A Soldier's Perspective
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Craigslist/eBay Scam
I am glad that I am not as dumb as some people hope that I am. I have been looking for a deal on a vehicle on Craigslist and eBay for several months now. The other day I ran across a listing that was “to good to be true.” But I am sure you are like me, you have friends that have gotten unbelievable deals on something because of someone else’s divorce or death in the family. Course, many times if the price doesn’t look right in one of these adds, it is because it was a typo. So when I saw and add on Craigslist for a 2004 Ford 1500 Super Crew 4×4 for $2990, I had to check it out. The listing didn’t have much information in it. Just an email address, Mellisa King <king.mellisa@gmail.com>, and the following picture.
Figuring that the $2990 was a typo I sent an email to the “lady.” Several hours later I received the following email in responce.
First of all I want to thank you for your interest for my truck. It’s a 2004 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 4X4 in excellent working conditions, no scratches, flaws or any kind of damage, slightly used in 100% working and looking conditions and comes with a clear title.
Mileage:67,935 miles, Transmission: Automatic, Title: Clear, Condition: Used, Body type: Pickup truck, Engine: 8 Cylinder, Exterior color: White, Drivetrain:4 Wheel Drive ,Eclipse AVN-5500 DVD/Navigation Head Unit w/ iPod adapter, JL Audio 10″ Sub-Woofer .Here is the pictures: http://s1122.photobucket.com/albums/l529/kingmellisa12/
I sell at this price($2,990.00) because I just finished the divorce with my husband. When the divorce has finished I own this truck. From the beginning you have to know that for the payment I request only secure pay, I prefer the payment to be done using eBay services.
We will use a safe payment method because I am affiliated at eBay and I have a purchase protection account for $50.000.00 The final price that I want for this truck is $2,990.00 including shipping and handling.
If you’re interested to purchase just email me with your full name, full 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.
Thank you
Here are few of the pictures that are in the PhotoBucket album. (Just incase this person pulls the pictures)
Looks nice doesn’t it?
Being on guard because of all the scams out there, (and maybe hoping that this was not one of them), I asked “her” to set things up. In the mean time, I talked to my mechanic friend, Ken, and my dad about it. Of course they were concerned about it being a scam and suggested that I insist on paying cash. I just waited for the email that “she” said I would get from eBay. I had told her that I had an account on eBay and had given her the same email address that I use there. My thought was that if it email really came through eBay, it would be in my messages on there.
Late last night I received the following 2 emails.
Please forgive the slight bad formatting. The email does not transfer from email to here very well.
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Looks real doesn’t it? Here is the second email.
Case ID: 71S4P7463V52W
Dear Cynthia Morgan,
Please tell us if you have received the invoice for payment. Once we receive the fax from you that will include the payment details as explained above, we will instruct the seller to start the shipping process. We will hold the payment 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 to the seller. You will receive further details regarding the shipping process (courier information, tracking method, expected delivery date) after the payment confirmation.
*NOTE: It may occur that your e-mail doesn’t support HTML language and that is why you haven’t received the invoice from us. Please check your bulk/junk/spam/ messages, the invoice may have ended there because of the ever increasing filters of the e-mails nowdays.
Thank you,
eBay Financing Center Customer Support
Vehicle Purchase Protection Program
First I went to my eBay account to see if the email was in my messages there. It was not. so then I started looking for customer support phone numbers. I found it, but of course the email came in after the eBay phone lines were closed. They are open 6:00 am to 5:00 pm PST, Monday-Friday. BUT eBay does have a live chat service that is from 5:00am to 10:00pm PT, 7 days a week. So started the chat with the eBay agent. I gave her the information the “eBay” email and asked her to please confirm that this was a legit email from them. She was having a few technical issues and the chat ended unexpectedly. so I started another chat and got the same person. While waiting for her to respond, I did some checking on the eBay site.
In the “Contact Us” section there are 3 drop down buttons. I moused over the “Buying” button and clicking on the “Buying a vehicle” link under the “Getting Started” section. That brings up the following.
I clicked on the Learn how these scams work link and got this.
If you’re buying a vehicle on another site and someone offers eBay Purchase Protection or claims to be affiliated with eBay, it’s probably a scam.
