Is this a scam? Please help!

[en-8676]

I found my dream bike on craigslist for an incredible price and emailed the seller. They responded with this:

"Hey,

My name is Jennifer, happy to see you are interested in my 2019 S-Works Stumpjumper 29 FSR Carbon Medium Eagle MTB FOX 36. Let me give you a few details about it. This bike is the longer of the 2 travel options (150 front and 140 rear).  Carbon/Storm Grey color code.  The bike is 100% stock with only the exception upgraded to a longer dropper post option.  Bike is in outstanding condition but please judge for yourself by looking at the pictures. The final price is $1000. Because of my divorce settlement, I now own this bike and I don't need it, so I'm trying to get rid of it as soon as possible. I  also got a new job and moved to another city, and many other things have priority now. All the documents are legally under my name. I want to use eBay services for the safety of both of us. The financial part will be managed by them, which means that you will have a 7 days inspection period before committing to buy the bike. Using eBay Motors, we are both 100% covered during the steps of this transaction. So, if you're interested in purchasing my bike, just email me with your full name, full shipping address(street address,  city, state and zip code) and phone number so I can notify eBay? that you are being selected as my possible buyer and they will contact you to explain the entire procedure.

Best regards"

I then inquired about meeting in person. They responded with this:

"Hi again,
I'm a flight attendant and because I'm away most of the time I  will not be able to deal in person. Before leaving I had prearranged the deal with eBay so my presence is not necessary. The bike is in their possession ready to be delivered. eBay will handle this transaction for me. The total amount that you will pay is $1000 with shipping and transfer fees included. You will receive the bike in max 36 hours and you will have the chance to inspect it for 7 days. eBay department will hold and ensure your money throughout the inspection. If by any reason you find something you don't like about it you can send it back at my expense and eBay will send you a full refund.  I'm sure it won't be the case because the bike it's like new and in excellent condition. It will come with all the necessary paperwork  ( bill of sale, user's manual etc). You will receive all the original documents.  If you are interested to buy my bike please send me your full name, shipping address and phone number so I can register the transaction with eBay and they will reply to you with more details and information about this transaction.
Thanks, hope to do business with you soon!"

I have a bad feeling that this is a scam. I would love some feedback and advice. Thanks!

[eburtonlab]

@en-8676 

That is not how eBay works. eBay does not rely on users finding ads on Facebook or Craigslist and sending contact information to a seller. Likely the seller will send a phony "invoice" that appears to be from eBay but is not, asking you to pay with gift cards to have the vehicle shipped to you for a free evaluation period.

eBay has no warehouse and does not ship vehicles. eBay does not handle such transactions or provide "vehicle protection orders". Scammers often promise those things, though. Any phone number you may receive on such an "invoice" does not connect to eBay, but to the scammer.

Anyone that asks you to purchase gift cards or to send card codes to them to complete a transaction is trying to take advantage of you. Anyone asking for a gift card is looking for a gift at your expense. Once anyone else knows the code, your money will be gone and you will have no recourse.

See here for some info about such scams:

https://pages.motors.ebay.com/buy/security/index.html

https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes/online-vehicle-sale-fraud

The only way to purchase a vehicle on eBay is to sign in to eBay.com, find the vehicle on eBay and complete the checkout process on eBay. You may have to pay a deposit. Then you typically meet the seller to inspect the vehicle and pay the seller.

If you encountered an ad on another site, contact that site to have the ad removed. eBay is not involved with any ads listed on sites other than eBay itself.

[candd205]

Yes, it is a very common scam. They will send you a real looking invoice that looks like it is from ebay, but is actually from the scammer asking you to pay with ebay gift cards. If you do this, your money is gone in minutes, and there is no bike. We see people scammed and almost scammed on these boards multiple times every day. Hopefully you are one of the almost scammed.

[terrycece62]

TOTAL SCAM
there is no bike
scammer will cash out the cards when they get the codes
your money will be gone forever
with no chance what so ever of recovery
Stop all communication
And follow other members advice regarding this matter

[mtgraves7984]

I'm with all the rest... it's a big ole scam. 

[en-8676]

Thank you all!

[aproudparent2010]

SCAM If you don't find it on eBay then eBay has nothing to do with it.

[sergekely]

I just received the exact same email from "Jennifer" -- Thank you all for warning me!

The original CL ad is still here  https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/d/alexandria-perfect-condition-works/7155240598.html

Ebayers, BEWARE!!!!

[bonjourami]

Report the ad to the site.