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      12-22-2011, 02:57 AM   #1
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Selling my car, fishy potential buyer - want your opinion

So I recently posted my car on craigslist and have had a few bites, but take a look at this one. Her name is Caroline (and a very generic last name), here's the transcript -

Caroline -

Am interested in purchasing it,Kindly tell me more about it,as well as
send me some detailed pics of it and let me know the last price you
are willing to let go of it.

Stay Blessed.

-------------------------------------------------------

Me -

Sure Caroline.

Not even sure where to begin. I got the car in 06 from Indiana owned by an auto enthusiast family so the car was always taken care of. I've had it for 5 worry free years. The only time I've had it in the shop is when I made the mistake of driving into a large puddle and blowing the motor. It was paid and replaced by my insurance (Allstate) and installed by ProFunction Automotive, one of the best Honda shops in the area. The motor they gave me had 20k less than the body, so right now it sits at 71k on the body and 51k on the motor. I've only driven the car about 6k miles a year and very rarely sees snow (even though it's pretty great with the winter tires). The car has also never been smoked in...and I mean never. Basically it's been babied for the last 5 years. My girlfriend even refers to it as the garaged princess haha.

Anyways, I have literally hundreds of pictures (loved to show it off on Clubrsx where the car is literally looked at as a legend). Here's a couple of links to some of the threads I've made there with progressive pictures over the years and you can read through some of the responses. Feel free to ask me anything else or for a specific picture you might like to see.

Most recent -
http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=785431

Old -
http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=493483

Let me know if you need anything else,
-Greg

------------------------------------------------------------

Caroline -

Hi there, Thank you for getting back to me.Can you assure me that the
vehicle is in good state and that i will not be disappointed with it
and I'm ready to pay your asking price.To be honest, i wanted to buy
this for my father as a surprise birthday gift,he has being
there for me and doesn,t deserve something less but the issue
is I'm a marine contractor and i just got a contract which i am doing
presently and The contract is strictly no call,
due to the lack of reception on the sea area,,But I'm able to access
email anytime as we will make use of laptop so my only quickest
payment option is PayPal as i can send money via PayPal
anytime.Moreso i choose paypal for this transaction cause i
want to avoid the scams going down on the internet this
days,and want the both party to be on a safe side cause
paypal security measure is unbeatable.Since I'm requesting
this transaction to be done via PayPal, i will be
responsible for all the pay pal fee/charges on this transaction and if
you don't have an account with paypal, its pretty easy, safe and
secured to open one. Just log on to www.paypal.com. I hope we can make
the purchase as fast as possible? I have a mover that will come for it
once payment clears and they will be handling the title for me.So i
look forward to hear from you soon.
Many thanks.

-----------------------------------------------------

So it definitely sounds fishy for so many reasons, but the fact that they want to use Paypal gives me a little hope. Any thoughts?
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      12-22-2011, 03:05 AM   #2
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Scam. They will say payment has been sent and then email you fake PayPal emails saying youll get the cash once cars has been pick up and title signed offed. I get this scammers all the time when I sold my iPhone and dog cage. Very similar to the nigerian check scam avoid them or do what I do and mess with them for a while.
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      12-22-2011, 03:07 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pwrdbynel View Post
Scam. They will say payment has been sent and then email you fake PayPal emails saying youll get the cash once cars has been pick up and title signed offed. I get this scammers all the time when I sold my iPhone and dog cage. Very similar to the nigerian check scam avoid them or do what I do and mess with them for a while.
Sounds about right. I'll definitely keep this going.
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      12-22-2011, 03:20 AM   #4
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Definitely a scam.. Caroline?.. Seriously?...... Anyway my name Mary and I'm interested in purchasing your car.. haha jk glws!
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      12-22-2011, 04:09 AM   #5
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Its 100% scam, dont do it!

