While searching for a vehicle on Craigs List I came across this nearly too good to be true listing for an immaculate Expedition.  I found it listed on several different cities listings.  When I emailed to inquire about the vehicle this was the response I got.

Hello, 
 The car it’s still available, has 18,583 miles, automatic transmission. It’s in perfect condition, no engine problems (8 Cylinder Gasoline), no accidents/liens/loans. Exterior no scratches, never been repainted, interior no rips/tears/stains, never smoked inside. I have all the car’s manuals, 2 spare of keys, clean title, documents. This Ford Expedition was my son’s car, he loved it very much, but he didn’t enjoy it…He died in a bike accident 9 months ago and now…I don’t need it anymore. It brings very bad memories to me and I want to get rid of it….The price is $3,800.00.
 Me and my husband travel a lot with our business and we want to make this deal through eBay’s Vehicle Purchase Protection Program. I just need your full name, full shipping address, along with your 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 hope to hear soon from you.

For more pictures copy or click the following link:
http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z412/2000-Ford-Expedition-Eddie-Bauer-Edtion/

May God Bless you Every Day,
Jessica & Martin Brown

P.S: Here’s the VIN # 1FMPU18L1YLA06242 so you can run a CARFAX Report just to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying!!!

After that sappy response I emailed :

Jessica,

I got back on the internet and looked at the pictures on the link from your email.  I actually had your add printed out.  I seen it was listed on both the Kansas City and Des Moines Craigs List links.  Where exactally is the Expedition located or where could I meet you to look at it?  We are willing to drive to you to view it.  I don’t understand the ebay Protection thing, so I would like to speak to you via phone.

  I appreciate your serious intentions in making the deal on the spot, however we decided to post the car on several cities so we can sell it faster. I also choose to use the services of eBay Purchase Protection Program (Buyer Protection Plan) as they provide the most reliable assistance in which regards the on-line sales.
  Let me tell you that my car is located in Morrow, Georgia right now at DAS( Dependable Auto Shippers ) and eBay Purchase Protection offers you a 10 days inspection period and also an Agent will assist you during this period (time of 10 days) with all that you need. The shipping will be made by DAS-Auto Shippers in a sealed container with their 3 days door-to-door Program. Also you will have to decide if you want to keep the car only after your 10 days inspection period. I will have to pay for the shipping prior to get my car shipped and also if you decide that you don’t want to keep my car I will have to make arrangements so I can get my car back. There are no hidden fees or something like that. You will receive the car with the clean title already signed on your name, bill of sale, two spare of keys, & all the paper work.

So let me know if you would like to register you as my client and start the process asap! If so, I will need your full name, full shipping address along with your home/cell # so we can get the ball rolling. After I will register you as my client, they will contact you by e-mail and also by phone with all the information that you need!
 
Very respectfully,
Jessica & Martin Brown

  Let me explain you now how this eBay Purchase Protection Program works. First I have to open a case with your name and your address. After that, they will contact you with an Invoice and also by phone( The Agent who handle our Transaction will assist you during this period ).  You will have to pay for the car price directly to them, not to me and they will keep the funds until you decide if you want to keep the car or not ( the 10 day inspection period ).
  I will have to make a reservation at DAS and pay prior to have the car shipped. In 2 to 4 working days the car will arrive at your home address with the original title, bill of sale, plates, paper work, etc. After you test it, check it by a mechanic, you will have to announce them that you want to keep the car or not! If YES you will have just to register the car on your name…if NO I will have to pay for the shipping again and get my car back! There are no hidden fees or something like that!
Let me know.

Thanks a lot!
Jessica & Martin Brown

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

Craigs List 2000 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer Edition: Jessica is up to something!!!!

Hi,

The car has 100,500 miles,automatic trans.It’s in perfect condition,no electric/engine problems,no accidents/liens/loans.Exterior no scratches,never been repainted,Interior no rips/tears/stains,never smoked inside.I have all the car’s manuals,2 spare of keys,title,documents.I’m selling this car because my son of 21 years old died 6 months ago, he was hit by a drunk driver that went thru a red light. Now this Passat brings me bad memories and I really can’t drive it anymore…hope you understand my pain in this moments.If you are really interested in buying the car please do take care of it as we and my son did because it’s a beautiful car and it would be ashamed not to…The last price is $1000.
Me and my husband travel a lot with our personal business and we want to make this deal through eBay’s Vehicle Purchase 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.

For more pictures here is a link to the car’s photo gallery:

http://photobucket.com/passat27

Thank you for your interest!
Albert & Gloria Smith”

What a beautiful story………I sent them my son’s address & phone number to allow him to handle the purchase of the vehicle, but they never contacted him………they sent me the invoice allegedly from eBay VPP and further instructions see below:
Hey,
Everything is taken care of, I forwarded your info to eBay and they should shortly contact you with all the transaction details.
After you will hear from them please email me back because I need to know for sure if this is a done deal!

