Important, Internet Scam, you should read
Guest
Posts: n/a
Important, Internet Scam, you should read
Hello, I placed an ad on another website for my 280z for sale. I was contacted by a guy who was interested in the car. I asked him to phone me but his response was he couldn't because his comunication in the area was poor. He was from south africa... lol I got to thinking this is just way to weird and something to seem right so I searched and found it was a scam. I played along with it for a little while to see what was next. Sure enuff, this guy said everything that an article I read said he would. You should be aware of this guy, he's hit a lot of people from my understanding. The FBI and Secret Service knows about his scam and is looking into it.
you can read more about this at this site:
http://www.internetscamalert.com/
Just wanted people to know about it.
Z-er
you can read more about this at this site:
http://www.internetscamalert.com/
Just wanted people to know about it.
Z-er
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 650
From: Wilmington, NC
Wait wait wait... What IS the scam. IM me at NISMO LMR, or E-Mail me at NISMOLMR@aol.com... I think I may have come in contact with this guy as well!
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 650
From: Wilmington, NC
Ok, I just read through that link... Sounds like my guy, except it sounded sketch to me, and I told him to F*** off basically. That I wasnt interested in doing a long distance transaction like that. Unfortunately, I deleted all of his E-Mails... Would they still be on my harddrive? O well, keep us posted on what happens, thanks.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Good thing you told him to get lost. After a few emails, I told him we got rid of it. We called the FBI but they didn't seem to interested. They have tons of info I guess. From what I understand, it's been going on for over a year or so. You think they could find this guy by now or at least do something about it.
Z-er
Z-er
Originally Posted by NISMO LMR
Ok, I just read through that link... Sounds like my guy, except it sounded sketch to me, and I told him to F*** off basically. That I wasnt interested in doing a long distance transaction like that. Unfortunately, I deleted all of his E-Mails... Would they still be on my harddrive? O well, keep us posted on what happens, thanks.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 650
From: Wilmington, NC
Ever think maybe they dont want to? Ever think he is an interior official scamming to make more money for his own branch of private Covert Operations under the US Government?... It's like Swordfish man! Haha. I dont know bro, I dont care, as long as I didnt get suckered.
Tough Guy
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 851
From: NJ
Happened to me twice. This is the scam.
A person contacts you and says that he is interested in you car. He sends you check that is counterfeit. But heres the scam. He will tell you that his american client is sending you a check, the check is for more then what the car is selling for. He will tell you that he has to have his client send you all of it, and then you send him the balance. Because the check is so good, it takes up to two weeks for the bank to realize its fake. The money is in your account thou. He then sets up shipment with a company which is actually not a shipping company, but a phone service to take internet calls, He will tell you everything is fine, and you should proceed to send him the car. Since the money cleared, its all good. After the first check bounced, i let him send me another one, this one bounced a week later as well. Its a good scam becuase alot of people are naive in doing stuff like this. Just dont get to ahead with plans. The guy I talked to was named Kelvin Natty . He wont tell you where he is from thou. The shipping company was called Xpart Shipping .
A person contacts you and says that he is interested in you car. He sends you check that is counterfeit. But heres the scam. He will tell you that his american client is sending you a check, the check is for more then what the car is selling for. He will tell you that he has to have his client send you all of it, and then you send him the balance. Because the check is so good, it takes up to two weeks for the bank to realize its fake. The money is in your account thou. He then sets up shipment with a company which is actually not a shipping company, but a phone service to take internet calls, He will tell you everything is fine, and you should proceed to send him the car. Since the money cleared, its all good. After the first check bounced, i let him send me another one, this one bounced a week later as well. Its a good scam becuase alot of people are naive in doing stuff like this. Just dont get to ahead with plans. The guy I talked to was named Kelvin Natty . He wont tell you where he is from thou. The shipping company was called Xpart Shipping .
Tough Guy
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 851
From: NJ
It happens alot. I listed it again and someone from Africa, and Irleand wanted it. They said they were from a dealership. I told them to give me all of thier info for hte daelership, and the address, and phone number or thy can **** off. They took the hint, and I sold the car to a kid in Iowa who loves it. It was an 86 300, and a damn fine car at best.
