Got a scammer on the line :)
#1
Race Car
Thread Starter
Got a scammer on the line :)
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
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
Last edited by Christien; 04-07-2010 at 10:56 AM.
#3
Still plays with cars.
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
I'm curious about the red flags - I saw nothing there.
#4
Race Car
Thread Starter
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.
#5
Race Car
Thread Starter
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.
#6
Rennlist Member
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.
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#8
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.
#9
Team Owner
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 ..
#10
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...
I'll admit that they could have chosen a better title for the system to generate, though...
#12
#14
Race Car
Thread Starter
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...