Be cautious about vehicles offered on Craigslist, AutoTrader, or other online sites that claim to be eBay transactions. They’re not.
Have you already paid for the vehicle?
I clicked on “No” and got this.
Before you pay for the vehicle, please read this important information.
If you shop on websites other than eBay, always be aware of phone calls or emails from people claiming to be eBay representatives. There’s been an increase in reports of fake eBay Motors transactions that come from sites other than eBay, such as Craigslist and AutoTrader.
Remember, a vehicle purchased on eBay will always appear in the Won/Purchased section of My eBay and you’ll be shown as the buyer in the listing. Don’t pay for the vehicle unless you see these verifications on the eBay website.
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from fraud.
If you receive an email or phone call that sounds suspicious:
- Don’t give out any personal or financial information.
- Don’t complete the transaction unless it’s on eBay.
- Verify that the email is really from eBay by checking your messages in My eBay.
- Don’t wire money using Western Union or MoneyGram.
- Report the scam to us by forwarding the email to car@ebay.com.
You can find out more about this scam and get more tips on how to buy safely.
The eBay agent replied to me after a few minuets and told me the same thing I had just read. If it doesn’t start and finish on eBay, then it can’t be paid for through the eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection. She asked me to please forward the email to them and to not respond to the email. I did that.
I have not bought anything off of Craigslist but I have off of eBay. I have never had a problem with my purchases on there. I know people that have made great deals on Craigslist, but as you see, be cautious. There are those great “to good to be true” deals out there, but they are far and few between. Be sure to check,recheck and check again ANY time you make a deal with someone on any of these online auctions or person to person want add sites. On eBay, payments should always be made through them. On Craigslist, if they are not willing to take cash, BEWARE! It will save you a lot of heartache.
(24) Readers Comments
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555FAA71-9003-E525-37025352646A88C8
Tell your scammer tracy said to find a better name than from a history
555FAA71-9003-E525-37025352646A88C8
Hi Sabiene, This gentleman found me on facebook in 8/2011. Don't b
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He also wrote this "We are not allow to use webcam or call anyone we
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I think I am being scammed as well. He hasn't asked for money but a l
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Peggy
Hello Everyone, i was scammed few months ago of the sum of $50,000usd and it was a very bad experience , but, i contacted the interpol, and they directed me to one of their agent, who uses this email usagovernment_military@live.com and he helped me and guess what ? I GOT ALL MY MONEY…….., it just took him 1-2 weeks, to get this people and bring them to justice…… i know it will take ages for interpol to respond … but, it will be good for you to contact the agent, via his email usagovernment_military@live.com, im sure he will help you… he has a passion for getting this scammers!!!! I want you all to be ashappy as i am…. i am really happy, that , i have all my money back now … THANK YOU AGENT AROLD, and THANK GOD!
Anonn
The above poster Peggy is a Scammer and the Rubbish she just typed is just that a crock of BS
Anonn
Nigerian Scammer all day gtfohwiBS
brenda
I emailed about a too good to be true truck and got this response.
Hello,
Thank you for your interest in buying my truck. My 2005 Ford F-150 Lariat is in great shape, no engine problems, damages or hidden defects. It was always garaged. I`m a single mother with 2 children and I have to work very hard to maintain my family. I`m selling it so cheap because I have problems with money.
The price is $4,200.00. We will use eBay`s protection program for our safety. I just need your full name and address so I can open a case .(with no further obligation or fees).If you are still interested email me for picture and details.
My best wishes and I’m waiting your response so we can move forward with this deal.
Details about the truck:
Thanks for posting this. When I read this email it sounded scammy to me. i researched and found your post. Thanks so much
Robert
Seems scamers like the name Melissa. Here’s two from Melissasilva79@gmail.com on Oct. 27th 2011.
