. the seller wanted to ship vehicle and use third party for payment, yet didnt say any useful information about either. Seller said he was deploying asap and really needed to get rid of truck. Since I was already a bit wary I googled his squadron in the airforce to check the deployment. the sites that came up proved to me that his seller was a scammer!!!!  there were other sales e-mails that were worded exactly as mine. but for a diferent vehicle.
BEWARE: 57th MXS/MXMD PMEL JOURNEYMAN

the following is the craigslist add i responded to and the subsequent e-mails:

1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LS 4×4 Pickup – $4600 ( hit.deniss@gmail.com
Date: 2010-03-19, 2:45PM EDT
Reply to: see below
If you want more pics with my car please contact me email : hit.deniss@gmail.com

This Chevrolet Silverado is looking like new, never been involved in any accident not damages, and is not under leasing or bank liabilities. It has a clean title, engine runs smoothly, great condition and well maintained. Currently the car has 79,088 miles on it. The body is super straight and exceptionally clean. The chrome bumpers are straight and clean.Powered by a strong, smooth running 5.3 liter vortec V8, paired to an automatic overdrive transmission that shifts effortlessly. The truck is four wheel drive equipped and all componants are fully functional.
PRICE IS FIRM, NO OFFERS, TRADES OR NEGOTIATIONS!

If you want more pics with my car please contact me email

From me to him:
I am seriously interested in buying your truck and am wondering where you are located. I am in XXXXXXX and am willing to come and look. Please contact me either through e-mail or phone # XXXXXX. ask for XXXX.
Thank you
XZXZXZXZ

His reply:
Hello and thank you for your interest in buying my car.
The 1999 Chevrolet Silverado with 79,088 miles runs and drives excellent. This car has been extremely well maintained. It is slightly used in 100% working and looking condition, very well maintained with a clean and clear title.

I have dropped my price to 3,550 (purchase price) since this is an urgent sale and I need to sell it fast. Soon I will be deployed in Kuwait with my platoon replacing the troops scheduled to come home.
To conclude this deal in a timely and safe manner, the financial part will be managed by a third party mediator. You will have 7 days inspection period before committing to buy the vehicle. In this way both, buyer and seller, are 100% covered in this transaction.
Please email me soon if you want to move forward and let me know if you need anything else.
Best Regards !

My next e-mail:
yes! we are definitely interested in the truck, but need to know where it is at to have a look. Also, we are able to complete the transaction in a timely fashion which would give you one less worry as you prepare to leave.

His reply:
Hello again,
At the moment I’m stationed at Nellis Air Force Base making final preparations before deploying to Kuwait. The vehicle is already at the shipping company in Atlanta, Georgia, crated and ready to go. I had another customer who said it will buy and after I made all the necessary arrangements in advance and paid for all shipping & handling fees, changed his mind because he didn’t have all the money. This is why I need to ship it since all transportation charges have already been paid by me. Shipping may take anywhere maximum 5 business days depending on the destination. You will receive all documents with the vehicle.
For payment, I suggest using the security provided by a 3rd party which will hold the funds until you receive and inspect the vehicle. In my opinion this is the safest way to handle the transaction. You will have the car for inspection and test drive BEFORE any money is released to me.

I presume you are not familiar with third party transactions, so I briefly described the transaction steps below:
1. Buyer, seller reach an agreement (price and delivery conditions)
2. Buyer sends money to Company Agent.
3. Company confirms to seller that the amount has been received and secured.
4. Seller performs the required services (delivery, insurance).
5. Buyer accepts delivery and informs Company about the acceptance.
6. Company releases the money to seller.
So, this is not a blind transaction, you can see the vehicle before committing to buy and to eliminate any concerns you will have 7 days to inspect it. If you reject it the company will refund you the money, no questions asked, and shipping back will be my concern. I think this is more than fair for both of us.
I’ll start the official procedure, and Msn will contact you about this. If you are interested in buying it just mail me back with:
- Your Full Name and – Required by Msn (You’ll receive important guidelines + instructions from them.)
- Your Shipping Address and Phone Number – Required by the Shipping company (They will call you with delivery/pickup instructions 1 day ahead so you can communicate what time works best for you to receive the vehicle)
Again I want to point out that because I am going to Kuwait this sale is my top priority and I am after a fast transaction, with no delays. That is why I decided to lower the price, to avoid wasting time with negotiations and find a buyer as soon as possible.

After these e-mails i researched a bit and wond up on fight the scam!!

Please be wary of this seller! He states his price is firm then lowers it without prompting????  also he is selling a truck but keeps mentioning a car???? These type of  questions bothered me about the sale.

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com