If it's too good to be true....Craigslist Scam ? (Vehicle content)

[3rdBass]

Like the subject line reads, it's probably not true. Found these (2) autos for sale here on the local CraigsList. Emailed them & within a few hours received replies that were very similar. I tried to post on the Craigslist help forum but the content was too large. Think they're probably scams ? Notice in the photo links the license plates are blacked out ? Opinions, please.

Here are links to the ads:

http://binghamton.craigslist.org/cto/798568453.html
http://binghamton.craigslist.org/cto/796931427.html

Here's the replies I recieved:

Hello,
If you are interested in my 2005 Nissan Altima S, it is in perfect condition, with no need for additional repairs, no scratches, dings, special marks whatsoever. It has 27,448 miles and the VIN # is :1N4AL11E95C954611. It has a clear title ready to be signed and notarized on your name.
I have the pictures hosted on the net and you can see them at :
http://s532.photobucket.com/albums/e...a25/?start=all
The car is located Mishawaka, IN.The price is $2,494 including shipping costs anywhere in the continental
US. There are no other costs regarding this transaction. I am selling the car because I am in the army, and my unit will be deployed to Afghanistan in September.The transaction will be closed only through a 3rd party and this way we will both be protected. My time is limited due to my job in the army so I decided to use a service from ProPay. To begin the transaction I'll need your full name and shipping address, I will forward the details of our transaction to ProPay and then you will receive an invoice from them. The car will be shipped insured to your location with DAS and you will have 5 days for inspection. Thank you, Edgar Campbell


Hello there, Thanks for your email !First of all I would like to tell you that the car is located in Quebec, Canada as I recently moved here. I received a good job here and along with the job I received a new car. I have no use for the vehicle anymore so I am forced to sell it below the market value. The full price is $3,900.00 US dollars with shipping included to your location. I have a clean title ready to be signed. The car has no electrical or mechanical problems, never been involved in any kind of accidents. For our protection we can use eBay Motors to complete the transaction. The deal will go strictly according to eBay rules and policy. In order to start the official transaction, I need to know your details:
- Full name and Shipping address
As soon as I have them, I'll start the official procedure and eBay service will notify you about this. I'll handle the shipping, so this will be free of charge for you. We will use eBay Motors to manage the payment because it is the safest way for both of us and also you will have 10 days to inspect the car before I receive the money. Also, a refund policy will be included.
2006 Mini Cooper S Automatic, Premium & Cold Package
VIN: WMWRE33556TJ35965
Mileage: 31,150 miles
Body Style: HATCHBACK 2 DR
Engine Size: 1.6L L4 FI DOHC 16V
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
Vehicle title: Clear
Condition: Used
Body type: Coupe
Engine: 4 Cylinder
Exterior color: Blue
Transmission: Automatic
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Black
Anti-lock brakes, Driver airbag, Passenger airbag, Side airbags, Air conditioning, Cruise control, Power locks, Power windows, Automatic (with paddle shifting), Warranty: 4 year or 50k (still has almost 2 years or 20k miles left), MPG 23 city/32 highway, Seats: Leatherette, Color: Blue with white roof and side mirrors
The car is immaculate inside and out! No smokers, no pets!
Click here to view more pictures :
http://picasaweb.google.com/xxx32et/2006MiniCooperS
You can really see this beauty from all angles!
Thank you! Debbie Scott

[fenderhutz]

SCAMTASTIC!

[flakeh]

I fail to see any similarites in the emails.

I think you're paranoid.

Oh, and they black the plates to protect themselves. I do it all the time when i take pics at plates are in the photo.

[fenderhutz]

Ask them for a phone number where you can speak with them directly. I don't think you will get one.

[3rdBass]

They're similar in that they both advertised locally, yet the vehicles are not anywhere near here to see. They also want a 3rd party to receive payment without me ever even seeing the cars. Yes, I AM paranoid, and yes, I DID ask for phone numbers as well as providing my cell # and requesting a call first.

