Help with a US based scammer?

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Hello I'm New here! Joined: 06 Nov 2014 Posts: 4

Hi,

I'm based in London, and have entered into a dialogue with someone purporting to have a Nissan Nivara pickup truck for sale.

The car is advertised at £3500 despite having a value of £10,000.

The scammer refuses to speak to me on the phone, and says she(?) will deliver the car after I have paid for it via ebay/paypal with a 7 day cooling off period after which time I can get a full refund from ebay/paypal.

I asked to view the vehicle in person, and even said I'd fund my own trip to Dundee where the seller says she (she?) is.

I asked for proof of ownership and the seller said she would not post a photo of the vehicle registration as she was concerned I may be trying to steal her identity (cheek!).

However, she did send me a copy of her passport.

She has a UK passport that matches the name of the seller's email. This concerns me that the real [name redacted, possible ITP] (real name on passport [name redacted, possible ITP]) has had her identity stolen.

A reverse email address look up shows the following...

Email Sender: [name redacted, possible ITP]@hotmail.com [more info]
IP address: 65.55.90.8
IP address country: United States
IP address state: Washington
IP address city: Redmond
IP postcode: 98052
IP address latitude: 47.6801
IP address longitude: -122.1206
ISP of this IP: Microsoft Hosting
Organization: Microsoft Hosting
Local Time of this IP country: 2014-11-06 14:21

As you can see, not currently where she said she is - in Dundee.

My question is - What can I do from here?

Everything about this tells me it's a 419 scam.

It's the first time I've engaged in this sort of thing. I'm annoyed that someone has tried to rip me off, but I'm more concerned for the person who's passport and name have been used for the cover ID.

Thanks

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2014 11:12 pm

Send me the info/passport of the person via private message, and I will forward it on to someone who can possibly research/locate/warn them. Smile

The scammer is probably not in the us. Hotmail IPs resolve to Redmond, WA.

You are correct. It is indeed a 419 scam. However, since the scammer has your email/phone/info, you should drop all contact with him.

Baiting Guru Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 3876

that IP directly belongs to microsoft.

I'm afraid, since hotmail blocks the senders IP like googles gmail does, the lad could be anywhere but in the usa.

a lad in redmond would be very unusal...

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2014 11:56 pm

As others have said, it's clearly a scam and the IP can't be used since the real IP is masked. It's a virtual certainty that the scammer is nowhere near the US.

Unfortunately a real person's passport is almost certainly being used. We could try to find this person but other than advising her that she's a victim of ID theft, there's not much anyone can do. Once that information is out there, there's no putting the genie back in the bottle. It's one of the most insidious things about ID theft. (I have deleted the person's name from your post for her own security. We don't want to publicize names of innocent third parties.

It is sadly very common for scammers to use stolen IDs in order to appear more credible.)

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 06 Nov 2014 Posts: 4

Thank you both for your replies. I'm obviously drowning in my own ignorance with regard to tracing the origins of the email Smile

Jose, details sent as requested.

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 12:18 am

This thread reinforces the reason we not send ID, fake or otherwise, to lads. They will be reused.

Elite Baiter Joined: 10 Mar 2013 Posts: 1482

Does anyone else think this might be a good place for a new romo massbait?

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 06 Nov 2014 Posts: 4

I'm not familiar with the terminology, but I'm assuming a 'romo massbait' refers to a number of people playing with the same scammer?

I suspect this individual stalks the same waters in a number of guises on the UK site Auto Trader (2nd hand car site).

I saw another ad for a car that was being sold at 30% of its market value. I'd suspect there's an MO there.

Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2014 5:42 am

Massbait = large number of baiters going after the same scammers.
Romo = Romanian.

A large number of the scams on autotrader are the work of Romanian scam gangs, who use fake escrow sites to support their scams. Terrance Boyce has literally posted hundreds of their addresses/scams over at scamwarners.

Without seeing the actual emails, though, it's hard to say whether these scams are being run by Eastern Europeans, Africans, or scammers from somewhere else. In most cases, we can tell the difference from the English.

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 06 Nov 2014 Posts: 4

Thanks Dorothy.

Below is a transcript of our exchange. Headers and details removed for obvious reasons. My comments are in *(brackets).

*(I called a number, never got through, and then received this text...)

Hello if you are still interested purchasing Nissan Navara from autotrader, please contact me at [email protected] Thanks Sally

-------
*(From here on is email)
Hi Sally,

I received a text saying to contact you on this email if im interested in the Nissan Nivara.

My number is 07768 xxxxxx

I would be interested in speaking to you about the vehicle tomorrow if it's still available?
--------
Hello ,

The Navara is still for sale in excellent condition, with no damages or any faults.All necessary documents available. My current location is Scotland due to my work commitments. If this is going to be a quick sale, I will let it go for £3,500 delivered at my costs.
The deal will go through eBay and PayPal.

Thank you

--------
Hi Sally,

Thanks for your email.
Can you send me a photo of the V5 proving you are the owner?

If you/the vehicle are in Scotland I'll gladly come there at your

Hi Sally,

Thanks for your email.

Can you send me a photo of the V5 proving you are the owner?

If you/the vehicle are in Scotland I'll gladly come there at your convenience to put cash in your hand (or that of someone you trust) and drive the vehicle away.
As for a quick sale, I can come anytime from tomorrow morning. At your convenience.

I need a truck, and need it soon, so would rather come get it ASAP.

