The deal was too good to be true
02-28-2010, 02:50 PM
#1
StayAtHomeDad
Thread Starter
The deal was too good to be true
A few days ago I found a 2008 MDX Tech with entertainment package, with only 14K miles being sold for only 23K. I am not ready to buy a car yet, but given the numbers I was ready to go inspect it and buy it.....I knew that the deal was too good to be true.
I sent the seller a message requesting additional information for the car and got this back:
I just googled the Misionfish charity an the first thing they have is a warning for fraudulent listings on autotrader and craigslist.
Anyways, you probably know, but "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is"
Anytime someone says "funds" I also get suspicious
I sent the seller a message requesting additional information for the car and got this back:
Hello, thank you for your interest.
My 2008 Acura MDX Technology looks new, is in excellent mechanical condition, has only 14,800 miles and the price is $23,000. Never had any paint or body work, it has a clean title history and will pass any smog and safety inspection. The interior is clean, never been smoked in, with no stains or rips, and is free of any visible wear or odors. The service records are available and are included. The factory warranty is still active.
I'm selling for Mission Fish charity works.
I'm on a business trip, but I can ship at my expense and give you 5 days to inspect it. The funds will be held by eBay until you 'OK' the transaction.
If you're serious, please reply with your ZIP.
Thank you,
James
My 2008 Acura MDX Technology looks new, is in excellent mechanical condition, has only 14,800 miles and the price is $23,000. Never had any paint or body work, it has a clean title history and will pass any smog and safety inspection. The interior is clean, never been smoked in, with no stains or rips, and is free of any visible wear or odors. The service records are available and are included. The factory warranty is still active.
I'm selling for Mission Fish charity works.
I'm on a business trip, but I can ship at my expense and give you 5 days to inspect it. The funds will be held by eBay until you 'OK' the transaction.
If you're serious, please reply with your ZIP.
Thank you,
James
Anyways, you probably know, but "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is"
Anytime someone says "funds" I also get suspicious
02-28-2010, 04:19 PM
#3
StayAtHomeDad
Thread Starter
I think that the scammers are getting a little smarter, usually their sale price would be a couple thousand dollars for this kind of car, but that would get them flagged pretty quick. I am going to try and play with this guy a little bit. I asked him to send me records, which he said are available, via email to me, we'll see what he sends.
02-28-2010, 05:34 PM
#5
StayAtHomeDad
Thread Starter
He posted all the information on autotrader. He had pics of the odometer and all. The car looked pretty clean. The post has been removed now, but everything was there.
03-01-2010, 01:24 PM
#7
Three Wheelin'
One of my hobbies when I'm on CL is to flag the scams for removal. They're indeed getting very clever.
I stopped my colleague from being scammed into buying a 2007 Corolla. She was looking for a cheap commuter and this guy had it in for $6000 (about $3-$4K less than market). I'm not kidding you when I say her husband was minutes away from wiring the money to the guy
Luckily she asked me about the deal and of course it was a scam, so she called him immediately to stop the wire process...
...scary...
I stopped my colleague from being scammed into buying a 2007 Corolla. She was looking for a cheap commuter and this guy had it in for $6000 (about $3-$4K less than market). I'm not kidding you when I say her husband was minutes away from wiring the money to the guy
Luckily she asked me about the deal and of course it was a scam, so she called him immediately to stop the wire process...
...scary...
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03-01-2010, 01:46 PM
#9
StayAtHomeDad
Thread Starter
James,
I am very interested and would like to do business, but I would like to see a couple of things before moving forward. Can you please send me a copy of the maintenance records and the window sticker if you still have it to have an accurate information of the options that the car came with.
When will you be back from your trip? If I like the information you send I would like to do a test drive to make sure I like the car.
Thanks for the quick reply,
W.
Hello William,
thank you for your reply. I am sorry but I do not have the maintenance booklet or window sticker with me to make copies and send to you. These are included in the sale though and will be delivered with the car.
I will be back from the business trip at the end of the month. I travel extensively with my job.
The car is located in Austin, TX at my parents. I will pay for shipping to your address, so this is not a problem.
You will receive the vehicle, complete set of keys, title, service records and original manuals. After they arrive, you have 5 days to test drive the car and check everything before you say "yes, I will keep the car". Meantime, eBay Motors will keep the funds and in case you're not ok with the car, they will reimburse you in full.
If this sounds good, reply and I will proceed in explaining the steps.
Thank you,
James
I am very interested and would like to do business, but I would like to see a couple of things before moving forward. Can you please send me a copy of the maintenance records and the window sticker if you still have it to have an accurate information of the options that the car came with.
When will you be back from your trip? If I like the information you send I would like to do a test drive to make sure I like the car.
Thanks for the quick reply,
W.
Hello William,
thank you for your reply. I am sorry but I do not have the maintenance booklet or window sticker with me to make copies and send to you. These are included in the sale though and will be delivered with the car.
I will be back from the business trip at the end of the month. I travel extensively with my job.
The car is located in Austin, TX at my parents. I will pay for shipping to your address, so this is not a problem.
You will receive the vehicle, complete set of keys, title, service records and original manuals. After they arrive, you have 5 days to test drive the car and check everything before you say "yes, I will keep the car". Meantime, eBay Motors will keep the funds and in case you're not ok with the car, they will reimburse you in full.
If this sounds good, reply and I will proceed in explaining the steps.
Thank you,
James
I just replied to him and told him that my brother lives in Austin and I want him to check out the car.....any suggestions on how I can fcuk with him a little more?
03-01-2010, 02:32 PM
#10
Three Wheelin'
Odds are he won't answer back, but have fun if he does 
03-01-2010, 05:44 PM
#11
I see them all the time on CL. Like, a '06 CR-V for $2999! Or a '10 for $4999!
Come on, lol!
Like OP said; If it seems too good to be true? It probably is!
IMHO, you'd have to be real nieve to fall for these ridiculous ads.
Come on, lol!
Like OP said; If it seems too good to be true? It probably is!
IMHO, you'd have to be real nieve to fall for these ridiculous ads.
03-04-2010, 05:33 PM
#13
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
I live in Austin.. LOL!! Send me over..
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2008, 2010, autotrader, car, craigslist, ebay, ebays, entertainment, fish, mdx, mission, missionfish, motors, scam, scams
