964 Scam?
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From: Highland Park, IL
Oh yeah! I thought I saw a picture of your car on eBay this week. It was on sale in the Chicago area and the seller mentioned some work/commute connection with Wisconsin. I thought, hmmm, Jay's finally selling his C2.
But then the ad got the color wrong. It was called something like, Ballistic Blue, and I thought that something looked fishy. Sorry I didn't send you the listing. They used that first picture from the "Registry", the profile shot of the driver's side.
So were they hoping to take a deposit and disappear? Wow, that's just sad.
But then the ad got the color wrong. It was called something like, Ballistic Blue, and I thought that something looked fishy. Sorry I didn't send you the listing. They used that first picture from the "Registry", the profile shot of the driver's side.
So were they hoping to take a deposit and disappear? Wow, that's just sad.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2001
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From: WI, US
That's my car in the picture sitting in my driveway...
Obviously someone can rip off any picture on the internet and use it as their own. But, what concerned me what someone calling about my car at my home and then being told he can secure a car for $200. Hopefully no one is getting ripped off.
Obviously someone can rip off any picture on the internet and use it as their own. But, what concerned me what someone calling about my car at my home and then being told he can secure a car for $200. Hopefully no one is getting ripped off.
Last edited by Jay H; Dec 12, 2003 at 12:36 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2001
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From: WI, US
Update:
The broker that I thought was selling my car called me this morning after a few choice phone calls by myself. We've come to some conclusions.
A separate individual has downloaded a photo of my car for use on his eBay add mentioned above.
This individual has also submitted a photo of my car to the above mentioned broker along with info about his car in order for this broker to sell his car.
It appears that just my photos were used since the eBay ad linked to above does not include my VIN.
I'm not sure why someone called me regarding my car for sale since the broker was very professional and did not even know who I was, nor did he have any info on me or my car, nor would he give out any personal information. It appears that the broker is very legitimate and did nothing illegal because he was very concerned about this situation and how he was sent an incorrect photo as well.
We'll see how the rest of this situation plays out as I make a few more calls.
Jay
The broker that I thought was selling my car called me this morning after a few choice phone calls by myself. We've come to some conclusions.
A separate individual has downloaded a photo of my car for use on his eBay add mentioned above.
This individual has also submitted a photo of my car to the above mentioned broker along with info about his car in order for this broker to sell his car.
It appears that just my photos were used since the eBay ad linked to above does not include my VIN.
I'm not sure why someone called me regarding my car for sale since the broker was very professional and did not even know who I was, nor did he have any info on me or my car, nor would he give out any personal information. It appears that the broker is very legitimate and did nothing illegal because he was very concerned about this situation and how he was sent an incorrect photo as well.
We'll see how the rest of this situation plays out as I make a few more calls.
Jay
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Michael S. Palmer
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From: Ashburton, Devon, England
Loads of these on eBay all the time.
NEVER even think of bidding on anything with ZERO or negative feedback.
Even with positive feedback check that a bona fide seller's identity has not been hijacked by making contact and asking to speak about item on the phone. If they won't give you a number and make lot's of excuses in email about why a phone conversation won't work then give up straight away. The scammers won't want a phone conversation (they are often not in US/UK). Also if they say call them in Asia or Eastern Europe where they are on holiday - walk away.
Finally start discussing payment methods. Anything unusual or involving Western Union or PO Boxes walk away. Offer to turn up with cash (even though you know this is improbable). If you get reasons as to why this won't work then walk away.
The Feedback system on eBay does work, so check it and even email previous buyers. Be ultra cautious and always remember, if it looks to good a deal to be true... it certainly is.
J
Lots of ebay trades and never scammed yet.
NEVER even think of bidding on anything with ZERO or negative feedback.
Even with positive feedback check that a bona fide seller's identity has not been hijacked by making contact and asking to speak about item on the phone. If they won't give you a number and make lot's of excuses in email about why a phone conversation won't work then give up straight away. The scammers won't want a phone conversation (they are often not in US/UK). Also if they say call them in Asia or Eastern Europe where they are on holiday - walk away.
Finally start discussing payment methods. Anything unusual or involving Western Union or PO Boxes walk away. Offer to turn up with cash (even though you know this is improbable). If you get reasons as to why this won't work then walk away.
The Feedback system on eBay does work, so check it and even email previous buyers. Be ultra cautious and always remember, if it looks to good a deal to be true... it certainly is.
J
Lots of ebay trades and never scammed yet.
Last edited by John Miles; Dec 12, 2003 at 01:55 PM.
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From: Central Mass.
Jay, another possible spin -- I once had a student, very naive, who wanted to sell on EBay, didn't have access to a digital camera, so just posted pictures of similar items (and didn't identify them as such). Ebay found out; he got in trouble. Learned a lesson, I assume.
I was assuming scam, too, until you said the broker wasn't involved and the guy had even contacted him. He could just be stupid! Lots of that going around
J
I was assuming scam, too, until you said the broker wasn't involved and the guy had even contacted him. He could just be stupid! Lots of that going around
J
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: colchester UK
John,
Just to take you to task on one thing,,,,How does a seller rise above zero feedback if they've not sold anything on Ebay....I sold my first items last week..........feedback was 0 now 3.
Otherwise the advice is spot on.....and I know well intentioned.
Kevin.
Just to take you to task on one thing,,,,How does a seller rise above zero feedback if they've not sold anything on Ebay....I sold my first items last week..........feedback was 0 now 3.
Otherwise the advice is spot on.....and I know well intentioned.
Kevin.
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From: Ashburton, Devon, England
Originally posted by warmfuzzies
John,
Just to take you to task on one thing,,,,How does a seller rise above zero feedback if they've not sold anything on Ebay....I sold my first items last week..........feedback was 0 now 3.
Kevin.
John,
Just to take you to task on one thing,,,,How does a seller rise above zero feedback if they've not sold anything on Ebay....I sold my first items last week..........feedback was 0 now 3.
Kevin.
BTW, the converse also applies, don't accept bids from anyone with zero or negative feedback. There are many timewasters and folks who just cruise around blowing auctions. 70% of auctions won by zero or negative feedback buyers do not complete! I expressly state that in my auctions that those with zero feedback must contact me prior to bidding. If they don't, I cancel their bids.
I'm a sweetie really!
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From: Cheshire, England
That's interesting, John, as I am currently selling something on Ebay and this is the first time I have done so.
My 'buyer' (provisional - they have met my reserve, but the auction still has a couple of days left to run) is a newbie with no feedback.
I am offering to accept Paypal or cash on collection (it's bedroom furniture which the buyer must collect).
Any relevant advice to an Ebay virgin beyond the foregoing?
My 'buyer' (provisional - they have met my reserve, but the auction still has a couple of days left to run) is a newbie with no feedback.
I am offering to accept Paypal or cash on collection (it's bedroom furniture which the buyer must collect).
Any relevant advice to an Ebay virgin beyond the foregoing?
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From: Pacifica CA.
John, I just sold something over a week ago - they didnt pay or respond to emails, so I sent a 'second chance' opportunity to the next bidder on the list - no response from them either - I'm now on my third bidder (all with zero feedback), but I may just have to relist the item at this rate!!!