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

Mustang GT Craigslist Scam!

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

Beware of Cheaper cars in craigslist, being sold by people claiming to be Army Personnel

But then I decided to google parts of the e-mail and found this on help.com:
I saw a car on craigslist and I responded.. I am from northern California, and the following email just came in//////Hi, thanks for e-mailing us. First of all we would like to inform you about the location of the vehicle Columbus, Ohio. The car it’s in excellent shape inside-out, always garage kept, never smoked in. It has 82,xxx miles, no mechanical problems, dings, dents or scratches. There are no liens on the car and it has a clean title. We are selling it so we can pay off the mortgage as soon as possible. My husband is a DAS Shipping Company employee and he can deliver the car for free anywhere in the United States.
The transaction will be managed by eBay, so everything will go smooth. You will receive the car for inspection without making any payment to me. Very simple and safe we can complete this deal in no time. If you want me to reserve the car for you and also give you more details about this deal, just let me know. Final price $2,400.00 (shipping included).
All the best to you and your family,
Gloria & Albert

Look how similar those two ads are – even the names signed (It’s a scam):
One car in OHIO and another in FLORIDA…
BIG SCAM!
Watch out for Gloria&ALbert and gmiller282@gmail.com.
By the way, the ads are 2 months apart.

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

2001 Ford Escape Scam

The email reply came from gordonmiller21@msn.com. As usual it promises a perfect car, a failed previous sale, a frustrated buyer, free shipping to anywhere and ebay VPP. It is a scam.

Here is the email reply:

Hi there, thanks for e-mailing me and sorry for the delay. The car is still available and it’s in excellent shape inside-out, no accidents, always garage kept, never smoked in. It has 68,442 miles and no mechanical problems, dings, dents or scratches. There are no liens or loans on the car and it has a clean title. I’m selling the car below the market price because it’s the only asset I have that can be turned fast into cash to pay off the mortgage as soon as possible.

My husband is a DAS shipping company employee and he can deliver the car at no costs everywhere in the US. This is the second time when I try to sell my car…First time I tried eBay because I only use 100% safe methods and I’ve sent the car through the eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection Program to a buyer from Alaska. I paid the insurance costs and when eBay requested the payment he refused to pay. Why?…because he agreed to purchase the car in the first place, but typically didn’t had the necessary amount to do so….The sale will be managed by eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection Program for our own protection as they act as a neutral third part.

I am a member of the eBay Buyer Protection Program and using this service you will get a 15 days testing period after delivery. The transaction will be made only through eBay. They will be the third party that will hold the money until you will receive and inspect the car. If the car meets your expectations and you want to keep it you will have to tell them to release the payment details to me so I can get paid. Reply me with your full name and shipping address so eBay can contact you regarding the payment and shipping process.
For more pictures, click or copy paste in to your browser the link: http://usera.imagecave.com/gordonmiller2121/
Final Price $1,600.00 (shipping included)

All the best to you and your family,
Gordon Miller

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

Bogus 1999 Lexus LS400 for $1600 on craigslist

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

2004 Nissan Maxima Sl -$2400(LosAngeles)Car Scam, Scam Email:adam.monroy2@msn.com

Second Email:
Hello again,
Thank you for your consideration and God bless you.
I`m located in Great Falls, MT (the bike is here with me) right now because me and my wife got a new job here, the thing is i`m  very busy and i don`t have time to stay and meet with all my potential buyers, that is why i gave to a shipping company that will ship it to the next owner (on my cost).
 I will make the deal only to eBay. I am a member of the eBay buyer protection program and using this service you will get a 7 days testing period after delivery. During that 7 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 ( full name,  full address and phone # ) so we can get things started.
 
Thanks and have a great day !

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

John Clerkin is a SCAM!!

If you’re interested to purchase just email me with your full name,shipping address and phone number , so I can notify eBay that you are selected as my buyer and they will contact you to explain the entire procedure.

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

http://www.use.com/606f365ae2aabc76fb6f

Sincerely,
Andrea

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

2002 toyota tacoma $2500

I appreciate your interest regarding my 2001 Honda Civic LX Sedan. I will sell it for $2,880. The price includes shipping and insurance to your address.
The car has only 88,094 miles and it is in perfect condition. It has never been involved in an accident, it was always garage kept, it has always been professionally serviced, using only original parts and accessories. All the service records are available and they will be delivered with it.

Looking forward to do business with you .
Thanks!”

he told us that he wanted us to go through the eBay buyer protection program, when ask why the car was not shown on eBay he said it must have been a mistake in eBay advertising the car, and stupid us we believed it. we even received the eBay information (it looked legit) …

Introducing eBay Buyer Protection

* eBay hosts the dispute resolution process when Buyers claim to a Seller that their item was not received or the item they received is different from what was described in the listing.