Guest
Posts: n/a
I am currently going through scam as i had posted my 50th anny. for sale about 3 weeks ago. I received a reply from Nigeria the very next day and also a reply from London saying they would send a check & shipping costs to me. I found it strange that they didn't even ask for photos. When I replied to the guy in London who said he is buying the car for a colleague in the states my email didn't get through and I tried several times. The same guy finally sent again although his email had changed , so this guy is always changing...his email addresses. I also received an email from kevin natty and a few others but you could tell from the word structure and duplicate "phrases", that the emails were most likely from the same source. This guy said the cheque was in the mail and when I received it we could arrange for pick-up. The guy sent me emails last week saying "whats going on and why are you silent about this transaction, I know you should of received the cheque by now". I replied that there would be no pick-up until his cheque clears with my bank and that I understand international cheques may take up a week to do so. I have not had a reply since although I still have about 6 of his emails on file as I found the whole ordeal somewhat "fishy". Ironically, the guy came across as being a wealthy person in his email as he stated his sending address was from Mr. Robert Charles of the Robert Charles Fishy company. Still haven't received a cheque ......lol. The strange thing is and perhaps I'm just being paranoid, that a flatbed truck came buy late the othert morning/night and I just happened to be up. the truck stopped close to my house as if he was lost or looking for an address or vehicle but wasn't sure. He ended up driving around for about 10 minutes and always returning to my house. I don't have any vehicles that need repo-ing so I found it strange and thought that perhaps this go's deeper and that it could also be a network for car thieves who gather information/addresses on desirable cars and then if the cheque scam fails, they could simply take the cars. Their interaction with you over emails may possibly inform them as to when you would be home as well. Take care.
Guest
Posts: n/a
I posted my 83 on another website. I got 2 replies from overseas. One from Africa. John West. I told him to have his shipper cash the check and leave me the cash. I accept all kinds...you know, 5's 10's 20 dollar bills. In God we trust all others pay cash. Never heard from the clown again
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 650
From: Wilmington, NC
Check out these E-Mails...
* Is me... NISMO LMR
- Is "Paul Williams" The SCAMMER
-Autotrader.com buyer lead.
"BUYER INFO
Name: paul Williams
E-Mail Address: powertraxs@fastermail.com
Comments: my client is interested in your car.contact me if it is still availble"
*NISMO LMR
"E-Mail me back, still for sale."
-powertraxs@fastmail.com
"Hello,
Thanks for your immediate response to our mail as regards to your vehicle our client intends buying.We immediately forwarded your mail to our client so as to ascertain his position in this transaction and he responded,stating that he would love to know your finall price.
Our client also mentioned that he would love to see more pictures of your vehicle so as to check the condition of what he intends buying for he can't come for inspection,considering his location being london,UK.The views our client has asked to see are:front,side,back,engine and interior views.
Please acknowledge the receipt of this mail and get back to us ASAP for onward transaction.Thanks in anticipation of your understanding and have a nice day...................
Management."
*NISMO LMR
"Ok... All pictures are on the site, and they are updated. Get back to me."
-powertraxs@fastmail.com
"Hello,
Thanks for your mail.I have contacted my client over your last offer for the vehicle, we discussd and finally he has accepted your price , he hopes the engine is
serviced and oil changed too.To avoid delay for your payment,below is the payment status / shipping information,since my client has deposited a certified cashier check of ($5,940) to my company and according to the decision made,the check will be send to you and when you cash the check payment, please your're required to deduct the cost of your vehicle ($2,700) and send the balance of ($3,240) to the shipping agent in Canada via money gram international to enable him offsett shipping charges/arrangements,to ensure that the vehicle get to my client on time.
As soon as the agent receive the balance,he'll be coming for inspection and conclusion of other necessary shipping arrangements(title paper and documents) then the vehicle wi ll be pick up from its present location for shipment
So you don't have to bother yourself about the pick up and shipping arrangements bcos' the agent will handle the process.
Please, get back to me as soon as possible with the name,address and phone number for check payment to be delivered to you via fedex courier.