Btw i am nigerian prince.
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      12-22-2011, 05:04 AM   #6
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SCAM!!! I get these in my spam folder every day.
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      12-22-2011, 08:08 AM   #7
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Tell Caroline to give you more information about herself. Ask her if she's ever had the pleasure of being Cleveland Steamer'd.
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      12-22-2011, 08:53 AM   #8
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Latest email:

Well am Caroline Smith,From Costa Rica,Works with Mari Trans,Of course
I understand your concerns and i hate to purchase this vehicle sight
unseen as much as you do...But my present situation is putting me in
all of this cause am not gonna come out of here till hopefully the
next 3 months and my shipping agent aren,t gonna come until payment
clears in your Paypal...I can always see more of this vehicle once it
gets to my fathers garage....
Paypal works pretty fine and pretty much more secured is why i choose
this transaction to go down via it and with Paypal the both parties
are gonna be on a very secured side.
I have a heart and I am not a cheater,I have little kids that am not
hoping for bad things to befall...I will never and never will I Rip
People off from there cold earned hard cash.
Am reassuring you that this transaction is a very legit one and you
will never have any cause to regret ever trusting me on this
transaction.
Will await your prompt response at your earliest convienience.

Stay Blessed.

-------------------------------------------------------------

I almost want to keep this going to see the fake emails.
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      12-22-2011, 08:54 AM   #9
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when they have english names and have terrible grammar...and they start their emails with "hi there" they're naggers..


i sell so much stuff on Craig's list i can smell scam through a computer...make ur post simple, tell them to leave you an email with a phone number and you'll call them back...i don't haggle or even respond to email, those are not serious buyers and are just wasting your time
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      12-22-2011, 09:02 AM   #10
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Garage List
2008 BMW M5  [6.88]
Scam

OP, for sh*ts and giggles, mention setting up an escrow account to her and state that way if she is a no show, she keeps her money.

If she responds negatively, or stonewalls you on that idea, then that will give you a very clear indication.

But yeah, I agree with the rest. Likely a scam. Maybe keep the emails going for the LOLs?
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      12-22-2011, 09:05 AM   #11
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"..cold earned hard cash.."

lulz...

Get an address and I will send her a bag of garbage..
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      12-22-2011, 09:05 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Spool View Post
when they have english names and have terrible grammar...and they start their emails with "hi there" they're naggers..


i sell so much stuff on Craig's list i can smell scam through a computer...make ur post simple, tell them to leave you an email with a phone number and you'll call them back...i don't haggle or even respond to email, those are not serious buyers and are just wasting your time
Problem is that I have time to waste, and will likely mess with them.

I'm about to send them my real number as well as a fake paypal address.
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      12-22-2011, 09:15 AM   #13
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I got the SAME almost word for word response from some girl when I inquired about a 95' Toyota Supra that was for sale for only $7500. She responded the car was in Florida and she's away for the next few months because she's a marine-whatever-the-fuck and she is getting rid of the car for so cheap because her brother gave it to her and she doesn't like it blah blah blah...

Some people are just sCUM...
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      12-22-2011, 09:24 AM   #14
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So any suggestions about how I respond?

Almost don't want to use my real paypal (the same email address we've been using) just so they don't have my real name/address.
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      12-22-2011, 09:29 AM   #15
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My latest response -

Sure Caroline, just wondering how did you come across craigslist ad?
Also, what is the address the car will be delivered to? (need this for the title)
Is there a phone number I can reach you at?
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      12-22-2011, 09:40 AM   #16
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OP - definitely a scam...but have fun with it!

I'm thread jacking a little here, but here's an excerpt of my dealings with one of those scammers.

My inital inquiry was on a 2006 M5, low km's, low price. I'm starting from the first point of contact for entertainment, it gets a little better as it goes on.

From the "seller"
Hello
I appreciate your interest for my BMW M5 2006 . First of all I want to assure that there's nothing wrong with it, and that it's exactly as you see it in the pictures.The vehicle is registered on my name and the title is clear (no lien). It is in great condition, no dents or scratches. It was always garaged and the regular maintenance was done on
time. It wasn't involved in any accident and has never suffered any kind of damage.
My asking price is $14,000. I want to sell it because I desperately need cash. I have some personal problems witch i really need to solve asap. I am very sad to let this car go, but I have no other option at the moment. Since I only have one, first come, first served.
Thank you.

From Me
Can you send me the VIN and let me know where it was serviced? If I'm interested, are you willing to meet at a BMW dealership in Toronto so I can have the car inspected?