Hoping to hear from you soon,
Albert & Gloria Smith”

email from ebay and the invoice…..as a .pdf file
“Dear XXXXX XXXXX ( I am omitting my son’s name)

We are pleased to inform you that the Transaction Case ID #VPP89896542991 between you and mr. Albert Smith has started. We have attached your payment invoice to this email (pdf format). Fallow the instructions on the invoice to complete the payment and confirmation in a safe and secure method. Please note that the payment must be confirmed by September 10 2010. If you have any questions or problems reading the invoice contact us to avoid any future delays or transaction canceled.

Thank you for using
eBay Vehicle Protection Program

Dear  XXXXX XXXXX,
Congratulations! You are approved to buy!
At request of Albert Smith, registered with Case ID #VPP89896542991 we record the transaction for item:
2002 VW Passat GLS 1.8
Transaction Case ID #VPP89896542991 – 2002 VW Passat GLS 1.8
This item was insured by eBay Motors Vehicle Purchase Protection. The buyer will be allowed to buy the item when the
payment by Western Union will be completed. Please continue with this deal as you both are fully insured against
fraud.
Payment must be submitted via WesternUnion transfer to following eBay Motors Agent. eBay will secure the payment until the Buyer
receives, inspects and accept the vehicle. Or, if it is the case, eBay will refund the full payment to the Buyer:
Locate the nearest WesternUnion Agent location in your area by clicking here.
Go at any WesternUnion office with cash and send the payment to our agent, using his name and address below.
After the payment is made send us the receipt from WesternUnion by FAX or send a scanned copy (e-Mail).
Transaction is 100% legit and all your funds are fully insured by our company after verification.
Fax us the payment receipt to the following fax number: +(1) 206-337-3939
Vehicle Information
*Item: 2002 VW Passat GLS 1.8
*Millage: 100,500
*Title: Clear
*VIN Number : WVWPD63B22P305478
*Transmission: Automatic
*Inspection: 10 Days Period
*Invoice#: #VPP89896542991
*Subtotal: $1000.00
*Invoice Tax : $35.00
*Carfax Report : $0.00
*Shipping Tax: $0.00
*Total Due: $1035.00
Delivery Information:
Vehicle Owner Details :
* Owner of Vehicle : Albert Smith
* Address: 401 N Church St 402
* City/ State/ Zip: Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
* Country : United States ( US )
Delivery Address :
* Buyer Name: XXXXX XXXXX
* Address: XXXX Denny Street Apt X
* City/ State/ Zip: Pittsburgh , Pa 15201
* Country : United States ( US )
* Shipping Company: DAS AUTO SHIPPERS
eBay Agent Payment Details:
* eBay Agent Name: Steve Thomason
* Address: 140 Caistor Park Road,
* City/ State/ Zip: Stratford, London, E15 3PR
* Country : United Kingdom ( UK )
Page 1 / 2
The eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection (VPP) program provides protection of up to $50,000 against certain losses associated with any type
of fraud like paying for a vehicle and never receive it, paying a refundable down payment and never receive it, paying for a vehicle and
receive it but not being as advertised, described and agreed.
The VPP program is FREE with no sign-up, opt-in, no registration necessary. The buyer is automatically enrolled in the program, on seller’s
request, at no charge. Complete your VPP Transaction in 5 easy, secure and safe steps
1. The buyer and the seller agree on the transaction terms and selling price. The seller contacts VPP with the transaction details;
2. VPP approves/declines the transaction*. If the transaction was successfully approved the buyer receives the transaction confirmation and
the Payment Invoice along with payment instructions (if the transaction is declined, no further action is required from either the buyer or
the seller);
Note: * MotorVPP verify all the transaction details about the seller, vehicle, ownership documents and the ability to sell the vehicle at the
advertised price before approves any transaction.
3. The buyer follows instructions and sends the payment** to the eBay VPP Agent designated for the transaction. After the payment is
cleared and verified by our eBay VPP Administrator on charge, it will be secured into a non-interest bearing trust account. Payment being
secured, the seller is notified to ship the vehicle*** to the buyer. The seller has three business days to contact the buyer and VPP with the
tracking number of the shipment. If no tracking number is provided, a full refund is immediately sent to the buyer.
Note: **The buyer should submit the payment in three business days from the date the Payment Invoice is received. If the buyer is unable
to proceed with payment as requested and agreed, he should notify the seller or VPP, and explain his reasons and mention an exact date
when payment will be submitted.
***The seller must ship the vehicle for inspection along with the certificate of title, signed bill of sale in the Buyer’s name, all keys and all
ownership documents. The vehicle must be delivered along with all documentation requested by the buyer in order to allow him to change
the registration in his name as soon as he will decide to accept it after the inspection period will be over.
4. As soon as the shipping procedure will start, the buyer should wait for the vehicle and documentation to be delivered. The buyer receives
the vehicle and has 10 days to inspect it. The inspection period will not begin until VPP has confirmed delivery of the vehicle by either
buyer’s or shipper’s notification;
5. After the inspection period is over, the buyer contacts VPP with the result of the vehicle’s inspection****. If the buyer refuses the vehicle,
a full refund is immediately sent to the buyer if the reason that determined him to not keep the vehicle is found in the “Situations where an
immediate refund will be sent to the buyer” section lower detailed. The seller will have the obligation to make all necessary arrangements in
order to take the vehicle from the buyer’s possession in three business days. If the vehicle and documentation are as advertised, described
and agreed, the buyer should accept it. If the buyer accepts the vehicle, the payment will be sent to the seller within three business days.
Note:****When the buyer accepts the vehicle or the inspection period expires (at which point, the buyer automatically accepts), the
disbursement of payment to the seller will begin.
The funds will not be released under any circumstances. We will hold the payment until you will send
us your confirmation that you have received, inspected and you agree to keep the motor vehicle. When
we will have your confirmation we will transfer the funds to the seller and close sales.
Note: DO NOT specify that you are paying for a vehicle at WesternUnion. You will be EXTRA charged.
Help
If you need answers to your questions, please fell free to reply to this email
or contact us using the Live Support button.
Vehicle Purchase Protection – Overview
Copyright © 1995-2010 MotorVPP Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the
property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay MotorVPP.
Page 2 / 2

