eBay

cartpartsonline · ‎04-11-2022

This is a response we received after answering an ad on CRAIGSLIST for a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500 that was for sale... someone sent us a text in reply to the ad on Craigslist saying he had listed it for his mother, and then we got this email...

"My husband died 1 month ago (he had a heart attack) and it brings me bad memories, that’s the reason I want to sell it asap. I had a throat surgery and moved to my daughter in Montana, I will remain here for a few months at least. I'm located in Kalispell, MT. Before leaving, I had prearranged the deal with eBay, so my presence isn't necessary. The deal is handled by eBay and the truck is stored with all the paperwork at the eBay workhouse and ready for delivery. The shipping it's offered by eBay to me, so there will be no cost from your side. In addition, you will have 5 days to try out prior to making any purchase and if by any reason you find something you don't like about it, hidden defects or anything else different from what I described you can send it back on my expense, but I assure you that is not going to happen since my truck is in immaculate condition inside and out. I want to make it very clear, I won't be receiving a single dollar unless you inspect the vehicle. If you're interested in purchasing it, just email me your full name, full shipping address and phone number so that I can initiate the deal through eBay, and they will contact you to explain the procedure with no obligation to buy it. On the invoice you can find delivery details, payments options and safety plans!"

We think this is a HUGE SCAM... can anyone confirm? AND what can be done to STOP THIS FOOL from taking innocent people's money?

aeparts1 · ‎04-11-2022

I think this scam started the day after craigslist went live.

You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.

dryophelia · ‎04-11-2022

@cartpartsonline

It’s a scam as old as time.

Ebay has nothing to do with any other website!

Why would anyone ship a vehicle for free to a complete stranger?

So many red flags. Too many to mention, yet so many fall for this scam every single day.

a_c_green · ‎04-11-2022

@cartpartsonline wrote:
We think this is a HUGE SCAM... can anyone confirm?

Yes, absolutely, it's a scam. One of the oldest ones out there, I'd say.

@cartpartsonline wrote:
AND what can be done to STOP THIS FOOL from taking innocent people's money?

Not much. They use throwaway accounts, and are not even on eBay to begin with. As you said, it was on Craigslist, and real vehicle sales on eBay do not operate this way. The best advice to avoid such scams is to never buy a vehicle on-line before either you or a trusted friend can inspect it in person.

metaltech1 · ‎04-11-2022

Everything about that reply screams "SCAM!"........well....except for the "eBay workhouse". That sounds legit.

ittybitnot · ‎04-11-2022

@cartpartsonline

The same scam is reported on the "buyer" board around three or four times a day. Some fall for it, and it is hard to tell them that there is no vehicle. Others suspect it is a scam, and ask first.

I would suspect it is NOT just one "fool" that needs to be stopped.