scam question on autotrader

[NSolano]

i posted my firebird for sale about a month ago and finally I got two leads. The first one seems ok since it was a normal email, but the second one came from a guy whose name is Hugh Watson, it was kind of weird. After two emails in which he asked for vehicle condition details he has agreed to purchase it, only that he says he is an autobroker in Canada and is getting the vehicle for a client of his who is traveling to brussels, so that means he needs it shipped within three weeks. he also said he will email me with payment details, is this a scam like the one i heard before??
i've heard that someone gives you a check and you just deposit it and finally ship your car, only the check never clears and you are left with nothing, what do you guys think?? any input is greatly appreciated.

[Loochy88]

i wouldnt ship the car until i had the money. it just seems stupid.

[95Batmobile]

Yeah suspicious person or not, I would never give somebody something until I had the money. Wait for the check to clear, then ship the car. You can even ask the bank if everything is ok with the check when he sends it.

[Infernal]

Yes, yes, yes, it could very well be a scam! But it could be legit too. Handle it rationally. Tell him that you want to use an escrow service that YOU select, or tell him that you need a bank (not personal) check and that you won't ship the car until it clears.

[Shirl]

he also said he will email me with payment details,

You should be telling him how you want your money. Certified check or what the others suggested. If you're not sure about this guy... go with your gut feeling, though. It's better to be safe than sorry. I know of someone (an older guy that use to frequent car shows) who fell for a scam like that and "gave away" his Z28. He got screwed out of about 15 grand AND lost his car.

[NSolano]

yeah Ill tell him ill use my own shipping service. now can you guys give me tips on how to do internet car sale?? should I send him like a contract kinda thing that he fills out and signs saying he is buying the vehicle for $5,000, then when the check clears Ill send him the title and ship?? any suggestions?? what freight services are good in NOVA?

[TheGreenPunisher]

Just lay the rules out for him. When the money is officially in your account, the car will be sent on its way....

[WickEdSix9838]

Thats strange, I had a guy email me the other day asking the condition etc of my car and wanting to purchase it, however, its not for sale and i dont hvae it listed anywhere. He was also from out of country.

[Coriya71]

Use a company like this

https://www.escrow.com/index.asp

Heck I think they're an Ebay company even

[MTMike]

This is a very common scam....

http://www.camarov6.com/ubb/ultimate...c;f=8;t=006881

[NSolano]

BUYER INFO
Name: Gordon Watson
E-Mail Address: gor_watson@yahoo.com
Comments: Dear Seller.
Please i am making enquiry about your vehicle.I want to buy if only its still
available.Are you the first owner??Looks forward to your positive response....

thast the first email

here is the second

Greetings.........

Thanks for the email. Please I have a client who is very much interested in buying your vehicle. He happened to budget for a car last time and unfortunately it was sold. I have discussed with him and he has agreed that he will be willing to have the vehicle shipped to Canada upon reaching an agreement with you.

Please I have Some Questions to Ask:

1) Is the engine in perfect condition?

2) How often do you service the car?

3) How many miles on the car now?

4) Are you the owners?

5) If yes, for how long did you use car?

6) Has the car been involve in an auto accident?

7) Any mechanical problems with the car?

8) Why are you selling the car?

Finally At what price are you willing to sell this Vehicle to Us ...

I look forward to receiving your email as soon as posible.

and the final email

Greetings.....

I am an autobroker.Just helping my friend to make this purchase. After forwarding your vehicle details to my client he has asked that you endeavour to consider the vehicle as sold now. I will be contacting him as soon as possible before he leaves the country to Brussels on a National assignment trip.
The vehicle is meant to be shipped to Canada within three weeks due to the urgent use.He was also more concerned about the engine hopes its in good condition.

I will keep you posted on further arrangement and payment as well.

Regards,

[Tru2Chevy]

It could very well be a scam, make sure the guy doesn't try to pay with a personal check. Definetly make sure he uses a bank (certified) check.

Just keep your guard up - and good luck.

- Justin

[Shirl]

Hell, for 5 grand, put it on autotrader for a local buyer and accept cash only. Screw this a-hole. Tell him you sold the car.

Finally At what price are you willing to sell this Vehicle to Us ...

This statement alone would make me say forget it..you're not selling to "we" you're selling to "me".

[kristen]

for a while i was thinking about sell my car and i put it on autotrader, i had the same thing happen to me. well try it on me. i wasn't falling for it. but i came to my sence and kept my car!

[pumm3l]

Haha sounds exactly like when I put my laptop up on ebay. I forget what country he says hes at but wants me to ship the computer to his store in africa? He tells me a client needs the computer ASAP! and then he'll send me a western union check and soon as I get the e-mail confirmation that payment he'll be sending out a DHL courier to pick up the package. Needless to say I told him no and that I would only send him the laptop once I had the payment not sooner, and I never heard from him again. Sounds like a scam to me.