Just a heads up to all those interested in purchasing vehicles. A new scam has been infecting the internet, particularly Craigslist. The seller lists a vehicle for sale, such as http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/car/565405867.html (flag this ad btw) As you can see in the ad, they state they are moving out of the country. Enter the scam. They price it very low (ie 6600 for a 2000 4runner?) then claim it must sell fast, of course due to moving. Often times they will steal an ad from another state far away, then use the pictures and description with their false email. This particular scam just happened to a member on here who had his ad and pics stolen. He lives in KY, and they posted the ad in WA. Honestly, who in WA is looking for a 4runner in KY and vise versa, so the scam never gets found out and the seller of the original truck is none the wiser. Scammers are also wising up to what they should post for pricing. In the beginning they would post prices of 3000-4500 just to generate fast responses. Now, they are posting 6000-8000 prices, which around the NW generates just as fast a response, without the added suspicion. Remember guys, if its TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, it most always is. Flag these scams down as soon as you catch them.

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Well what caught my eye were the pics that seem like they are in Sunny southern california. Yeah these scams are rampant on CL, AND Ebay!

So... what exactley is the scam? I mean, if the seller doesn't have the car, how can he profit from the advert?

Is the assumption people will send him the money before seeing the vehicle, and then learn they have been had?

The scam is the escrow account. They say something like the auto broker has an escrow account that is 3rd party. You put yourt money in this account till the rig is delivered and checked over by you.

The thing is the theif owns the "3rd party auto broker" and by broxy the escrow account.

That isn't new. I responded to a CL motorcyle ad 3 years ago and the guy wanted me to wire money and he would ship. Ad was placed in DC (where I lived), said the item was in DC, then when I emailed the story changed and the bike was in California. I smelled a rat immediately.

What is new (at least around here) is that they are posting the trucks for sale for mid-range prices (such as 6600)

They used to be listed for 4000, 4500, etc etc. Not to mention odd wording etc etc.

Now they just steal the entire ad from another state, change the price, and relist it in another state.

Thats when they ask for the wire transfer, or escrow service. People like you and I would not fall for that crap, but most people have NO IDEA what they are doing. An escrow service that sounds legit and official is very tempting for people looking to buy vehicles. Especially at what they consider to be a steal. MSN did a huge article on this a while back, and you would be shocked the number of people who fell for it.

Basically, this thread can just serve as a warning to anyone who ever buys a truck. Whether its new or not makes no difference. That people be educated on the problem is. I HATE when people rip others off like this!

tell you what... ill sell you my lamborghini diablo for 25,000 dollars, 04. the car is located in southern Utah. The payment shall be recieved in US Dollars, by my shipping agent, who will then ship the car to you for inspection. upon inspection, the car is yours, and ill give you back 500 dollars. oh, and ill rob your sorry @$$ for falling for this

how do they get away with this?

cuz there are people stupid enough to wire them money. i personally wouldnt wire money to ANYONE unless i know them well.

Because people do not do their research.

i sent a certified check to OH for a 4Runner i had never seen, to a guy I had never met. BUT. I did my research. Shipping companies were contacted, 3rd parties were contacted, and i also talked to both the seller and his brother via phone, email, and YT. Legal contracts were signed, verified by certified notaries. The way it was done was the ONLY way I would ever do it.

DC 's point about this happening more often in the PNW is so valid, I am not sure how many of these ads I have flagged.

thanks for the heads up

Only an idiot would fall for this.

My Son Almost fall For A Civic Hatch,Listing Stated Send 500.00 To Hold Civic In Co. He Wanted It So Bad I am Glad He Told Me About It .I Know He Would Have Been Taken For A Fast Ride.

Ya there are actually quite a few people who could fall for this. Especially now that the prices are only a little below normal rather than crazy cheep. Thanks for the post.

I can't imagine anyone giving money electronically to a stranger on CL.