Thank you
Paul Williams"
*NISMO LMR
"Sounds good... The car has been well taken care of. I'll be happy to let you take my money...Ooooo wait i've heard of this scam.
http://www.internetscamalert.com/
Wow... This sounds a little bit like what your doing.
IDEA: You send me the cashiers check. I'LL cash it... When I have actually United States Dollar's in my hand, THEN and ONLY THEN I'll send your "client" the extra money. I've raised my price to $5,900. If you are stil interested in my car. PLEASE feel free to E-Mail me back...
(Not all American's are as stupid as the other people you ripped off in the past. Fortunately for me... Im smarter than you.)"
Funny funny funny... Thanks for the heads up man. Saved me some moola
* Is me... NISMO LMR
- Is "Paul Williams" The SCAMMER
-Autotrader.com buyer lead.
"BUYER INFO
Name: paul Williams
E-Mail Address: powertraxs@fastermail.com
Comments: my client is interested in your car.contact me if it is still availble"
*NISMO LMR
"E-Mail me back, still for sale."
-powertraxs@fastmail.com
"Hello,
Thanks for your immediate response to our mail as regards to your vehicle our client intends buying.We immediately forwarded your mail to our client so as to ascertain his position in this transaction and he responded,stating that he would love to know your finall price.
Our client also mentioned that he would love to see more pictures of your vehicle so as to check the condition of what he intends buying for he can't come for inspection,considering his location being london,UK.The views our client has asked to see are:front,side,back,engine and interior views.
Please acknowledge the receipt of this mail and get back to us ASAP for onward transaction.Thanks in anticipation of your understanding and have a nice day...................
Management."
*NISMO LMR
"Ok... All pictures are on the site, and they are updated. Get back to me."
-powertraxs@fastmail.com
"Hello,
Thanks for your mail.I have contacted my client over your last offer for the vehicle, we discussd and finally he has accepted your price , he hopes the engine is
serviced and oil changed too.To avoid delay for your payment,below is the payment status / shipping information,since my client has deposited a certified cashier check of ($5,940) to my company and according to the decision made,the check will be send to you and when you cash the check payment, please your're required to deduct the cost of your vehicle ($2,700) and send the balance of ($3,240) to the shipping agent in Canada via money gram international to enable him offsett shipping charges/arrangements,to ensure that the vehicle get to my client on time.
As soon as the agent receive the balance,he'll be coming for inspection and conclusion of other necessary shipping arrangements(title paper and documents) then the vehicle wi ll be pick up from its present location for shipment
So you don't have to bother yourself about the pick up and shipping arrangements bcos' the agent will handle the process.
Please, get back to me as soon as possible with the name,address and phone number for check payment to be delivered to you via fedex courier.
Thank you
Paul Williams"
*NISMO LMR
"Sounds good... The car has been well taken care of. I'll be happy to let you take my money...Ooooo wait i've heard of this scam.
http://www.internetscamalert.com/
Wow... This sounds a little bit like what your doing.
IDEA: You send me the cashiers check. I'LL cash it... When I have actually United States Dollar's in my hand, THEN and ONLY THEN I'll send your "client" the extra money. I've raised my price to $5,900. If you are stil interested in my car. PLEASE feel free to E-Mail me back...
(Not all American's are as stupid as the other people you ripped off in the past. Fortunately for me... Im smarter than you.)"
Funny funny funny... Thanks for the heads up man. Saved me some moola
Guest
Posts: n/a
Glad I could help
Since I've posted this message, I've been receiving several emails from the spammers. On average, I get about 3 or more a week now asking if my car is still avail.
There must be more than one person or this guy is really thinks I'm super stupid. I'm thinking about sending a pic with "stupid" writen on my forehead.
Thanks for the laugh.
Zer
There must be more than one person or this guy is really thinks I'm super stupid. I'm thinking about sending a pic with "stupid" writen on my forehead.
Thanks for the laugh.
Zer
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hum, a car theft ring that gets addresses by mailing fake checks out; I could see that as being something.....One could fix that with on-line payment service, or a real wire transfer.
If I were selling a hot car, I would get a locked space at a mini-storage place (with controlled accress gate + video cams) and meet buyers there.