I'll pay my flight up to Scotland if you cover diesel for me to get home.

I can do a transfer by PayPal/eBay if you'd rather? But I'd want to see the vehicle to confirm all is as described. No nickle and dime quibbles about the price if it is as described.

I'm hoping this is acceptable to you, and I look forward to your reply with a photo of the V5 and details of where and when to come with the funds

------
Hello ,

Due to my location and since view or pick up is not an option I will agree for a 5-7 days of full inspection period ( after the date you receive the car ). This means that you have 7 days to inspect the car for any damages and decide if you want to keep it or not!
Because I will sign eBay's return policy, your money will be insured by them and you will have the option to reject the deal, only if we go through PayPal as well. If this is the case, you will receive a full refund (money back) from PayPal and I will have to take the car back on my cost!
You can read more about it following the link below:

http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/buy/contextual/return-policy.html

Let me know if the above return policy is acceptable and if you want to purchase the car please confirm your PayPal email for further instructions.

Thank you

Let me know if the above return policy is acceptable and if you want to purchase the car please confirm your PayPal email for further instructions.

Thank you

---------
Hi Sally,

Can you send a photo of the registration document?

Also, are you able to tell me how you will deliver the car? I'd like to speak to someone on the phone to ensure I have a way to contact you or the person doing the delivery.

I assume you have an advert for the car on eBay?

Cory
---------
Hello ,

Unfortunately I am unable with phone so please use email as primary contact option. The car will be deliverd with a local shiply company , the deliver shpuld take 1- 2 working days .

---------
Hi Sally,

Thanks for that. I really need to see a copy of the V5 registration document in order to proceed.

Can you find a way to get a copy of this document to me?

I'm very eager to take delivery of the vehicle and have the cash ready to send to you in my account.

-------
I am sorry but i will not send you -through email such tyoe of document , in the inspection period you will have time to inspect the v5 for yourself .
Thank you for understanding

Sally

---------
Hi Sally,

I need to get some form of proof that you are the owner of the vehicle for sale.

It is quite normal to take a photo of the registration document. Many eBay ads include a photo as standard.

If you're not willing to prove you are the owner in this way, then can you send me a copy of the receipt for purchase?

Or any other proof?

I'm very keen to buy, and just need this proof of ownership before I transfer you the money.

-------
*(From Sally)

I got this email : Never reply to an e-mail that asks for personal information or copies of your vehicle documentation including the V5C. Keep vehicle documentation and details regarding your vehicle including your VIN number secure at all times. I am sorry I only want to sell the car safe
Everything is covered by eBay/PayPal. I will get paid only after you confirm that you received the van in good order.I will agree for a 5-7 days of full inspection period ( after the date you receive the car ).Let me know if you want to go ahead with this purchase!
Regards
-------
Hi Cory ,

Are you still interested about navara?

Sally
-------
Hi Sally,

Yes, very much so. Are you still interested in selling?

You need to provide me with details.

Cory
---------
Hi Cory ,

Are you still interested about navara?

Sally
---------
Hello ,

If you wish to buy will get this sorted out through ebay / paypal now and the invoice will be issued and sent to you shortly by paypal. i await your reply with your registered paypal email address

Sally
--------
Hi,

that's great news.

You were going to send me a proof of ownership too.

A receipt showing the vehicle registration made out to you would be good. You can send a copy to this email address.
---------
Dear Cory ,

When you will receive the car for inspection , you will be able to verify all the documents and inspect the car . I signed to offer the vehicle for 7 days of full inspection prior to the payment.
I can easily raise a transaction through with PayPal and the official invoice you will see all terms and conditions and then you accept or decline.

Regards

Sally

-------
Hi Sally,

In order to pay you the cash I will need to see proof you are the owner of the vehicle.

You are the owner of the vehicle aren't you?

I'm concerned that you don't want to show me proof you are the owner.

I cannot pay money without seeing a document to prove you own it. PayPal advise against sending money without proof of ownership.

Where are you at the moment? London, Scotland, or somewhere else?

I have £3500 ready and waiting as soon as I see proof of ownership I will send the money to you.

I hope you can provide this soon as I want to get s truck quickly.

Thanks,

--------
Thank you for your interest.

Regards
Sally

--------
Hi Sally,

Are you able to send proof of ownership?

As soon as I see a receipt confirming sale with the vehicle registration and your name I am willing to send the money. Same day.

I look forward to your email.

-------
*(from Sally)
As I said : Never reply to an e-mail that asks for personal information or copies of your vehicle documentation including the V5C. Keep vehicle documentation and details regarding your vehicle including your VIN number secure at all times. I am sorry I only want to sell the car safe .

Regards

------

Hi Sally,

I only want to buy safe.

Where are you at the moment?

Maybe we can organise another way to get the money to you?

Cory

-------
I am in Scotland Dundee , I think that through ebay and paypal is the safest way for both of us . You will see in the official invoice you will see all terms and conditions and then you accept or decline.
I can send you a copy of my passport if you want but the rest of the documents you will receive in the inspection period , in fact this is the purpose of a inspection period prior to the payment , to check the car and documents and decide if you want it

Sally

---------
Hi Sally,

Okay, if you can send me a copy of your passport that will help.

I'm looking forward to getting the truck!

Thanks,

Cory

-------
*(Email received with photo attachment of legitimate UK passport with Sandra as first name and same surname)
-------
did you received the pass?

--------
*(At this point, after advice from 419eaters, I decided to shut down)

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