* The on-eBay resolution process is the primary avenue for settling disputed eBay transactions and is designed to:

* Helps Buyers and Sellers resolve disputes in fewer steps, and provide Buyers with a more familiar e-scommerce resolution experience.

* Offers an option to contact eBay if buyers and sellers can’t reach resolution themselves. We’ll take a more active role in ensuring transaction problems are resolved.

eBay Protects Online Buyers and Sellers from Fraud

Details of the Transaction: #6594917748DWW

The following item(s) are protected in this eBay transaction:

Item name: 2001 Honda Civic LX Sedan

Confirmed Status: READY TO SHIP

Important details about the seller:
Name: Richard Jenkins
Address: 3610 Hill Ave
City: Regina, SK, S4S 0W9
Country: Canada

* Transaction number : #6594917748DWW
* Purchase insured for: USD 2,880.00
* Other payment: USD 0.00
* Payment type insured: eBay member
* Shipping type insured: DAS
* Next step to be made: Buyer sends payment details to eBay

Transaction Steps:

Step 1: Both parties agree to terms, which includes a description of the merchandise, sale price, number of days for the Buyer’s inspection, and shipping information.

Step 2: Buyer sends payment information to eBay: When payments received, it will be verified.

Step 3: After payment is secured, the Seller is notified by eBay Buyer Protection to ship the merchandise to the Buyer. The Seller ships the merchandise to the Buyer using an approved delivery service.

Step 4: When the Buyer accepts the merchandise or the inspection period expires (at which point, the Buyer automatically accepts), the disbursement of payment will begin.

Step 5: If the Buyer accepts the merchandise, the Seller will be paid. If your merchandise arrives in a much longer period than the one you agreed on or it is different than the pictures, you are also entitled to refund. Under these circumstances you have to send back the item. You are also entitled to a refund if the item doesn’t arrive at all.

Purchase protection and refund:
Currently, the seller has a $20.000.00 deposit in an eBay managed
purchase protection account.
Transactions with this eBay seller are covered by purchase protection against fraud and description errors.

For your safety, if the owner of this account wants to withdraw the
funds he will have to wait at least 60 days from today before the funds are released and the purchase protection account is closed.

Dear customer, if you agree with this transaction please reply to this email and provide us your full name and shipping address.

About Us

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.

Internet fraud costs victims millions of dollars each year.
Protect yourself with eBay!

We protect both the Buyer and Seller with a simple process.

Copyright 1995-2011 eBay 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 User Agreement and Privacy Policy.

we responded to this and received this in turn from a: eBay Customer Support

“Dear Customer,

My name is Charles Vollmer and I am from the customer support department. I will help you to close the transaction in a quick and safe way.
We will insure you 100%.
According to our Policy Transaction Agreement / Sec.5, Alg.32, the transfer must be available before instructing the seller to start the shipping.
The payment details are confidential and will not be released under any circumstances.eBay International Trading security measures are constantly reviewed and modified given evolving circumstances globally, drawing on both internal assessments and the support of government agencies.

In order to proceed with the transaction you have to provide us your full name and the shipping address.
Please reply with any question.

Sincerely,
eBay Customer Support
eBay Inc.”

and we got a second email pretty much the same content just more detailed. we got a formal looking email regarding the payment and payment method

”

Transaction # 6594917748DWW Invoice for Payment

PayPal Car, Truck and Motorcycle Deposits on eBay Motors

Overview – 2001 Honda Civic LX Sedan

Dear —————-,

The seller, Richard Jenkins (richard.jen@msn.com), started the transaction over the eBay Vehicle Purchase Program. eBay require the payment to be done through Western Union money transfer service to a Vehicle Purchase Protection Program verified agent.

You are receiving this e-mail because you are going to buy a motor vehicle over the eBay Motors and your seller requested to use eBay Vehicle Protection Program. The eBay Motors vehicle protection programs offer a set of services that build protection into every step of the vehicle buying process. Some of the elements are automatically included when you buy a vehicle covered by the program element (not all elements are available for all vehicles) while some of the elements are available for a small fee. The eBay Motors Vehicle Protection program (eBay VPP) is your safety net in the rare occasion that something goes wrong.

Choose a Topic

Find Western Union office into your area.

Confirm a payment

Contact Us

Instructions for payment.

If you are not familiarized with the Western Union money transfer services please visit: www.westernunion.com. If you want to locate the nearest Western Union Office in your area please click here. You have to pay with cash at any Western Union Office.
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 vehicle. When we will have your confirmation we will transfer the funds to the seller.

Note: If you specify that you are having a deal through Western Union you will be EXTRA charged.

Item Information
Spacer
Spacer
2001 Honda Civic LX Sedan
Spacer
Item Title:

2001 Honda Civic LX Sedan
Item Description:
Like new condition. Never been involved

into an accident, no damages, scratches
or dents. Clear Title.

