Second-hand Car Scam

[fastesthamster]

Saw a really cheap RAV4 on junkmail, and mailed the seller. Got this as a reply:

The vehicle is still available for sale, price as stated in the ad R48,500.It's in perfect working order, no damages or scratches, it wasn't involved in any accidents.I temporarily moved to the United Kingdom with my work but I left the vehicle at a shipping company in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.All shipping costs and insurance during transportation are included in the price.You will also receive all necessary documents in order to finalize the purchase.Email me back if you're interested and have further questions.

Sounded really dodgy, so asked for more info:

Look how this works:

1. I will contact eBay and give all the info about this deal.
2. They will send us the forms by email - for you about the payment.
3. I will send the vehicle to your location and you will send the payment at eBay.
4. After you will inspect the vehicle and decide to keep it, they will transfer the money into my account.

RETURN POLICY:
If by any reason the vehicle is not as described, or if you find any problems with it I will pay for the returning fees. I'm sure it won't be the case because the vehicle is in excellent condition.
As soon as the vehicle arrives, you will test it and if it does not match 100% to your expectations, you will return it in max. 5 working days since the arrival date. In this case you will send me the vehicle in the same condition you received it.

Please provide me with your full name and shipping address so I can register the deal with eBay.

Did a quick google and came up with this
http://forums.ebay.com/db2/topic/Trust-Safety-Safe/Can-Someone-Look/520183096

Be careful out there, kids.

*edit* Guy gave his name as Paul Towler [email protected]

 

[R13...]

If by any reason the vehicle is not as described,

That's 419 English (made in Nigeria) right there bro.

 

[midkemia]

Basically you dont send ebay money, you sent it straight to them... I see how they include points 3. into 2 points, and you will have to pay for the car to "ebay" before they send you the car... weird how stupid some people are!

 

[TKD01]

LOL even the wording on the e-bay link is exactly the same!

 

[HammerDown]

People are always suckers for a "bargain" ....
Don't pay for any car that you have not personally viewed...
Never buy from anyone who is not a SA citizen or will "send you the paperwork"..
Never buy through a 3rd person..see 1
9 outa10 if it has a fancy story attached walk away...

if you are stupid you must suffer.

 

[za1]

same scam is being done with puppies

something like I have had to move urgently to Zim and puppies are held at xyz and will be sent to you blah blah

 

[akescpt]

on gumtree there is this woman who advertises different cars...the last one i saw was a 2005 jeep cherokee 3.7 for 75,000. she has this story of how she is divorced and she is having trouble with the hubby...and the money must go to paypal...totaly bogus...