Craigslist scam?
Thread Starter
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
Craigslist scam?
… or am I just being paranoid?
First, I have been looking for vehicles on craigslist (given that I will need one shortly), and I came across one that I thought was a steal. (less than ½ of KBB!)… which raises the first flag.
It’s a Lexus IS300 (the only reason I was kind of interested was the price… but those things that are too good to be true, often are…)
Now, I e-mailed the guy, just to get a background on the maintenance history, see if he had changed the timing belt etc. etc.
His response (which raised a couple of flags)
Ok – now, this response really concerned me here… a few items
Why does he suggest using eBay's protection program?
Why does he mention the fact he is a single father? I most certainly didn't ask for his life history, it appears as if he is attempting to pull my heart strings here.
Why would he post a car that is for sale in Southfield, MI on the Los Angeles CL? I was of the understanding that it was based in LA...
Given all this, I am loathed to even reply… but I thought a reply, perhaps suggesting I come look at the car in person could be something that will find out if he is really attempting to jerk my chain or not.
Those with more experience in such matters, your advice is welcome
Adrian
First, I have been looking for vehicles on craigslist (given that I will need one shortly), and I came across one that I thought was a steal. (less than ½ of KBB!)… which raises the first flag.
It’s a Lexus IS300 (the only reason I was kind of interested was the price… but those things that are too good to be true, often are…)
Now, I e-mailed the guy, just to get a background on the maintenance history, see if he had changed the timing belt etc. etc.
His response (which raised a couple of flags)
I want to thank you for your interest in buying my 2002 lexus is 300 is in great shape, no engine problems, damages or hidden defects. All power and optional equipment work perfect and the price is XXXX. We will use eBay`s protection program for our safety. I`m a single father with 2 children and i have problems with money, that`s why i`m selling it so cheap. Also, the shipping cost is included in price so you will only pay the price of the car. If you are interested in buying my car, e-mail me. (i live in Southfield, MI, 48034)
Thanks for your interest!
Thanks for your interest!
Why does he suggest using eBay's protection program?
Why does he mention the fact he is a single father? I most certainly didn't ask for his life history, it appears as if he is attempting to pull my heart strings here.
Why would he post a car that is for sale in Southfield, MI on the Los Angeles CL? I was of the understanding that it was based in LA...
Given all this, I am loathed to even reply… but I thought a reply, perhaps suggesting I come look at the car in person could be something that will find out if he is really attempting to jerk my chain or not.
Those with more experience in such matters, your advice is welcome
Adrian
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Indiana
There are a lot of those scams on craigslist. A great car for a ridiculously low price. The poster has no address or phone number... just wants to deal through email etc.
Just walk away. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. If you can't see the car locally and do some VIN checks forget it.
Just walk away. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. If you can't see the car locally and do some VIN checks forget it.
Jäger
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 5
From: Northern Arizona
I believe Michigan also has salted winter roads which means body rot potential. Agreed on the heart strings, too much unnecessary info.
Lots of cars in So Cal... lots of pre-owned vehicles all over the price spectrum! With some people hurting for cash you should be able to find a deal around here.
Lots of cars in So Cal... lots of pre-owned vehicles all over the price spectrum! With some people hurting for cash you should be able to find a deal around here.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
I looked on our Canadian Online Auto Magazine and they say the price for a Lexus,that year is 44,850.00(yikes,pretty good down payment on a house,lol)It also says its just getting broke in and would be good for another 8-10 years. I know nothing about these vehicles other than they are very impressive to look at.If he mentioned he was a single father,could be thats the reason he is selling,he is just recently single and cant afford it.Who knows?I would certainly be interested to know what you find out.
Thread Starter
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
Ok... the one thing that makes me interested is location, I don't question the fact that given that, he is experiencing Financial difficulty.
Whether that means he has to sell his car cheap, or whether it means he is trying to scam people through CL, I don't know.
I replied, requesting both a photo of the car with the number plate showing, and also one with the interior (so he doesn't just take a photo of his neighbours vehicle - he has to have access inside of it)
I also asked for a phone number to discuss, and made a suggestion that I would be willing to check the vehicle out in person...
I have written it off as an option... I am just well, kind of curious as to what his response will be.
yeah, kinda banking on that.
Pardon the pun
Whether that means he has to sell his car cheap, or whether it means he is trying to scam people through CL, I don't know.
I replied, requesting both a photo of the car with the number plate showing, and also one with the interior (so he doesn't just take a photo of his neighbours vehicle - he has to have access inside of it)
I also asked for a phone number to discuss, and made a suggestion that I would be willing to check the vehicle out in person...
I have written it off as an option... I am just well, kind of curious as to what his response will be.
Lots of cars in So Cal... lots of pre-owned vehicles all over the price spectrum! With some people hurting for cash you should be able to find a deal around here.
Pardon the pun
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MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
If you felt unsure enough about it that you started this thread, then it's probably a scam. Got to go with your gut instinct. You know how they say your first reaction is always the best one.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Indiana
There is a warning about these type of scams right on CL.
craigslist | avoiding scams and fraud
Sound anything like the deal above???
craigslist | avoiding scams and fraud
Sound anything like the deal above???
Thread Starter
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
Well, I expect that he is actually scamming - and that I won't get a response to my second e-mail.
It actually makes a lot of sense in hindsight, he only listed an e-mail, and you couldn't contact him through CL.
He has removed the posting too...
Thanks very much for all of your help!
It actually makes a lot of sense in hindsight, he only listed an e-mail, and you couldn't contact him through CL.
He has removed the posting too...
Thanks very much for all of your help!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 913
Likes: 0
Forget the Lexus. There's a much more interesting deal on SF area CL. How about a '87 Yugo w/369k miles. Only $7500! You read that right. "Sure to be a classic." I wouldn't have thought it possible that all the Yugo's made could rack up that many miles! Jump on it quick...his phone is probably ringing right now!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
I'm an ex-cop - 100% BS on the listing. The initial response he gave you has a ton of red flags so I'm glad to see that your BS meter lit up a little bit. Horrible gramar/sentence structure, mentions transaction "safety" issues - that is a pure psych job - if they act like they are worried about being ripped off that puts the buyer more at ease. Giving heart-string reasons for selling, along with an unbelievable price - I think you knew before you posted that this wasn't a legit offer. Of course, if you're still considering it then I have some property for sale you might also be interested in... 
