Fight The Scams

I was searching for a car and came acrossed a deal too good to be true! Here are the emails between the two of us.

Hi again,

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

Along with the other army scams, I thought we could add this one to the list. I thought the price was too good to be true, turns out it was. I reported it to craigslist, but wanted to post it here because I don’t want anyone to get scammed. Thank you so much for this website, I found the exact same email he sent me posted on here, for a different car and under a different name. Trying to use the Ebay Protection Plan. UGH!

Oh and my roommate is a total computer geek, and she was able to find his IP address, he’s located in California.
Here’s the post on CL: http://terrehaute.craigslist.org/tid/2827160551.html (I flagged it for removal)

Here’s the photobucket: http://s1159.photobucket.com/albums/p634/aldo_2345600/

And here’s a copy of the emails.

“Hi there,

The 2002 Ford Mustang Sport it is in perfect condition, there’s not a scratch or any dents on it. Everything from engine to tires is mint condition. I have a clear title with no liens or loans. I’m selling it low as my medical team will deploy back to Afghanistan on February 15 th for a 2 year contract and I won’t let it go to waste in my backyard, therefore I need a fast and reliable buyer. If you decide to buy it I will be paying for the shipping charges. The total price is $2.435 with no other hidden taxes. Please email me back if you are interested in buying it.

A few words about the car:
2002 Ford Mustang Sport
Mileage: 92,000
Price: $2.435
Body Style: Coupe
Exterior Color: Blue
Interior Color: Beige
VIN: 1FAFP42X42F236986
Fuel: Gasoline
Engine: 8 Cylinders
Transmission: Automatic
Drive Type :RWD

- Pics available at: http://s1159.photobucket.com/albums/p634/aldo_2345600/

Best Regards,
Senior Medic Sgt. 1st Class Harry Stewart ”

And this is the one that raised the BIG Red flag for me:
“Right now I’m in a military base of Alabama National Guard. Due to military security reasons I’m restricted from leaving the unit’s facility under any purpose and have strictly limited phone access. I hope you can understand that we will have to stick to email for now. The vehicle is here with me at the base but I’ve already made all the arrangements with DAS to pick it up from the base. DAS will also handle the title transfer for an extra $75.00. I think the car will be in 3-5 days to your address. As I said in my first email will take care of shipping charges. I will send all necessary paperwork (clear title, bill of sale, user’s manual, pink slip etc). Regarding the payment I want to use eBay protection program. You’ll get 5 days to inspect and test drive after delivery. During that 5 days testing period I will not be getting any money. Once you inspect and decide to keep the car, will confirm your decision with eBay and only then they will re-route me the money. In this way we are both protected.
I need to know if you are interested in buying it so I can ask eBay to send you the details on how this works. I have to fill out a form on eBay and I need the name that will go on the title and an address where you want the car delivered. Once I do it, eBay will email you all the details on this transaction and we can get the ball rolling.”

Thanks to this website, for allowing me to post to help others, and to others for posting and helping me.

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

Craigslist should find a way to filter out dealers and brokers from the private owner section of cars and trucks. In this economy, when looking for a car, nearly every ad is a dealer or broker ad. Fairly easy to detect a dealer or broker ad, just by the language used in the ad, but a time waster for me. I don’t want to buy from a used car dealer, or from someone who has bought a defective car from a dealer or auction. . I want to buy from a “private owner”, as the title intends. It’s not difficult to figure this out, in most cases, what kind of seller you are dealing with. But, it wastes time, and money, for someone who can’t tell the difference. The “Dealer” section is supposed to be for legitimate dealers who have to abide by state and federal laws. When they pose as “private sellers”, all bets are off.

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

I listed a sofa-bed today on Craigslist. I received an email from someone with an email address of lam.aaron11@yahoo.com. They were willing to buy the couch (without seeing it- said it’s for their in-laws) & said they could pay using a cashier’s check. They asked me for my info (name, address, etc). They said once the money cleared, they would make arrangements to have the couch picked up. My gut is telling not to go through it. Has anyone experienced a scam like this before? I have 2 kids & am so not willing to take a chance of being scammed & losing money.  Here’s a copy of the email:

*********************************************************************

Hello,
Thanks for your response, i am really interested in buying your item, because i want to get it for my in-law, am okay with the price , all i want to know is if it’s still in good conditions for use and if you’re willing to accept a personal check or cashier check as a form of payment because that is the only way i can make the payment available for the item. And i wouldn’t want to loose it’s because am using it as surprise package for my in-law…Furthermore, If my form of payment is okay by you, kindly get back with the following information for me to issue the payment to you immediately: Full name… Full address…. City… State… Zip code… Phone number…I’ll want this transaction to be fast so that i can have the item soon, kindly withdraw the advert from C..LIST…I will make arrangements for the pick up as soon as you have your money, I am completely satisfied and the payment will be delivered within 2-3 working days.** I use a hearing impaired phone # and will receive your calls via email or you can text me here +12102361590 *****

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

Beware any emails from @honourablepersons.com !!!