Payment Details
Spacer
Spacer
2001 Honda Civic LX Sedan
Spacer
Buyer :
————–
Downpayment:
USD 2,880.00 (amount to pay)
Balance: USD 0.00
Total: USD_2,880.00

Delivery To Information
Spacer
Spacer
2001 Honda Civic LX Sedan
Spacer
Name:
——————
Address:

—————–
City: ————
State/Zip code: ——–
Country: United States

Vehicle Purchase Program Agent Details
Spacer
Spacer
2001 Honda Civic LX Sedan
Spacer
Name :
Charles Vollmer
Address:

396 York Way,
City: London
Zip code: N7 9LW
Country: United Kingdom

Delivery Method – DAS Auto Transport Services
2001 Honda Civic LX Sedan
Delivery time:
Same day with the payment confirmation.
Service:
3-5 days Door to Door
Check Mark of Approval
15 days return policy
Check Mark of Approval
Insurance
Check Mark of Approval
Real time 24 hours online satellite tracking

How to complete payment?

1. Locate the nearest Western Union Office

2. Make the payment with cash using the above Vehicle Purchase verified Agent Details

3. E-mail us the following details from the payment receipt:

- MTCN Number – 10 digits number from the payment receipt

- Sender Name and Address

- Receiver Name

- Amount

4. Fax the payment receipt to one of the following fax numbers:

+1 (270)-716-9393
+1 (614)-583-9393
Note: Transfer fees can be deducted from the amount your are sending (Example: When you send $2,000 the fees will be around $140 so you will send $1,860+$140 and the total amount that you will send will be $2,000).

Once we receive the payment confirmation, we will instruct the seller to start the shipping process. We will hold the payment details until you send us your confirmation that you are satisfied with the product you received. As soon as we receive your confirmation we will release the payment details to the seller.

Important Notice!
The payment details are confidential and will not be released under any circumstances. Our customer chose this payment method in order to speed up the transaction. Vehicle Protection Program security measures are constantly reviewed and modified given evolving circumstances globally, drawing on both internal assessments and the support of government agencies. Our constant priority is for the safety of our people, our customers, and the general public. Vehicle Protection Program always tries to fulfill its customers needs.

Copyright 1995-2011 eBay 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 User Agreement and Privacy Policy.”

my mom made the payment this past Tuesday and we have not heard from either the “seller” or the “eBay rep” since Wednesday. we thought that was weird so we started making phone calls and found out this was a scam. BEWARE craigslist and “eBay buyer protection program” together eBay only protects the buys if all IS listed on eBay. AVOID payments vis Western Union, Moneygram.

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

Scamed by richard.jen@msn.com aka richard.jen@verizon.net

(click on thumbnail for the full-size image)

Here is the e-mail response I received:

Hi, First of all I want to thank you for your interest for my Lawn
Mower (2008 John Deere 757 ZTrak Lawn Mower ). I sell it at this price
($ 2,300 ) because i just finished the divorce with my husband. It has
only 134 hours!!!The Lawn Mower is paid off.I bought it new and has
only been adult ridden and garage kept. This Lawn Mower runs as good as
a new one and has no dings, dents, or scratches. in this moment has low
hours 134 hours .12 mph ground speed, climbs hills and turns on a
dime.  Kawasaki 25-horsepower V-Twin engine, tires are like brand new,
no dents, no damage, used very little on blue grass lawn.  This is a
Commercial Grade zero-turn lawn mower preferred by professionals and
farmers. The divorce has finished 6 months ago and the Lawn Mower is
mine now. After the divorce I was forced to buy a new house. Following
the financial crisis I can’t afford to pay the bank and I decided to
sell the Lawn Mower. It has only been adult ridden and garage kept. As
you can see by the pictures it is in excellent condition. The Lawn
Mower is located in Bismarck North Dakota, if you want to buy it. I’m
very busy with my job and I’m out of town so I can’t meet in person
with you so this is the reason why I chose to sell my Lawn Mower over
the Internet.Regarding the payment I request only secure pay, I prefer
the payment to be done using eBay services (I will receive the payment
only after you receive and inspect the Lawn Mower and only if you agree
to buy it). We will use a safe payment method because I am affiliated
at eBay and I have a purchase protection account.The vehicle was listed for sale
in an auction on eBay but I have removed the add because of some
‘serious’ buyers . They promissed they will buy the vehicle from me but
they proved not to have the money to pay for it .The list price is
$2,300. I will pay for shipping and handling(the loan of my previous
buyer didn’t get approved and he paid the shipping costs) so there
won’t be any additional shipping costs). If you are interested in
buying it please provide me your full name and address for shipping so
I can initiate the deal through eBay. I will wait your answer (if you
are interested to buy) very soon.

Newton Teana Lorias

I started to search for “craigslist ebay buyer protection divorce” to see if it was a scam because putting ebay in there seemed fishy. My suspicions were correct and there are several other similar incidents.

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com

Craigslist Scam: John Deere 757 ZTrak Lawn Mower

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!!!!