Parts in Africa
 

Hello all.
This is something out of the ordinary, wanted to get some opinions before I made a move on anything. I currently have a 92' SVX I am looking to sell. Has some minor hail damage,bad windshield, but runs fine. I have placed adds in several place, here, cars101, local. Been advertising passively (because this is really my wifes idea more than mine, not going to put too much effort into it).
Well anyway, enough off the subject stuff.
I was contacted via email(yahoo account) last week, from a person claiming to be a parts broker in Africa, and wanted to know if I was still selling the SVX and what my final price was. I responded with a price, and he sent an email quickly back stating he would take the car at that price (no negotiations) and if I could send him my contact info (name, address, tele#) that his partner in the US would make out the check and have it available for me.

Now this sort of freaked me out, should I be concerned about some scam, or is this guy legit. It just seems to easy.
I responded with my name and Telephone #, and informed him I would only accept certified check from US bank, and would like to speak with someone in person about this, but the whole thing seems a little fishy. I think, how can I get screwed on this, my Contact info is readily available, not too hard to get, but still a little leary about the whole deal.

Has anyone else heard of such a thing.

You insight would be helpful.

-Trent

It does seem a little fishy, but you are correct that the information you gave is readily available.

Did your ad include the VIN for your car? I do not recommend posting that info if the car is personally registered to you. It is a different case for a car dealer.

As long as you don't give them any personal info (mother's maiden name, SSN, credit card or bank info, etc.) any alleged perpetrator is no better ahead than if he looked you up at random.

It is a scary world out there. The other day a woman I work with was thinking that her information was safe, so I asked her for her name and what part of town she was in, within 10 minutes, I had her home address, phone number, maiden name, husband's name, d.o.b., children's names and ages, social security number, education history, and credit history.

Doug

Re: Parts in Africa
 

Trent,
You'll notice a post in the main babble forum on this issue. More than likely it's a scam, so, tread lightly and pay particular attention to any further instructions you receive. If there is any inference that you have to "swap" cheques, or monies, don't do it. Your "certified cheque" proviso may mean you'll get no further contact. Be careful.

Did your ad include the VIN for your car?

Nope. Learned early on to stay away from that. I appreciate the feedback so far.
Anyone else with any insight, please feel free to add.

-Trent

keep us posted, im quite interested on what the deal is.
phil

Thought I would include his original emails, so you can at least get an Idea of how this was worded...
Strange...

hello i deal in all types of car spare parts in west africa,

i also help my customers in getting car of thier choice such as ,car interior and car exterior , right now i have a customer who is interested in purchasing your..SVX,

i will like you to get back to me with the last offering price

so that payment will be made out immmediately,i will be looking forward to hear from you very soon

thanks



i have contacted my customar Concerning buying your SVX, my customer has agreed with the
price of purchasing it for that amount right now.
i have a client in the the US is oweing me $7,500,which i will
instruct him to issue you the check on my behalf,he would need
your full name,contact address and also your phone number so that he
can forward this check to you,you would then cash the money from
the check and the remaining balance would be sent to my shipping
agent Via western union money transfer so that he can start arranging
shippment of the SVX down to its destination.
if these would be okay by you,kindly get back to me.

Don't walk away from this deal, RUN. Like the wind! Definitely a scam. Or you could agree with him, cash his check, and send ME the remaining balance. :D :D :D

I just wonder how many of these guys have succeeded, along with the Nigerian bank president who gives millions away via email. :eek: :rolleyes: :confused:

This is the same scam outlined in the thread. I'd be extremely leary of it. Check the thread "Warning Car Scam" or, something like that.

Many have succeeded in this scam (or a form of it), to the tune of 100 Million Dollars!

Check it out:

http://snopes.com/

Now that you've forwarded us the actual message, I'm 100% confident that's a scam.

1. He's not going to cut you a check himself - he has a 'client' in the US who 'owes him money.'

2. Of course the amount is more than you are asking for the car - that's how this scam works.

Same sh!t, new toilet...ignore him.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...&threadid=9305 :p :rolleyes:

Now that I see his message, it is absolutly a scam...

RUN, RUN, RUN

Doug

"Run Forrest, Run!" :rolleyes: :)

Thanks to all that responded.
I haven't heard back from my West African budy since I responded insisting on a phone call and a cashiers check written from a US bank.

So the SVX is still for sale.
Anyway, I have to say, the wealth of knowledge and the manner in which it is distributed is impressive. Got to love this devil spawnned internet.

Thanks again.
-Trent

Yes, this is a huge scam. Pretty popular nowadays, as I understand it. If you really wanna have some fun, act interested and do everything short of actually giving him the car. Some guy did just that, I found it pretty good reading...