Hi Bob,
First of all I want to thank you for your interest in my 2007 Sun Chaser 824 fish/ski pontoon boat. Is in absolutely perfect condition and well maintained. I sell it at this price ($3,600) because I just finished the divorce with my husband. When the divorce was finished I owned this. The total price is $3,600 and it includes delivery to your address. I have some financial problems right now so I want to sell it asap and a fast sale can be done only at a low price. The trailer is free to you with the purchase of this boat (since I no longer need it). Unfortunately for me my daughter is in hospital and I can’t do this transaction personally, the transaction will be made through eBay protection program for the safety of both of us. The payment will be handled by ebay and you will benefit of 7 days for inspection period and you will have the option to accept or reject the boat. In the inspection period you can test the boat and inspect it with your local mechanic. If you decide not to keep it, you will get refunded in 24 hours and the same delivery courier will pick up the boat and you don´t have to pay any return shipping . I am sure you’ll love the boat and will not want to return it, but it’s good to know that you do have this second option available. 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.
Please reply me if interested.
For more pictures, click the link bellow.
https://google.com/109355184997705791904/2007SUNCHASER
Sincerely,
Melissa
Hello,
The Sun Chaser 824 is at the eBay’s shipping center in Orlando, FL and from there will be shipped to my buyer’s address. The boat have been listed for sale in an auction on eBay but I have removed the add because of some ‘serious’ buyers. I have registered the boat with eBay’s Vehicle Protection Program and they work only with DAS auto shippers, so a local pick-up is not an option. This transaction is covered by eBay’s purchase protection program up to 50,000 USD and if something goes wrong in this transaction you will be fully refunded. I want eBay because they are the biggest US company and I think that we can close this deal fast and safe for both of us. I don’t have to much time and also I am not familiar with the internet transactions and eBay is the only one I know. I have used the eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection in the past and all my transaction ended successfully. You pay to eBay and they will transfer the funds to me only after you get the boat. Shipping will be door to door, to your home address, somebody must be home when they arrive.
I apologize if it seems like I’m pushing on this deal but I really want to be sure that everything is clarified before any further steps. Please let me know if some of the terms don’t fit you or if you have other questions. I’m a serious seller and I prefer to deal with a serious buyer.
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 am looking forward to hearing from you,
Thanks
SCAM!!! The “eBay invoice” looked legit complete with a eBay agents name requesting Western Union wire transfer. All they need is the Western Union MTCN (money transfer control number) and any one worldwide can walk into a Western Union office and walk away with your money.
Robert
The above post was from Craigslist San Francisco bay area. Beware!
Bojan
I just almost bought a car like this. First I was suspicious, then I got an email from “ebay” with the identical things I just read here. That’s when I thought it actually could be legit because it’s ebay and they won’t allow stupid things. She of course sent this like in most of the cases: Thank you for your interest in buying my car. Let me tell you a few words about the car. It’s a 2004 Acura TL,in perfect condition, no need for additional repairs, no scratches, dings, special marks whatsoever, never been involved in any accidents. The interior looks great (NO SMOKING). It has a clear title ready to be signed and notarized on your name. The price I want for it is $2,310.00 I took an exceptional care of this vehicle, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
For pictures please visit: http://s1124.photobucket.com/albums/l577/jenteLLs/
All documents, including owner’s manual, clear title and a bill of sale on your name will be provided along with the car. Also about payment I will use eBay program so we can both be protected.First of all I will be needing the following details from you: your full name, your shipping address and your phone number so i can open a case (with no further obligation or fees).If you’re willing to make this purchase, contact me and let’s start the transaction.
Thank you
Here are some info about it:
VIN: 19UUA66284A068106
Mileage: 45,394 miles
Body type: Sedan
Engine: 6 – Cyl. Cylinder
Exterior color: Gold
Interior color: Tan
Transmission: Automatic
Here is the carfax report for you:
http://www.carfax.com/viewEmailReport.do?a=Oiz70fvkrVENC%2FF8KRR%2FPI2AvnESXHtAOC1cfp28b4bWw4A2gk0otw%3D%3D&language=en
I then asked the person if we could meet so I can see the car myself and this is the answer I got:
“I’m sorry to disappoint you but the car is already at the shipping company in Cape Coral, Florida sealed and ready for the shipping.
I have a contract with eBay so this deal must go through them.
I’m very busy with my job and I’m getting off the town so I can’t meet in person with you so this is the reason why I chose to sell my car over the internet.
