is this a scam

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Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 2:23 pm

I meant for the bank to look at the cash if gives me to make sure its not counterfeit. I did ask him whether he was driving the car away, or having it put onto a fladbed truck, but he didn't answer. Ive emailed him again to ask the same question. If he is legit, they sure do know how to make people suspicious

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 2:26 pm

I checked his email address too. He has had a youtube account since 2008. He likes music, especially classical. He's also into rollerball dance whatever that is.

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 2:26 pm

I think, simply enough, verify the cash before turning over the title/ownership docs. Kinda interesting export arrangements were made before purchase. In the U.S. there is always a 72 hour hold on vehicle exports to verify ligitmate purchase and the vehicle is lein free. It is almot impossible to arrrange shipment before the car is purchased and cleared. Been there done that. Notr sure about UK Customs.

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 2:27 pm

Be sure you're right then go ahead. - David Crockett

Baiting Guru Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 12237

Chuda, the killer cat wrote:

googled "[email protected]" from the header here -

This thread pops up Confused

What do you make of that Pastor?

They are damn good at indexing.

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 2:34 pm

I think to export vehicles out of the UK, you only have to inform the Vehicle agency that you are exporting it. I still wonder why they have agreed to buy the car without seeing it first. For all they know it will be a wreck.

Baiting Guru Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 12237

Good question, keep asking them of your potential buyer. Ask many questions, ask him about his interest in MGs If you are a MG enthusiast, you will sniff out a fraud.

Edit: This dialogue comes from some that almost died in a 70's era Spider Sport.

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 2:39 pm

True...Maybe don't bring the keys, make an extra step. See the reaction. His online life seems pretty stale for 4 years with an email account. Guitar sales (and maybe a dog) and this thread. Could be a hijacked email, I get ladmail from universities all the time. I can find all kinds of flaws. I would make it his task to prove you wrong. It is your car until the cash is verified and the ownership is his. In fact I bet (because of the nature of the car) you keep the key in the banks safe deposit box. You have to go to the bank... Wink

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 2:42 pm

Another thing: Bring a friend or two if you go to a meeting - Just say they were going the same way and you offered them a lift.

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 2:43 pm

^^^Great advice!!!

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 2:44 pm

You mentioned that his email originated from LEEDS, UK. In his first email, he said he was staying at an hotel at Heathrow airport. He gave the phone number for it. Leeds is a good 6 hour drive from London. I know he might be visiting Leeds, but why give the hotel phone number if he is in Leeds.

One things for sure, its an unusual car sale. Ive arranged for the the viewing to be done away from my home and in a public place, and during banking hours

Baiting Guru Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 12237

Chuda, the killer cat wrote:

friend or two if you go to a meeting *(pf adds) WITH GUNS

Sorry, that's how we do things here in America.

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 2:46 pm

With a witness...don't forget a second person or more.

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 2:52 pm

The original mexican email also stated that he would send someone to collect the documents and pay cash, and later get a carrier to collect the car.. That also seems a bit unusual. Why not collect the car and documents together. It would make more sense

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 2:54 pm

^^^ That is what spells "cheque scam" - But they would usually just mail the cheque Confused

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 3:00 pm

It simple then, bring witnesses and verify payment before handing over anything. If that is not satisfactory...call it a foul deal

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 3:03 pm

I will take witnesses. If anything unusual i'll call the whole thing off, even if he has driven 6 hours from Leeds. I'll let you know how it all turns out.

Baiting Guru Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 12237

Fair enough, good luck. Our work is done here.

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 3:08 pm

we expect a report, however... Wink

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 3:19 pm

Just recieved this email from them. HHmmm.. so he is coming to give me cash for the car, then leaving me with the car and keys, and will arrange delivery at a later date.I get the feeling they are going to say, we will send you a cheque for shipping when its cleared, send the money to the shipper, then the cheque will bounce

OK... the car would note be driven off, but be loaded into a truck.
We would leave you the keys (or the person taking care of the car)
and we can arrange a time of collection.
Regards
Victor

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 3:26 pm

Strange way to do business. Hand over X000 pounds, but let the seller keep the goods.

I can't see what they have to gain by trying to get you to pay the shipper later, as they will have paid out far more cash (which you will have verified as legitimate).

My only thought is elaborate money laundering scheme. Pay you in stolen cash and then ask for a refund for some reason and get clean cash back.

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 3:30 pm

But surely my bank would know if the money was stolen? It is a very odd way of doing business. This has got to be some new scam that hasnt been done before? If this is a genuine car sale deal, i'll run up the highway naked.

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 3:36 pm

They will check it to see if it is counterfeit, but I don't know about checking to see if it is stolen.

Baiting Guru Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 12237

robido wrote:

we will send you a cheque for shipping when its cleared, send the money to the shipper, then the cheque will bounce]

Then say the deal is is off and mail his money back.

What do you want from us? This is our best advice.

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 3:49 pm

robido wrote:

If this is a genuine car sale deal, i'll run up the highway naked.

If that's your honest feeling then I suggest that you back out, unless you're curious to see where it leads. In that case make sure to have your behind well covered.

One important thing - A cheque is no good, even when cashed in the bank - It may take days for it to bounce, and then the bank takes the money from your account and the guy is long gone by then. So don't even trust your bank when it comes to a cheque.