If I were selling a hot car, I would get a locked space at a mini-storage place (with controlled accress gate + video cams) and meet buyers there.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hmmm
could be a car theft ring but I don't believe thats the point. The buyer never wants the car in the first place and never gets around to picking it up.
I can't see a car theft ring traveling to far to get a car. It goes beyond that.
Just my opinion tho
I can't see a car theft ring traveling to far to get a car. It goes beyond that.
Just my opinion tho
Guest
Posts: n/a
Man, if the FEDs are still looking for this guy, I feel bad. All they would have to do is sell some car, and see if the guy is interested. Keep in contact with him through email's and such untill they really think he is the guy, then get one last email from him. Trace the I.P. address from that email account. If his email address was a yahoo address, they would have to contact yahoo and get more info but if the email address was a internet provider address, they could get him easier. But yeah, hope they did get the lil ****.
Guest
Posts: n/a
one prob
It's never an ISP email. All the scammers I received email from are from free email accounts.
I am willing to bet there are more than one. It alomost seems as there are hundreds. You'd think the feds would get smart and stop it but No... Duh. Seems they have been looking or shall I say, Do nothing for over a year. Now you watch, I'll get some email from some smart *** who wants to buy my car from some other country because I wrote this message. It seems i get about 2-5 a week now.
At least most people in here know whats going on
I am willing to bet there are more than one. It alomost seems as there are hundreds. You'd think the feds would get smart and stop it but No... Duh. Seems they have been looking or shall I say, Do nothing for over a year. Now you watch, I'll get some email from some smart *** who wants to buy my car from some other country because I wrote this message. It seems i get about 2-5 a week now.
At least most people in here know whats going on
Originally Posted by My_Z31_300ZX
Man, if the FEDs are still looking for this guy, I feel bad. All they would have to do is sell some car, and see if the guy is interested. Keep in contact with him through email's and such untill they really think he is the guy, then get one last email from him. Trace the I.P. address from that email account. If his email address was a yahoo address, they would have to contact yahoo and get more info but if the email address was a internet provider address, they could get him easier. But yeah, hope they did get the lil ****.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 15
From: Sandyeggo
Overseas email scam
I got as far as to receive a check from these bastards. They had me going for about a week. All along in the back of my mind I thought it seemed too good to be true, but when you've got $10k staring you in the face with a buyer who seemingly doesn't even want to negotiate the asking price down and is willing to pay more(...?), why would I ask questions? They are just catering to everyone's desire to be not only trusting, but maybe litttle a greedy...also, (I'm thinking) maybe this foreigner doesn't know all the ropes himself and is just interested in making his own commission; they get you hooked pretty easily because they make it so easy.
I just exercised a little caution & common sense. Yes, I did eventually receive "the check" and I took it straight to the bank & requested on-the- spot verification. I wasn't taking any chances--this is ten G's we're talking about! I was actually contacted via telephone and I talked to a real guy (not too thick of an accent, but definitely Arabic or African inflected). He had a western first name & some kind of "foreign" surname, which I can't recall at the moment--I think it sounded African. But his delivery seemed plausible enough. When the check was found to be unauthentic, I told him so and he blamed his accountant! Lol But I never heard from him again. By the way, yes I stayed at the bank while they verified the funds & sheepishly left the branch (without the original check, but with a phototcopy in hand) when they told me it was bogus. Didn't I feel like an A-1 Schmuck! The bank told me to call the Secret Service (apparently because it's a money scam), but they can't do anything, because it's an offshore thing; no jurisdiction & no legislation to even begin to tackle the problem.
I still get emails today, even though the car is long-gone to a 'legitimate' buyer. I used to politely tell these inquirers to go procreate with themselves, but it's not worth it. Who knows, answering their email may get you an unwanted visitor (virus). So now I just delete, delete, delete.
