Craigslist used car scam in Idaho

July 9, 2010 in Craigslist, Scams by Trench Reynolds | 2 comments

Scam Alert: Craigslist used-car scam strikes Treasure Valley:

This article from the Idaho Statesman notifies its reader base about the used car scam that has cropped up in their area.

It’s almost like the real estate scam. A barely used car is advertised for a bargain price and then the ‘seller’ asks to have the money wired to them. Then after you wire the money to them it turns out there’s no car and you’re out of money.

Anyway, the article contains the e-mail sent to the perspective buyer from the scammer…

First of all I want to thank you for your interest for my car. I sell it at this price ($2,890.00) because I have been divorced recently and I don’t have a driver license. Now the car is in my property. This car is in excellent working conditions, no scratches, flaws or any kind of damage, slightly used in 100% working and looking conditions and comes with a clear title.

From the beginning you have to know that for the payment I request only secure pay, I prefer the payment to be done using eBay services. We will use a safe payment method because I am affiliated at eBay and I have a purchase protection account for $20,000.00 The final price that I want for this car is $2,890.00 including shipping and handling. If you are interested in buying it please provide me your full name and address so I can initiate the deal through eBay. I will wait your answer very soon.

Vanessa Ferguson

Notice the sob story? Scammers always have one trying to prey on your sympathies. And even though they mention eBay’s purchase protection account usually they direct you to a fake page that looks like eBay but isn’t. And now we also have a new fake scammer name in Vanessa Ferguson.

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  • Chief

    These professional scammers post everywhere. See hundreds of examples (and, unfortunately, victims) HERE -> http://bit.ly/9s7rjo

  • http://escrow.com Ulf Wolf

    Great post.

    Perhaps I can just add to this that the best way to guard against being ripped off by online sales or auctions of any kind, Craigslist and eBay included—and whether seller or buyer—is to use a *bona fide* online escrow company. Especially for pricier items like antiques, jewelry and autos. Although it does add some cost, it takes the uncertainty out of the transaction, and that’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

    For my money, the best bona fide online escrow (and there seems to be ten fraudulent escrow sites for every bona fide one) is probably Escrow.com (http://escrow.com). In fact, it’s the only one that eBay recommends, and is the only online escrow company that is licensed to provide escrow services all across the United States.

    Take care,

    Ulf Wolf

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