I found this website after googling the honourablepersons.com email.  I recieved the following message which is word for word under another post under the name Lt Robert Thorn, but with the exact same phone #:

Hello again,
Right now I’m located in Aviano, Italy. I’m in the Air Force and i have to stay here for the next 2 years.

This is a family truck. My father was the first owner. It wasn’t used for hard work. Yes, everything is in good condition, the hubs, the brakes, engine.

The reason of selling it, is that the registration of a truck with US standards in an European country will cost me up to $5000 on inspections, modifications and paper work.

I am not so familiar with online sales and I decided to use a service from an business-specialized company, eBay Motors Vehicle Purchase Protection (VPP).
The payment will be completed to eBay Motors. After you receive the truck, inspect it (for 3 days) and register it on your name, eBay will release the payment to me. If, by any reason, you won’t be satisfied with it ( even though I can assure you that it is exactly as described), you can refuse the truck and ask for a full refund of your deposit, no questions asked. You will keep the truck for few days until i will find another buyer in your area, and there will be no need for you to ship the truck back. I think this is more than fair for both of us.

I will handle the shipping. The truck will be shipped via US Air Military Cargo, so i will not pay shipping fees. You will get the truck in 4-5 days.

The deal WILL BE MADE UNDER THE eBay Motors RULES AND POLICIES. Both of us will be protected. I WILL NOT DEAL OUTSIDE EBAY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!!

If you want to move forward, I will need to know your full name, shipping address and phone number. Once I will receive your details, I will forward the details for our transaction to eBay Motors, and after that, they will send us all the intructions of the transaction.

I have my US cell phone with me so if you want to call me, you can find me at +1 650-488-8074

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Lt. Tom Wallace

Posted was an ad for a 97 F250 for $2900

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

Linda Millner lindamillner67@gmail.com

4:58 AM (13 hours ago)

to me

Hello there,

My name is Linda Millner and I am the legal owner of this beautiful and rare 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS LT1 90,200 miles. It has Black exterior.This car has been extremely well maintained, runs and drives excellent. No accident, clear title, free of encumbrances and liens.I bought it when I was serving in Lakewood, CA.

I have dropped my price to $1,400.00 (purchase price) since this is an urgent sale and I need to sell it before I will be deployed in Afghanistan with my platoon replacing the troops scheduled to come home. I have decided to use eBay for this sale. The car is already at our Military Logistic Department form Lakewood, U.S. Army, crated and ready to go.

The Logistic Department will deliver the car to your home. I will offer a 10 days period to inspect the car from the moment you receive it. The shipping will be free for you! I’m currently stationed in London, United Kingdom for about 1 week before I will be deployed to Afghanistan. This is why I must sell it before that.

If you agree with my price $1,400.00 I need your FULL NAME AND ADDRESS for title transfer and shipping process, after I will inform eBay that I have a buyer! I will forward your details to them and then you will receive an invoice (with no further obligations or fees). Like this you’ll be able to talk with them directly and ask all you want to know.

PS: If there are any questions left please don’t hesitate to ask. I can provide you more photos & details if you are interested to buy it.

Thank You,

Lt. Linda Millner

Scam reported at FightTheScams.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 06 February. My name is Samuel. I’m an Air Force Technical Sergeant stationed at an AF Base in Anchorage, Alaska. The truck is here with me.

This 2002 Toyota Tundra SR5 4 Wheel Drive has 79,370 miles on it, Automatic, 4.7L V8, A/C, Cruise Control, Heated Seats, Tow Package, Traction Control and more…It is in immaculate condition. The title is clear without any accidents, liens or loans. It is rust free, salt free and has a clean undercarriage.

Here you can find more pictures of the vehicle: http://s1175.photobucket.com/albums/r624/1972kimmsamuel/

The price is $2,720. If you want to buy this truck I will take care of the delivery to your door (with an AF cargo plane to the nearest AF Base) and I will offer 5 days to inspect the vehicle and take it to your mechanic 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.
Samuel Kimmie Tech Sgt.USAF

I CAN’T REMEMBER IF THIS AD WAS ON CRAIGSLIST OR AUTOTRADER. IVE BEEN ON THEM BOTH.

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

From: Tiffany Parker
To: b*********@yahoo.com
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 6:58 AM
Subject: RE:2004 Toyota Camry XLE

Hi,

The car is in perfect condition, no electric problems, no accidents/liens/loans. No scratches, never been repainted. I have all the car manuals, title,documents. I’m selling this car because my child of only 19 died 4 months ago in a car accident,a drunk driver hit him and his fiancee. He was with his fiance’s car coming to our home at his little brother birthday of 10 years old. The car belonged to my son and it brings me bad memories and that’s the reason I want to sell it. The last price is $2,400. Me and my husband travel a lot with our business and we want to make this deal through eBay’s Buyer Protection Program.I just need your full name,full shipping address, home/cell # so I can open a case.(with no further obligation or fees).eBay will contact you with all the Transaction/shipping details you will need.We will take care of the shipping so don’t worry.

We hope to hear soon from you.
Here are some pictures:

http://www.use.com/39f3a70920c6a187ae38

2004 Toyota Camry XLE

Mileage: 34,866

VIN: 4t1be32k04u365394

Interior color: Silver

Fuel type: Gasoline

Engine: 4 Cylinder 2.4 Liter

Thank you for your interest!