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

2002 VW Passat

original craigslist post: http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/ctd/1832384872.html

he goes by the name of James Raymond and claims to be in the military.

he says the vehicle is located in New Rockford, North Dakota

he uses the email: js.raymond33@gmail.com so anyone else that wants to help can try and email him posing as an interested buyer.

heres the first email he sent me:

James Raymond to me
show details 4:56 AM (9 hours ago)
Hey,
I am selling this car because my unit will be sent back to Iraq and don’t want it getting old in my garage. The price is low because I need to sell it before July 19th. The car is in great condition and runs great. No damage, no scratches, never involved in an accident. It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad is US $2900 The car is in New Rockford, ND; in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping.
I will ship it with DAS. I will take care of the shipping charges, like I said. I think I can have it there in 3-4 working days. I am a member of the eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection and using this service you will get a 3 days testing period after delivery.
During that 3 days testing period I will not be getting any money. 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. If interested please include in your next email your contact info for eBay (name, address and #) so we can get things started.
Thanks!

 second email (after i gave my info):

Hello,
I received your info and right now I will start a case with eBay Motors and they will contact you soon with further details about how this deal works.
After they will contact you, please email me and let me know if we have a deal.
Thanks!

third email:

 2:06 PM (43 minutes ago)
 I started a case with eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection.
Please email me and let me know if you received the invoice and if so, please email me and let me know if you will make the payment so I can start the shipping process and provide you the tracking number.
You need to receive 3 emails from ebay. Please check your SPAM or BULK folders because is it possible to receive the emails there.

Thanks!

fourth email (after i asked for phone number):

James Raymond to me
show details 2:23 PM (27 minutes ago)
Hello,
I am very sorry but I can’t call you because I am at work and I can’t use the phone in personal purposes. I am in the army, you know… But if you have any questions you can email me and I will answer to all of your questions.
eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection is a reputable escrow service and they will manage this transaction in the best manner. You will be 100% protected. I will not have access to the money. eBay will keep the money till you will receive and inspect the car and they will release the funds to me only after they will have your confirmation that you are satisfied with the car.
More, I am a honest person, I have family and 2 children and I will not risk my freedom and my family freedom for your money.
So please let me know if you’ll make the payment today so i can start the shipping and let you know the tracking number.
Thanks!

now i am waiting on the last email, any advide on how to deal with this would be greatly appreciated, time is of the essence for receiving information because he says he wants to finish the “deal” by today.  thank you for your help.

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

Attempted craigslist scam

…

I see that you are still interested. My opinion is to use ebay protection program because i want to take this opportunity to assure you that this deal is 100% legit but you must know that in this way eBay will require you to send a ($4400) prior shipping and they will have to verify me and the truck and you as well before we can close this deal through their service.
Your money will be kept by eBay agent until you will receive the truck and send them the confirmation that you are satisfied with the product received. In case you don’t want to keep the truck all you will have to do is to ask them for a refund and you will be totally refunded in 2 days. Don’t forget that for the shipping i paid all taxes.
P.S. You must know that if you decide to buy the truck i will need your full name and shipping address as soon as possible in order to send your details to the shipping company and to ebay agent to make the arrangements for shipping. Thank you.

…

So…if you really want to buy this truck then we can start the eBay protection program, and for that u have to sent me your full name and address.
After you receive their confirmation about payment and insurance you have to send the money to eBay, and they will hold the money until you have the truck and inspect. You will have two days for inspection and test drive and if the truck is not like i said or is something wrong with it you can simply reject it and i will pay the shipping back.
Regards.

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

Scam via jimmywilson560@gmail.com