According with the eBay you have 10 days from the time you receive the car to inspect it and decide if you want to keep it or not.
If you want to buy it please email me your full name and address for shipping so I can initiate the transaction through eBay.
After that they will contact you for all necessary information about this transaction (terms,buyer protection,payment instructions,invoice,etc.)
Thank you
Jennifer Teller”
to make things even more interesting,I told her I’m afraid it could be a fraud, so I asked for either her address or a phone number,and “she” answered:
“Thanks for your answer
About the deal, I’m sorry because you feel like that about me.Now,if you are in my
place to sell something ,you’ll take the risk to cheat people and have the police on your door in a few days?????
I don’t think so!!!I m in this position!!!!Liberty is more precious then everything in this world!!
I am a 50 year old woman who owns his own successful business. I have been married to the same man for
28 years and we have two grown suns who are successful in their
own careers.We are all college educated.I didn’t get to this stage in life by doing dumb things.
I want to take this opportunity to asure you that there is nothing to be worried about this deal.
I would never cheat you or swindle you!!
You have my word and good faith on the fact that I’ll keep my end of the bargain. I have never lied and cheated anyone.
I will not risk my career,
my freedom and my future for anything in the world! I would rather close this deal with other person than to know that you’ll
be very stressed hopping that I am a honest person,
until you receive your car. Your peace of mind is a lot more important than this deal!!!
If you decide not to go through with it there is no problem. I got quite a few offers left.
Please get back to me and let me know what you decide.Thank you for your time and interest. Whatever you decide I wish you good luck.
Regards!”
I almost fell for it. So happy I found this article. Always check every single detail, or simply insist to meet and see the car,or test drive it etc…
Nick
Thanks, I use eBay and craigslist to buy and sell all of the time. That’s actually how my wife makes most of her income. Great information.
Thank You,
Nick
http://www.temporarydutyassignment.org
Anonn
OMG scammers really get on my last nerve on Ebay and Craigslist I was trying to sell my cellphone and I got so many stupid long and drawn out lifestories from them I finally rewrote my add look NO SCAMMERS I dont care if you are on vacation or out of the country if you have the money CASH only and can deal locally then send me a message otherwise go AWAY!!! so annoying
David
I think you helped me avoid a scam….Thanks!
Sent from seller:
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me. The machine is already at the shipping company in Boonsboro,MD , ready for the shipping. I have a contract with eBay so this deal must go through them, being the safest for both of us. Let me explain how it works:
First of all I will need your full name and shipping address so I can register the transaction with eBay. Once you receive the details from eBay, the machine will be reserved for you until you read the details and decide if you want to proceed or not. You will have a 5 days inspection period, after the machine arrives at your address to make sure it is as shown in the photos and in good working order. If by any reason the machine is not as described or if you find any problems with it, I will arrange to ship it back on my cost. The payment will be sent to eBay and they will hold it until the inspection period is over and you decide if you’re going to buy it or not. This way you’re not going to pay for something you haven’t seen and with the inspection period you can make sure it’s as described. If you agree with this terms please reply with your full name,address and ph# so we can get the ball rolling.
Jeremy
I found a car on craigslist and this lady is selling it but she lives in another state. The car is PERFECT!!! It’s a great deal too! I am totally interested in it but I am very skeptic about the deal. She wrote to me about it and I really want to know if its a scam. This is what she wrote:
Let me show you how this works:
1. -After you’ll give me your full name and shipping address(where you want to receive the car),I’ll initiate the transaction
2. -eBay will contact you with all info you need regarding shipping and payment instructions
3. -You will confirm the payment to ebay
4. -I will contact the shipping company to start the shipping( I’LL PAY THE SHIPPING COSTS)
5. -You’ll receive the car in front of your door with the bill of sale received from eBay.
6. -You’ll have 5 days inspection period; after inspection period,if you are not satisfied,contact ebay and send the car back,you will not be charged for shipping it back!
7. -If you decide to keep it ,just contact ebay to release me the funds, I will not receive any money until you have received and inspected the car.
This is the process. If you agree with these terms send me your full name and your full home address and I will initiate the transaction with eBay. They will send you the payment instructions and shipping details.