From the "seller"
Hello,
I am located in NB and i would like to know from the beginning if you are really interested in purchase, so i can stop negotiating with potential buyers.
Because of my job(i work in USA) i chose to sell the car online,for this reason i left the car at the shipping company in NB,but i will pay the shipping fees to your location.
The transaction will be processed through Google Checkout as I paid them the fees and they provide the most reliable and secure services in which concerns the online sales.
You will pay Google Checkout the required amount, and they will secure it until you get the vehicle. You will be given a 7 days inspection period during which you can decide whether you keep it or not. If you are satisfied with it , you will confirm that to Google Checkout so that they can unblock the funds and send it to me.
Otherwise the transaction is cancelled, you get the refund and I ship the vehicle back.
Here is the four step procedure that we have to follow:
1. You must send me your info: name,address,phone so we can get in touch.
2. You will get an invoice from Google Checkout and there you will be further instructed.
3. You pay Google Checkout the amount, and I contact the shipping company regarding the delivery arrangements so you get the vehicle in maximum 3-4 days.
4. You decide whether you keep the vehicle or not( hopefully you will be positive as you will love it) , if not you will receive a full refund from Google Checkout.
Therefore, if you are determined in buying the vehicle, please send me an email with your name, shipping address and phone number so I can register the transaction with Google Checkout.
Look forward to hearing from you soon.

From me
Hello, and thank you for your very prompt response!

Yes, definitely stop negotiating with other potential buyers - this beast is mine! If you get any offers, please turn them down, please, I'm begging you. I want this M5, it looks really good - I'd even consider offering a small premium for the car advertised over any other offers you may have received.

Plus, you've shown to me that you're willing to work with me by using Google Checkout - I like how you are protecting my interests by allowing me a 7 day inspection period while Google holds my funds. I feel pretty protected that way - plus, as you've pointed out, I can always return the car and get my full money back! I think that's very generous of you.

Since you're obviously a trustworthy individual, I feel concerned about protecting your interests too. If you ship the vehicle to me and I just take off with it and tell Google I returned it so I get my money back, then you are left with nothing which concerns me deeply. So, in a show of good faith, I was wondering if maybe I could send you photocopies of my SIN number, birth certificate and health insurance card as proof of my identity and to show you I'm a good guy too.

As I'd prefer not to send these sorts of details electronically, perhaps you could provide me with a mailing address and name?

Thanks, I'm so excited about receiving my M5 shortly

From the "seller"
Hi,
All that i need from you is your full name and address and a contact number so i can start the case with Google.


I will explain in a few steps how the process work:
1.I will open a case with Google.
2.They will send us the forms of the payment.
3.You make the payment like is state in the forms that you receive.
4.They secure the money and contact me to make the arrangement of the shipping.
5.I make the shipping and i will send you the details.
6.You receive the car and give your approve to Google to forward me the money.
Note:I will not receive any money from Google until you receive the car,inspect this and send the confirmation to them.If you are not comfortable with this you can send back(on my expense) and Google will give your money back immediately .But i'm sure that you will love the car and keep it for you.
So please let me know if you have the money ready so i can open the case with Google.They will provide you live suport also 24/24 hours.
Thanks



And that's where I stopped it - he wasn't biting on the birth certificate or anything, so I stopped having fun.
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      12-22-2011, 09:50 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Spool View Post
when they have english names and have terrible grammar...and they start their emails with "hi there" they're naggers..


i sell so much stuff on Craig's list i can smell scam through a computer...make ur post simple, tell them to leave you an email with a phone number and you'll call them back...i don't haggle or even respond to email, those are not serious buyers and are just wasting your time
I say Hi There!! but Im Southern....


anyways OP,....She's (or he) is scamming you.
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      12-22-2011, 09:54 AM   #18
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SCAM
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      12-22-2011, 10:15 AM   #19
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Who the fuck says "Kindly" these days anyway? Fucking scamming fucks! Sorry this stuff pisses me off. End rant!
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      12-22-2011, 11:33 AM   #20
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Mess with him.
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      12-22-2011, 12:19 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mdyaman View Post
Scam

OP, for sh*ts and giggles, mention setting up an escrow account to her and state that way if she is a no show, she keeps her money.

If she responds negatively, or stonewalls you on that idea, then that will give you a very clear indication.

But yeah, I agree with the rest. Likely a scam. Maybe keep the emails going for the LOLs?
this
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      12-22-2011, 04:53 PM   #22
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Makes me wonder how I actually sold my car on Craigslist legitimately.

You really had to ask if this was a scam? Guy that was interested in my car emailed me, "I am interested in looking at the car you posted. Call me, my number is XXX.XXX.XXXX.
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