Craigslist scam
 

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up. This is listed on craigslist near me. Because it's RX7 related I wanted to make sure no one falls for it. It stinks of scam, but I want to make sure no one has a case of the stupids and falls for it.

http://bgky.craigslist.org/cto/2262143160.html

I sent an email asking for more info. I was expecting it to be a legitimate seller, but a typo in the listing on the price or something along those lines. Instead I get this email response.

First of all I want to tell you that I am not selling this car for profit or due a lack of money. All I can say is that some recent events in my life made me change my perception of certain things, things that I’ve considered important in the past. I will donate all money to charity after I sell this car. I am currently on a trip for UNICEF.
The car has a clear title, is in an excellent condition, no dents or scratches, it was always garaged and regular maintenance and oil changes were done in time. Hasn’t been involved in an accident or flood damage. The motor runs very well. I don’t want to offend you but the car is priced for a fast sale so please if you intend to apply for a loan or financing do not reply.
The transaction will be made through eBay company for the safety of both. I’ve already included the car into eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection, so I will sell only through this.
If you want to buy the car, and you agree with my terms please reply so I can give you a detailed description of the eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection.
Waiting for your reply.

Thank you,

Gregory Thomas

I of course googled Ebay Vehicle Purchase Protection and found all kinds of links for scams related to this
http://forums.ebay.com/db1/topic/Eba...-And/520091495

it looks legitimate on his listing (other than the price). With detailed pics im sure someone will fall for that . thanks for letting us know

Be sure to report it to eBay as well. They typically are pretty good about that sort of thing.

I've toyed around with the idea of messing with them some. I sent back an email asking to see the car and drive it. Let them know I am within driving distance.

I got this response back

The price of the car $5,500 includes all the shipping costs and handling.
The car is located in Dallas,TX at a shipping and storage company. The sale will be managed through eBay under their Vehicle Purchase Protection Program since they offer the highest rate of safety and reliability during online transactions.Here is how it works :
- you give me your full name and shipping address
- I start a transaction with eBay,
- they send you the payment instructions,
- you send the money into eBay trust account,
- they confirm me that the payment was received,
- I ship the car,
- you receive the car in 3 days,
- they send me the money.

The payment type will be establish by eBay after start the transaction. They will hold the money until the car is delivered to you, with properly executed title. You have 5 days for the inspection period. If the car is not like described you will have to ship it back in 30 business days on my expense, but I am sure that you will love it.

In order to move forward I will need the following info from you so I can set up a new transaction case through eBay:
1. full name
2. shipping address
3. phone number

Thank you,

Gregory Thomas

I'm tempted to press him saying, "How fortunate, I have family in Dallas. What company is the car with and who do they contact about seeing the car?"

What I did do was contact my local police through their financial crimes investigation division. I doubt it will lead to them doing much, but I'll sleep better knowing I did what I'm supposed to.

Man I'm sick and tired of these lowlife scumbags that post the same For Sale ads all the time. Auto Trader, Kijji, everywhere flippin has them. And to think that some fall for this stuff:scratch:

Edit: Correct me if I'm wrong but those pics look like there from an FD I saw here in the forums a while ago :P

I tried to call someones bluff on craigs list like this before. Once I said I wanted to see the car in person they stopped emailing.

Did you notice that even the text of the ad is a picture. They do this so you can't do one of those craig's list search in each state and find that they list it in many states and cities.

I'm not so much wanting to call their bluff as I am simply wanting to see how long I can string them along.

I have done the same... Called there bluff and kept telling them I was really interested..lasted about 2 weeks till he ran out of excuses and stopped emails.

My last email to him was not nice...I told him what a piece of scum he was and how I was reporting his email address...

Honestly they need to stop, but if someone is dumb enough to agree to those terms when craigslist even has a big banner saying "offers to ship cars are 100% fraudulent", then they are better off without their money.

BINGO. text in the pic = scam. Every fkn time.

I clicked on the link wanting to see the text of the ad is a pic thing...craigslist already took the ad down.

Too damn funny. I just did a search for RX7 in my city.....

http://evansville.craigslist.org/tid/2281289636.html

and this in same city I searched when I found the initial scam.

http://owensboro.craigslist.org/tid/2282815978.html

nice.