CJ
This is a DEFINITE scam. Ebay does NOT contact anyone about transactions. Here’s how you can tell it’s a scam. Tell them you just found out you’re going to be near where the “seller” is located and would like to stop by and take a look at the vehicle. Tell them you will be there tomorrow for about a month and ask when you can come see it with cash in hand. If it’s a scam, they will make excuses about why you can’t see the car.
Ami Boan
EDITOR’S NOTE: THIS IS A SCAM. I AM APPROVING THIS COMMENT ONLY FOR THE BENEFIT THAT OTHERS SEE WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE.
Hello
I need to tell you that the 2005 Honda Accord EXL I am selling is running and looking great, has no flaws or dents, no scratches or any kind of damage. The engine runs very, very smooth. No electrical problems. The body was detailed so it looks like it just came off the assembly line. The title is clear. It has 67,000 miles.
I am from Honolulu, HI. I am the owner of this car but I cant have it as my wife used to drive it and ever since we separated I cant bare to look at it, let alone drive it.
The car is located in Madrid, Spain as I took it with me nearly 4 months ago when I was transferred to a NATO base for a Joint Combined Exchange Training program.
Having finished the program in Spain, I was offered to join the U.S. Forces in Japan, an opportunity I took right away. Right now I am forced to send the car back to the US and sell it.
The price I am willing to obtain is $2,300. The price is low because I need to sell it before February when I leave for Japan.
I want to take the opportunity to assure you that this transaction is 100% legitimate, the financial part will be managed by the eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection Program which means that you will have a 10 days inspection period before buying the vehicle. You will make the payment to eBay and they will hold the money until you receive the car. It will be ONLY AFTER you receive and inspect it (for 10 days) that eBay will release the payment to me. This way we are both protected.
You will not have any problems with the registration of the vehicle since it meets all environmental regulations in the US, there is no need to pay any additional taxes, just my asking price. You will get the manuals and keys along with all the additional documents needed for registration.
Again, my asking price is $2,300. This price includes shipping and handling fees, it will be shipped by US Military Cargo Aircraft and US Military Auto Transport Services to your door per military POV shipping regulations. You will receive the car in 4 days tops.
If you want to complete the purchase please send me your Full Name & Shipping Address so I can notify eBay that I have selected you as the buyer and they will contact you to explain the entire procedure.
Please email me ASAP if you want to move forward and let me know if you need anything else.
Here are some pictures of the car: http://2005accordhondaa.shutterfly.com/pictures/8
Thank you and have a nice day,
Sgt. Ben Simpson
Janice
Thank you soooo much to the people who commented, if it wasn’t for this I would have made the mistake to fall for this fraud.
So I saw this post on craigslist and decided to e-mail the person. first of all it seemed to good to be true but I wanted to try it just to double check, you never know! However, the post was very weird since it didnt have any contact information just an e-mail. So I messaged saying that I wanted more info about the car.
Here’s what I got the first time
Hi there,
The Nissan 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 January 25th for a 2 year contrac 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 $2,740.00 with no other hidden taxes. Please email me back if you are interested in buying it.
A few words about the car:
2005 Nissan Altima SL
57,278 miles
VIN: 1N4BL11E25C296070
SEDAN 4 DR
3.5L V6 FI DOHC 24V
FRONT WHEEL DRIVE
Transmission: AUTO
- Pics available at: http://s1113.photobucket.com/albums/k506/altimasl05/
Best Regards,
Senior Medic Sgt. 1st Class Scoot Morris
So after this I messaged him saying that I was interested and wanted to go see it and test drive it.
Annnnnd here’s what I get the 2nd time!
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
Funny thing is how this email and the ones from the previous comments sound so nice and polite, even alike!
jeremy
Funny thing is i found the same ad and i was curious too and he said the exact same thing the way i found this is i typed in the vin number on google and this blog came up.
Anonn
I dont know not one American that talks or would type like this but Africans do………..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.