Originally Posted by flakeh

I fail to see any similarites in the emails.

I think you're paranoid.

Oh, and they black the plates to protect themselves. I do it all the time when i take pics at plates are in the photo.

[flakeh]

Originally Posted by 3rdBass

They're similar in that they both advertised locally, yet the vehicles are not anywhere near here to see. They also want a 3rd party to receive payment without me ever even seeing the cars. Yes, I AM paranoid, and yes, I DID ask for phone numbers as well as providing my cell # and requesting a call first.

I bought a Iroc camaro from the other side of the province, a 1 day drive. Its called expanding your sales area.

They don't really look sketch to me, But its your money, your call.

the photos of the ultima look kinda odd, being all the artsy angles. But the cooper looks very legit.

[L-A]

At the very least, I can tell you the Quebec one is written legit Quebecois english. If it's near my place I can go look at it.

[FingeringAm]

LOL i got the SAME EXACT email for the SAME exact nissan altima
i was considering it but it sounded too fishy
btw it was in the San Diego Craigslist

In case it gets sold I will take care of shipping.
I am selling this car because my platoon has been sent back to Iraq and I have no use for it anymore plus i want to buy another car in several months. The price is low because I need to sell it before September 1.

I will only conclude the transaction through eBay Purchase Protection for our own protection.
They act as a neutral third party. I shall explain to you the process, so that you know what you are getting into!
If we decide to proceed with this transaction, i will have to contact eBay
and provide them all the necessary information, so they can start the
process right away. I will be needing your full name and address for that.
You will receive a notification from eBay shortly after that, together with
all the instructions to follow and the invoice as well.
Regarding the payment, you will be instructed to deposit the money to an
eBay account. They will hold and insure your money until you receive the car in good condition.
That is how their buyer protection policy is working. As far as the seller
concerns, i will be glad to know that eBay has the possession of the money
during the delivery period. That is my insurance.
As soon as i will have the confirmation from eBay that the funds have been
deposited to their account, i will immediately start the shipping process.
I am willing to handle the shipping. It will be shipped by plane with US Air Military Cargo so it will not cost me anything, because i am a Capt. with US Airborne Division. You will get it to the nearest airport in your area and then it will be trucked forward to your place.
The Nissan will be delivered to your address in no more than 2-3 working days.
You will be given a 15 days inspection period from the day you receive the car at home.
If you decide to hold it, then you will have to authorize eBay to
release the funds to me, and the transaction will be completed. If you will
not be satisfied with it, you will be able to send the car back through
US Air Military Cargo, and ask eBay to return the funds to you.
Though i am sure you will love it and will not want to return the Nissan,it is
good to know that you do have this second option available.
Again I want to point out that because i am going to Iraq, i am after a fast transaction, with no delays.
That is why i decided to lower the price, to avoid wasting time with
negotiations and find a buyer as soon as possible.
If you wish to proceed with the purchase,please provide me your full name
and address so I can initiate the deal through eBay right away.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Warm Regards
Capt. Steve Preston

[kasanovakarl]

I had a similar response to a local ad for a 2007 Harley Road King that they wanted $5,600 for. I e-mailed the guy and received a similar response, but he really needed the money for a divorce. The guy said he wanted my name and address for eBay because he was running a auction through there. The bike was advertised as being local, yet he had it in Canada with him, but it was packaged up ready to be shipped so he couldn't take any additional pictures of the bike. I then asked him for the auction address so I could bid on it, he responded with it wasn't on their sight since someone bid on it and never paid for it.

I think you know it is a scam if they all want a quick transaction...

[3rdBass]

I've been scouring CL for lack of a better source for a car in this area (northeast PA) and I've received MANY of the same replies.

Especially the ones where they seller is in the service and leaving for assignment in the middle east soon. These low-life scammers should be ashamed of themselves for using the war as a basis for their scams....

[MoD_Scotty]

Definitely a scam.