2002 Chevy Avalanche
This deal sounded too good to be true when I first found it on Craig’s List. A 2002 Chevy Avalanche, which looked beautiful in the pictures, with a blue book private party value of between 10 and 12 thousand dollars was for sale for 3,680 dollars. So I emailed the seller who strangely enough only had an email address for contact when most others had a phone number. I simply asked him what mileage was on the truck and what kind of gas mileage did the truck get. He replied with this:
“Hi,
Thanks for replying to my ad. I’m in a hurry to find a buyer because I have a family emergency and I need to sell it before May 15th. My name is Matthew. I’m an Air Force Staff Sergeant stationed at the Elmendorf AF Base, Anchorage, Alaska. The truck is here with me.
I am the second owner. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn’t been involved in any accident…I do have the title, clear, under my name.
This 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71 has 71,397 miles. Black with Black Leather interior, automatic, 4 wheel drive, 5.3 Liter, 8 Cylinder Gasoline. Air Conditioning, Sunroof/Moonroof, Cruise Control, Alloy Wheels, Tinted Windows, Power Steering, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Drivers Seat, Tilt Steering Wheel, Tow Package, Heated Mirrors.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $3,680. If you want to buy this truck I will take care of shipping. Shipping will be door to door, to your home address. So if you need further information please get back to me as soon as possible.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Hulsman”
Right off the bat this reeked of scam. I couldn’t understand why he was in Alaska posting in the local search on Craig’s List for the Atlanta area. It also felt a little eerie that he gave me such a long reply and didn’t even answer one of my questions when I simply asked him two things. The whole “family emergency” bit seemed a bit too melodramatic to be genuine, but I baited him further with my reply trying to see if this was really a scam. So I replied:
“Matthew,
Everything sounds good. The only issue I have is the distance and location. I live just outside of Atlanta, GA. I hear these horror stories all the time of people getting ripped off or robbed through Craig’s list. Because of this I want to see the truck before I buy it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m interested in the truck. It sounds great. I just would like to see it in person.
Is there a halfway point between here and Alaska we could meet at in person? Perhaps if it all checked out, I could buy it from you there and drive it back myself saving you the hassle of having to ship it.
Let me know what your feelings on this are.
thanks”
His reply almost alleviated all my worries.
“Hi again,
Here you can find more pictures of the truck: http://s838.photobucket.com/albums/zz310/chevy_pics/
As I’ve told you, at this moment I am in Alaska in a military base. I do a special training program each day and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I want. The reason I’m selling this vehicle way below market value, is because I would like to help ease the burden of my sisters medical expenses, which she has acquired do to a serious illness. The shipping will take 3 to 5 days and it’s not a problem because I will have the truck shipped by an Air Force cargo plane so there won’t be any additional shipping costs. Also I will arrange for a truck to transport the vehicle to your home address. You will receive it along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, 2 set of keys, full service records and more. Because it is a large transaction, we will complete the deal only using an authorized third part like eBay because I already prearranged the whole process with them, using their Vehicle Purchase Protection Program. The truck is located in their warehouse in Anchorage (ready for delivery). The money must be sent first to an eBay agent and will be kept safe until the buyer receives and inspects the vehicle. I will offer a 5-day period to inspect the truck from the moment you receive it (and the option to accept or reject the vehicle on my expense), before I’ll have your money. I think this is more than fair for both of us.
If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info to eBay and they will notify you about our deal.
Regards
Matthew”
I decided to google this ebay VPP plan found this site. Thanks to this and other sites not too mention what ebay itself says about their plan I didn’t fall for this scam. Just for further assurance I put in a call after receiving the last email to my cousin who really is in the air force and asked if a SSgt. could ship something via a cargo plane and she assured me they couldn’t. Her husband who is also in the Air Force agreed with her. That could never happen.
Thanks for the heads up. Buy locally! Don’t ship or wire anything!
Scam reported at FightTheScams.com
justlookin4atruck says:
his name is Matthew Hulsman. Email is matthew_hulsman@gmx.com
DON’T BUY FROM THIS SCAMMER
April 10th, 2010 at 11:02 am
afmedic says:
I’m married to the real Matthew Hulsman…I can vouch that this post is definitely NOT valid! He’s not selling anything on the internet. I think it’s funny the scammer actually said that he could ship the vehicle via cargo plane…HAHAHA…that made me laugh. I can guarantee the AF will NOT ship someone’s personal vehicle. Good catch on this one. My husband is a good man and would not scam anyone. This person must have got his info from the award he received in the AF that is all over the internet. Sorry you’ve encountered such a untrustworthy person and unfortunately they are using the name of someone with great integrity.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
cto1127 says:
While rolling through Craigslist here in Chicago, I found a great deal on a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The listing stated to contact brianhalle7@aol.com for more information. So I did and continued my Craigslist search. I was quite surprized to find the same exact ad posted the day prior by a
matthewhulsman@aol.com. Brian Halle did respond back with the same story about being stationed in Anchorage Alaska.