Jennifer
Hi, I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and don’t want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before February 3rd. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn’t been involved in any accident…I do have the title, clear, under my name. The Camry has 55,600 current miles VIN# 4T1BF30KX4U077785. It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $2,700. The car is in Lakewood WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below are the car details, also link with more photos and copy of Carfax report
DO NOT FALL FOR THIS IT IS A SCAM ! I almost fell for it but such a great car for an amazing price? You’ve got to look into it. So of course I did,and what do u know, it turns out this is one devoted soldier, so devoted she’s all. Around the united states doing military programs, it also turns out she’s got a lot of cars for sale across the country, this is a scam don’t fall for it!
Not happenin
Wow, im at a loss for words as to how sick these people.are. Glad I looked into an ad for an 03tacoma, Fake as shit . Glad I have a computer guru friend who is hacking her shit see what she does when he puts tracers on her and crashes her shit. Told me through email(of course) she has truck in mt which is wierd since we traced it back to wayne pennsylvania. Hope we get some where w thisbut either way thanks again.
Dwane Boucher (Valor Warranty)
Vehicles sales seem to attract all the low-life’s looking to make a quick buck off someone else. Another area that a potential buyer should look at is in the area of vehicle mechanics. This may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many people don’t spend the extra hundred dollars to get the vehicle inspected before purchasing. If you are serious about buying a car, take it in to a mechanic you trust and let them do the once over… in the long run, this cheap investment can save you thousands of dollars, and hours of misery!!
Just Me
This tip to identify internet scams cannot be repeated too often; Internet scammers are typically living in foreign countries. Their way of spelling and using English-grammar mechanics is very different from say, a US citizen. Reading the email-scam setups, one can almost hear the heavy dialect from a foreign country. And, even more than that, it’s rather easy to see that these people are not educated in our language. The written word from an undereducated American is spelled out phonetically, the way it sounds, while scammers abroad leave out whole words basic to our way of building a sentence. Therefore, when an email comes in without certain connecting words, and it also feels clumsy to one as it is read, then that email should be viewed as suspect! Just Me
TLNesbit
Saw this listing for a 2006 Seadoo boat for $4700.00
http://new-york.findanyboat.com/boats/2004-sea-doo-speedster-200-only-53-hrs.html
If you notice in the add the boats location is listed in New York, Monticello. Here is the email I got when I inquired as to the low price.
Hello and thanks for your interest,
The boat is still for sale and is in excellent condition as you can see from the pictures.
No accidents or any kind of damage and it has a clear title.
If you are interested in buying it, the price is $4,900 and this is with shipping costs to your location included. I’m selling the boat because I can’t use it due to my new job (I work as a casino dealer on a cruise ship) and I don’t have anyone in the US to whom I can give it.
All documents, including owner’s manual, clear title and a bill of sale on your name will be provided along with the boat.
Also about payment and shipping I will use only eBay Vehicle Protection Program so we can both be protected.
If you are interested in buying it please provide me your full name and address so I can initiate the deal through eBay.
I am looking forward to hear from you.
Thank You,
Thomas Ponder
He claims that he is going to use eBay motor protection. Problem, if you want to know about eBay motor protection or VPP here is the link and it only covers items sold on eBay.com period!!!!
So I knew this was a scam and just wanted to have a little fun with this WPOS!! so I emailed him again and asked for the URL on his boat that I had forgot to bookmark. Here is his reply.
Hello again,
I’m sorry for the delay in my response but I have a lot of work in casino. The boat is already at the shipping company in Houston – Texas, crated and ready for the shipping. The shipping process will take between 4-5 days, depending on your location. I have a contract with eBay so this deal must go through them. I must pay a fee for each day for stationing in the warehouse so I priced it low to sell it fast and that is my secret for selling it so low.
As I said in the first email I work as a casino dealer on a cruise ship and I can’t meet you or bring you the boat, so that’s why I am using a shipping company.
Since this is an online transaction I wanted the both of us to be safe so for this deal I am using eBay Purchase Protection, and that means that you have 5 days from the time you receive the boat to inspect it and decide if you want to keep it or not.
Here is how it works:
1.First of all I will need the following details from you:
- Full Name
- Full Shipping Address
2. After I will receive the details from you, I will forward them to eBay Purchase Protection.
3. After they will process your info, they will send us both invoices.Your funds will be 100% insured by eBay Purchase Protection.