On Fri, Jan 27, 2012 at 6:16 PM, i wrote

I’m Very interested in this car. Where is it located?

Hi again,

Thank you, the car is black and is located in Great Falls MT at DAS ( Dependable Auto Shippers ) headquarters, in the container, sealed and ready for shipping. You will have 10 days so you can inspect the car. Once you have inspected the car and decided to keep it, you will confirm your decision to eBay and only then they will re-route the money in to my account, but if by any reason, you won’t be satisfied with the car you can return it back for a full refund of your money. I will take care of the shipping, don’t worry. You will receive the car with all the necessary papers (clear title, bill of sale, user’s manual, insurance etc).

Just get back with your full name and full shipping address and I will get everything started as soon as possible, then eBay will contact you with further instructions.

Hope to hear soon from you.

Thanks a lot

Tiffany and Dean Parker

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

I have just received the following scam email re ebay
BUYER BEWARE
the seller did not want to use paypal
Dear fenside123 ,

Thank you for your purchase! You are receiving this e-mail because the vehicle you are going to buy over eBay Motors is involved in Vehicle Purchase Protection (VPP) program. The eBay Motors Vehicle Purchase Protection (VPP) program provides protection of up to £ 50,000 against certain losses associated with some types of fraud. You are automatically enrolled in the program at no charge because you complete the purchase of an eligible vehicle on the eBay Motors site. eBay require the payment to be done through bank transfer service to a verified account managed by eBay Inc. eBay reduces the potential risk of fraud by acting as a trusted third party that collects, holds and disburses funds according to Buyer and Seller instructions. eBay recommends this service to make sure buyer’s information is secure and they receive what they pay for. eBay guarantees the legitimacy and the security of this transaction. Please follow our instructions to complete the transaction safely.

Case ID: VPP – 42327693
Status: Payment Pending
Item Title: 2002 SWIFT CONQUEROR 630 LUX
£ 3,500.00

Shipping to*:
the email address from this scammer was
tervitsebay22@gmail.com

——————————————————————————–

*Please check the details for an accurate delivery in order to avoid delays.

——————————————————————————–

Payment must be submitted via bank transfer to eBay Motors representative bank account
assigned for this transaction . eBay Motors will secure the payment until the Buyer receives,
inspects and accepts the vehicle. Or, if it is the case, eBay will refund the payment to the Buyer.

eBay Motors representative Bank account* Payment details

Bank Name: Barclays

Account number: 33954552
Sort code: 20-92-63
Beneficiary Name: Eduard Bakos

Bank Address: 88 THE BROADWAY
Muswell Hill London N10 3RX
United Kingdom

Invoice #: 42327693
Subtotal: £3,5 00 .00
Shipping: £0,000.00
Total: £3 ,5 00 .00

Deposit: £3 ,5 00 .00

Remaining Balance: £0, 000.00

* Consult your bank or financial institution for more information about how to complete a bank
transfer. Your bank may charge additional fees.

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

I wanted to buy a Used car and came across the following link. http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/tid/2819100417.html.  I was happy that it was way cheaper than kbb value. But when he said that he is in Spain and going to Afghanistan, etc, I googled the content of this email and found that there are lot of scammers using similar email address as jessica.calhoun@msn.com.

Buyers – Please be aware of such scammers. “How to recognize a vehicle scam attempt on CL:

# Shipping a vehicle to you is suggested by seller
# eBay Motors or another intermediary is specified by seller
# Payment by Western Union or a money wire is requested
# Price is unusually low (fraction of blue book value)
If you see these tell-tale signs, flag ad as “prohibited” and avoid

I sent him a list of questions that i had and i got the below reply.

From: Jessica Calhoun [mailto:jessica.calhoun@msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 3:39 PM
Subject: 2006 Toyota Corolla S

Hi,

This 2006 Toyota Corolla S, 1.8L L4 FI DOHC 16V ,VIN:1NXBR32E76Z645153 , runs and drives excellent. It has been extremely well maintained with a full service history, Only 69,452 miles! Transmission is Automatic shifts smoothly.
It has no leaks or drips and does not smoke at all, slightly used in 100% working and looking conditions with a clear title free of encumbrances and liens. I bought it when i was serving in Fort Hood base in Texas and now I am deployed in Spain . The car will be delivered from Texas , US.
I have dropped my price to $2,800 (purchase price) since this is an Urgent Sale! and I need to sell it before February 10, when I will be deployed in Afghanistan with my platoon replacing the troops scheduled to come home.
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 eBay. They will contact you to explain the entire procedure. The financial part will be managed by eBay, which means that you will have a 10 days inspection period before committing to buy the car. In this way both, buyer and seller are 100% covered during the steps of this transaction.

Hope to hear from you soon!
Maj. Jessica Calhoun
PS : More photos here : http://www.myalbum.com/Album=L38KHQL7
Carfax link : http://www.carfax.com/cfm/FSBO.cfm?report=56CCE811772F64AB5364BD32EB3DA016

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com