Another name to add to the list.
May 18th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
SME40 says:
Here is another version of the same thing:
From: michael.hh50@googlemail.com [mailto: michael.hh50@googlemail.com ] On Behalf Of Halle, Brian TSG Elmendorf AFB
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 12:09 AM
Subject: Re: 2002 Avalanche
Hi,
Thanks for replying to my ad. I’m in a hurry to find a buyer because I have a family emergency and I need to sell it before June 15th. My name is Brian. I’m an Air Force Technical Sergeant stationed at the Elmendorf AF Base, Anchorage, Alaska. The truck is here with me.
It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn’t been involved in any accident…I do have the title, clear, under my name.
This 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche K1500 has 72,297 miles. Blue with Charcoal interior, automatic, 4 wheel drive, 5.3 Liter, 8 Cylinder Gasoline. Air Conditioning, Sunroof/Moonroof, Cruise Control, Alloy Wheels, Tinted Windows, Power Steering, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Drivers Seat, Tilt Steering Wheel, Tow Package, Heated Mirrors.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $3,595. If you want to buy this truck I will take care of shipping. Shipping will be door to door, to your home address. So if you need further information please get back to me as soon as possible.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Tech. Sgt. Brian Halle
May 24th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
aprildawnhyman says:
HE IS STILL TRYING TO SCAM EVERYONE!!!!!!! He sent me almost the exact same email! He changed his name to Mark Pastor with the AF!
May 26th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
brihes says:
He is still at it 6\4\10. Thanks to this web site everything makes a lot more sense. I was trying to figure out why someone would be selling a truck for so little and yet putting so much work into it. Here is the email I recieved…
Hi,
Thanks for replying to my ad. I’m in a hurry to find a buyer because I have a family emergency and I need to sell it before June 30. My name is Brian. I’m an Air Force Technical Sergeant stationed at the Elmendorf AF Base, Anchorage, Alaska. The truck is here with me.
I’m the original owner. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn’t been involved in any accident…I do have the title, clear, under my name.
This 2002 Toyota Tundra Access Cab SR5 has 72,480 miles (low miles for this year model), City: 14 MPG – 16 MPG, Highway: 17 MPG – 19 MPG, White with Beige interior, 4 Doors, Automatic, 4 Wheel Drive, 8 Cylinder Gasoline. Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Driver Air Bag, Passenger Air Bag, Alloy Wheels, CD Player, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Windows, Power Steering, Tinted Glass, Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel, Anti-Lock Brakes.
Here you can find more pictures of the truck: http://s747.photobucket.com/home/tundra_picss/index
(if the above link does not work copy and paste it into a new web browser window).
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $3,475. If you want to buy this truck I will take care of shipping. Shipping will be door to door, to your home address and I will offer 5 days to inspect the truck from the moment you receive it, before I’ll have your money. So if you need further information please get back to me as soon as possible.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Tech. Sgt. Brian Halle
June 5th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
brihes says:
I wish there was something I could do to stop this guy. He responded to my last email…
Hi again,
It is rust free, salt free and has a clean undercarriage. As I’ve told you, at this moment I am in Alaska in a military base. I do a special training program each day and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or call whenever I want. The reason I’m selling this vehicle way below market value, is because I would like to help ease the burden of my sisters medical expenses, which she has acquired do to a serious illness.
The shipping will take 3 to 5 days and it’s not a problem because I will have the truck shipped by an Air Force cargo plane so there won’t be any additional shipping costs. Also I will arrange for a truck to transport the vehicle to your home address. You will receive it along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, 2 set of keys, full service records and more. Because it is a large transaction, we will complete the deal only using an authorized third part like eBay because I already prearranged the whole process with them. The truck is located in their warehouse in Anchorage (ready for delivery). The money must be sent first to an eBay agent and will be kept safe until the buyer receives and inspects the vehicle. I will offer a 5-day period to inspect the truck from the moment you receive it (and the option to accept or reject the vehicle on my expense), before I’ll have your money. I think this is more than fair for both of us.
If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info to eBay and they will notify you about our deal.
Regards
Brian
On Sat, Jun 5, 2010 at 9:01 PM, Brian Hes wrote:
I was on craigslist and didnt see your post. Are you still selling your truck?
Brian
June 5th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
notruckbutluckyguy says:
My gosh, same crap different vehicle different gender… but same CRAP!
that guy just about got my wife and I… but we decided to look around more and investigate. I started to look at other cars, I e-mailed a different person and the same person responded… How do ppl get away with this!?
