Christien

As many of you guys know, my car is up for sale. It's actually a bit surprising, but it's taken almost 2 weeks for the scammers to come out. Well, here goes. I got this today:

From: SiteCopies@ca.trader.com
Subject: Important Sales Lead from AutoTrader
Name: Ernie
Phone:
Email: deleted

Question
Is the car still available? If so, when may I come and see it? Kind Regards, Ernie

Red flags all over the place. A quick google confirmed it is indeed a common scam. So I'm sending the following reply:

Hi Ernie. The car is indeed still available. You can see it at various times, depending on my schedule. I work across the province for the RCMP and am in various cities throughout the week. Please let me know where you are and when is best for you. I might be able to bring the car to you for a viewing and test drive, depending on what city you're in.

Thanks,
Chris


Heh, let's see where this thing goes. Next step is to get a city if possible, then inform him that, as part of my job with the fraud squad, I'll actually be in his neighbourhood next week. Maybe I'll add "as part of my job, I can trace IP addresses - I'll drop by tomorrow" Chances are I'll never hear back, though.

I'll post any replies, maybe have some fun with this guy

theiceman

fill us in Christien ..how does this scam work ?

Bob Rouleau

I'm curious about the red flags - I saw nothing there.

Christien

The subject line alone is the biggest red flag: "Important Sales Lead from Autotrader.ca". I've got lots of emails and calls through the auto trader ad - never an email through auto trader. Being suspicious, I googled it and found several reports of scams like this.

Christien

Hmm, seems I might have jumped the gun - I tested it out by sending sending an email reply to my own ad, and it did indeed look the same. Oh well, if the guy is legit, I didn't burn any bridges by saying "f**k off" or anything. I can just explain the truth - I was concerned it was a scam and saying "RCMP" usually turns the scammers away immediately. We'll see what happens.

Turbodan

from my experience they always say they want to buy it please tell me your best price etc.. not asking to see the car. could be real. good luck with the sale.

Mark Lue

Christien, are you trying to sell the car or "fishing" for scammers?

PbPedis

I think the fact that he wants to look at it is a good sign, and probably means he's the true bill. I've had two clear scammers on my ad. I posted one reply here on rennlist, and another was in french with an email address from France. I've had 3 legit ones, all coming from the autotrader site like yours.

theiceman

that's what got me wondering to . In scams you NEVER meet anyone face to face. This would be quite funny if HE was RCMP looking for scammers ..

pontifex4

The legitimate first email from the guy who ended up buying my car (from Auto Trader) had that title, as well.

I'll admit that they could have chosen a better title for the system to generate, though...

Bergamasco

I had no problems with Autotrader and sold my car in less than a week.

TurboS

I just noticed that you sold your car and 993 TT is on its way.
Congratulations!!
Stunning!!

TINS for a Turbo.

vipola

LoL

Christien

Ok, tail between legs, eating humble pie, I jumped the gun. He's legit, local and wants to see the car. Now, where's that "embarrased" smiley? Oh, there it is...

vipola

LoL
with a little chance, that guy will buy it and you will have a wonderfull sale story