Beware of Automotive Scams

There are several scams that people try to pull on users of classified websites (eBay, Craigslist and others) as well as any site where items are auctioned or sold. In most cases the person tries to send you more money than is agreed on so that in some way you will send money back.

After the Scammer sends you a fake Cashiers Check, Bank Draft or money order you are requested to send the balance to someone else. This is how they rip you off. Sometime after you cash the check you will be notified by the bank that the check was no good and the bank will expect the money back from you. If you have already sent out the “Extra Amount” then you will be at a loss for that amount.

As in most ventures of life, if something seems to good to be true it probably is. If someone is willing to send you money with out having sent someone to check the vehicle first, ask questions etc, for more than the amount you agreed to, then you need to beware.

Typical Scam Email

Thanks very much for your response ,the reason I am sending you this email is to make final reconfirmation of the Van which goes for $500 and it's ok by me,also to let you know that payment will be by cashiers Check. In view of this I need you to email me any information that may be required to send the payment as I do not want to send the check to a wrong location lest they get into the wrong hands.Regarding the shipping, I have a freight company that takes care of the pickup of my consignments for me and ship to my destination , you should'nt get worried about shipping, the company will send down a representative to arrange the sales documentation and the pick up from your end for onward transfer to my destination. I also want to alert you on the fact that you will be receiving an overdraft Cashiers Check, which will cover the money for the pickup (pickup and shipping to the final destination) as well as the money to be paid to the company that will take care of the pickup and the documentation with you. So please, as soon as you receive the payment, go and cash it immediately, deduct the money that accrues to you, and send the balance to the Head Office of the company that handles the shipment .I will give you the details of the company that will be shipping the Tractor as soon as we seal this deal.Once the money is received by the agent ,the shipping agent will contact you immediately to arrange the documentation as well as the pick up immediately.So in view of the above, here are some of the details I will need for final issuance of the Cashiers Check to you.
(1) Full Name
(2) Mailing address, no p.o.box please
(3) your direct telephone number both home and cell.?
{4} accept my offer
{5}Final asking price
Once you get back to me with all the above, the check will be issued out immediately by my business associate and it will be sent to you .Hope to hear from you immediately.Looking forward to your swift response.
Regards,XXXXXX