July 14th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Marama says:
WOW!!
THank You for posting it.
This is what I received after emailing them asking for a perfect vehicule posted on craigslist (I removed my email address).
Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 22:51:12 +0100
Subject: Re: Silver Chevrolet
From: margaret1999c@aol.com
To: xxxx@hotmail.com
Hi,
Thanks for replying to my ad. I’m in a hurry to find a buyer because I have a family emergency and I need to sell it before February 28th. My name is Margaret. I’m an Air Force Master Sergeant stationed at the Elmendorf AF Base, Anchorage, Alaska. The vehicle is here with me.
I’m the original owner. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn’t been involved in any accident…I do have the title, clear, under my name. Non-smoker. It is rust free, salt free and has a clean undercarriage.
This 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT has 82,320 miles, Silver with Beige Leather Interior, Automatic 4SPD, 4 wheel drive, 5.3L V8. 3rd Row Seats, Air Conditioning, Driver Air Bag, Passenger Air Bag, Alarm System, Alloy Wheels, AM/FM, Anti-Lock Brakes, Automatic Climate Control, Cassette, CD Player, Cruise Control, Rear Window Defroster, Heated Seats, Tow Package, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Windows, Power Steering, Power Seats, Tinted Glass, Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel, Traction Control and more…
Here you can find more pictures of the SUV: http://s1218.photobucket.com/home/tah_pics/index
(if the above link does not work copy and paste it into a new web browser window).
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $2,970. If you want to buy this SUV I will take care of shipping. Shipping will be door to door, to your home address and I will offer 5 days to inspect the vehicle from the moment you receive it (and the option to accept or reject it on my expense), before I’ll have your money. So if you need further information please get back to me as soon as possible.
I look forward to hearing from you.
MSgt. Margaret Cooper
February 17th, 2011 at 8:13 pm
ndbostick says:
Here’s another!!!! Different vehicle…same story in Arizona. I decided to bait too to see how far it would go. I asked for the VIN # so that my father, who is an officer can check it out…I have a feeling, I won’t be getting the information:
SSgt. Williams,
Wow….it’s a beauty! I have to take this info to my dad tonight (unfortunately, he is old school & doesn’t TXT message, txt pics, etc.). How would the $$ situation work out….do I put a dep or pay through paypal? And, once the plane lands, how would the truck get to me (I live on the other side of town from the active AFB out here) as well as getting it back there….(if need be). I’m new to this whole thing and with bieng a single mom of two, I am trying to be EXTRA careful….I hope you understand. BTW…is there anyway I could get the VIN #…I am not trying to offend you in any way…again, I am just trying to be careful and I would also like to use it to see what my insurance would change to.
Thanks
From: sw2007w@gmail.com [mailto:sw2007w@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Williams, Michelle SSgt. USAF
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 12:42 PM
To: ndbostick
Subject: Re: FW: SELLING Silver Chevrolet Tahoe Super Clean 4WD Automatic – $2970
Hi,
Thanks for replying to my ad. I’m in a hurry to find a buyer because I have a family emergency and I need to sell it before April 18th. My name is Michelle. I’m an Air Force Staff Sergeant stationed at an AF Base in Anchorage, Alaska. The SUV is here with me.
I’m the original owner. This 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT has 87,873 miles, Silver with Beige Leather Interior, Automatic 4SPD, 4 wheel drive, 5.3L V8. 3rd Row Seat, Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Heated Seats, Tow Package, Traction Control and more… It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained… The title is clear without any accidents, liens or loans. Non-smoker. It is rust free, salt free and has a clean undercarriage.
Here you can find more pictures of the SUV: http://s1101.photobucket.com/home/taho_pictures/index
(if the above link does not work copy and paste it into a new web browser window).
The price is $2,970. If you want to buy this SUV I will take care of the delivery to your door (with an AF cargo plane) and I will offer 5 days to inspect the vehicle and take it to your machanic from the moment you receive it (and the option to accept or reject it), before I’ll have your money. So if you need further information please get back to me as soon as possible.
I look forward to hearing from you.
SSgt. Michelle Williams
On Tue, Apr 12, 2011 at 8:44 PM, ndbostick wrote:
Hello, I am contacting you regarding the Tahoe you have listed on
Craigslist. Is it still available? Where is it? Why are you selling it
for so little? Why in your ad you state the mileage is 87K but when the
ad get emailed out of Craigslist, does the mileage show 105K. Forgive me
for asking so many questions but, I’m sure you realize that it sounds
too good to be true. Please e-mail me back all of the pertinent
info….i.e. list of options and if it has been in any accidents.
April 12th, 2011 at 4:11 pm