4. eBay Purchase Protection will contact me and I will ship the boat to you. After you receive the boat you will have 5 days to test, verify and do whatever you need to the boat. If you will buy it, then I will receive the payment.
5. If you will decide that you will not buy the boat, I will have the shipping company come pick up my boat.
If you wish to make the transaction, please send me the necessary info so that we can proceed!
http://new-york.findanyboat.com/boats/2004-sea-doo-speedster-200-only-53-hrs.html
Thank you,
Thomas Ponder
OK the boat is not listed on eBay. So he can’t use eBay motor protection. Plus the boat is already at the shipping company waiting to be sold. Come on has anyone ever done this? Plus he says he is paying storage by the day!!!!??? Come on no body could be that stupid!!! Plus look at the broken English ( stationing in the warehouse) So I emailed him again
The link you sent me is not a eBay link. If you are going to use eBay Purchase Protection, that only covers items sold on ebay.
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 when you complete the purchase of an eligible vehicle on the eBay Motors site (motors.ebay.com). FYI
Eligibility Requirements
Participation in the VPP program is subject to the following eligibility requirements:
You have successfully completed the purchase of a vehicle* priced at more than $100 from one of the following categories on the eBay Site:
Car and Truck
Motorcycle
Go Kart, Scooter, and Moped
ATV
Personal Water Craft
Snowmobile
Boat
Bus
Commercial Truck
RV or Camper
Race Car (not street legal)
Trailer (non-RV)
Dune Buggy / Sand Rail
Note:
* You will be deemed to have successfully completed the purchase if you receive confirmation in your “My eBay” that you have successfully won, or purchased, an item through an auction, Buy It Now, or Best Offer.
Your eBay account, and the account of the seller, had an eBay Site feedback rating of zero or above as of the listing’s end date and your account is in good standing (i.e. not suspended) at the time the reimbursement request is filed.
You have not filed a VPP reimbursement request in the last 6 months.
You, the seller, the vehicle, and the financial institutions on which payment was drawn, and to which payment was made, must have been located in one of the fifty United States or Canada on the listing’s end date.
You obtain the VPP Administrator’s prior written consent before altering, repairing, selling, or releasing possession of, the vehicle before a determination is made on your Reimbursement Request.
You are able to provide the VPP Administrator with documentation to substantiate all purchase payments, and/or estimates for repair, related to your reimbursement request within 14 days of filing your reimbursement request.
You comply with the filing deadline and requests from the VPP Administrator (regardless of any shipping delays you experience).
So what do you have to say????????
Don’t think I’ll here back from him again
James C
Wow…really pays to do your homework. I almost got sucked into this.
I list in Austin, TX and saw an add for an electronic drumset for $1400, about half what a like model would cost. When I inquired about it, I got the following email…
Thank you very much for the kind words about my son and god bless you .
I`m located in Great Falls, MT (the drums is here with me) right now because me and my husband 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.
For this transaction I want to use eBay because I want to provide you a fast and very secure way. They will handle the transaction for me. You will make the payment to eBay and they will hold the money until you receive and inspect the drums. Only after you receive the drums and you inspect it (you have 7 days for inspection) they will release the payment to me. This transaction is covered by eBay buyer protection up to 50,000 USD and if something goes wrong in this transaction you will be fully refunded. I strongly assure you it will not be the case for a refund. I have used the eBay buyer protection program in the past and all my transaction ended successfully.
I apologize if it seems like I’m pushing on this deal but I really want to be sure that everything is clarified before any further steps. I’m a serious seller and I prefer to deal with a serious buyer. I want a fast and safe transaction for both of us, so if you wish to proceed with the purchase, please provide me your full name, full address and phone # so I can initiate the deal through eBay.
I am looking forward to hearing from you,
Thanks and have a great day !
Caroline
Almost got scammed. I actually thinking of replying and saying, “what a coincidence! I have a brother that lives there. give me your address and he’ll swing by to look/pay for it.”
Thanks for all reposting these. Helped me to find this scam exists!!!
Michele King
Why can’t yahoo, microsoft, Facebook, Craigslist, etc., etc., put up a notice like E-Bay does when you first join?