I just exercised a little caution & common sense. Yes, I did eventually receive "the check" and I took it straight to the bank & requested on-the- spot verification. I wasn't taking any chances--this is ten G's we're talking about! I was actually contacted via telephone and I talked to a real guy (not too thick of an accent, but definitely Arabic or African inflected). He had a western first name & some kind of "foreign" surname, which I can't recall at the moment--I think it sounded African. But his delivery seemed plausible enough. When the check was found to be unauthentic, I told him so and he blamed his accountant! Lol But I never heard from him again. By the way, yes I stayed at the bank while they verified the funds & sheepishly left the branch (without the original check, but with a phototcopy in hand) when they told me it was bogus. Didn't I feel like an A-1 Schmuck! The bank told me to call the Secret Service (apparently because it's a money scam), but they can't do anything, because it's an offshore thing; no jurisdiction & no legislation to even begin to tackle the problem.
I still get emails today, even though the car is long-gone to a 'legitimate' buyer. I used to politely tell these inquirers to go procreate with themselves, but it's not worth it. Who knows, answering their email may get you an unwanted visitor (virus). So now I just delete, delete, delete.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Good for you
at least you didn't go through it and get totally scamed. Now can you imagine if you had to pay back the 10k? That would suck.
Interesting info on the overseas and the secrete service not being able to do anything about it. Was the check actually mailed from overseas or was it mailed in the US?
Funny he blammed his accountant.
All you can do is tell everyone you know about this scam.
Interesting info on the overseas and the secrete service not being able to do anything about it. Was the check actually mailed from overseas or was it mailed in the US?
Funny he blammed his accountant.
All you can do is tell everyone you know about this scam.
Guest
Posts: n/a
nigerian scam
The scams mentioned above are what are known as 419 scams. The secret service has been aware of the problem for a few years but can only arrest those caught here in the US. The scam is usually as follows:
You're contacted about something for sale, (usually no details or pictures are requested of you, just price).
Then without any real negotiation the buyer says that they'll take the merchandise.
They'll state that shipping is no problem because they have the means to pick it up: (variation: they will send extra funds for you to ship, and for your trouble).
Then they state that they will send a check. (usually a cashiers check). And ask you to contact them when you deposit the check.
When you contact them they will usually state that they have some sort of hardship, and that they have to back out of the deal. They will generally request a return of a large portion of there funds but allow you to keep some of the money for yor trouble.
Not realizing that the cashiers check the victim received is bogus, most of the victims send a cashiers check from there bank back to the buyer.
A couple of weeks later you'll be contacted by the bank that the check you deposited was bad, and you'll be out the money.
If you decide not to send the money til the check clears, you'll generally be threatened.
Here's the ral bitch about the whole thing, The bank will not take any responsibility for the bad check, and you'll have to eat it. If you don't have the funds, the bank will insist that you pay them back. If you complain to the police the'll take a report but thats it.
There are alot of variations to this scam, and if your a victim your SOL.
You're contacted about something for sale, (usually no details or pictures are requested of you, just price).
Then without any real negotiation the buyer says that they'll take the merchandise.
They'll state that shipping is no problem because they have the means to pick it up: (variation: they will send extra funds for you to ship, and for your trouble).
Then they state that they will send a check. (usually a cashiers check). And ask you to contact them when you deposit the check.
When you contact them they will usually state that they have some sort of hardship, and that they have to back out of the deal. They will generally request a return of a large portion of there funds but allow you to keep some of the money for yor trouble.
Not realizing that the cashiers check the victim received is bogus, most of the victims send a cashiers check from there bank back to the buyer.
A couple of weeks later you'll be contacted by the bank that the check you deposited was bad, and you'll be out the money.
If you decide not to send the money til the check clears, you'll generally be threatened.
Here's the ral bitch about the whole thing, The bank will not take any responsibility for the bad check, and you'll have to eat it. If you don't have the funds, the bank will insist that you pay them back. If you complain to the police the'll take a report but thats it.
There are alot of variations to this scam, and if your a victim your SOL.
confuzed member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,074
From: Salinas, CA
I've gotten hit by A LOT of these scammers since I've been trying to sell my 240z. Here's the thing thouhg. Almost all of them have asked for info, pictures, etc. they've even replied back with questions about info and pictures. it's tricky out there.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 5
I too was a victim.
I was trying to sell my 79 volkswagen bus. He used the alias Lugard Lord. He sent me a check for 3200 with no return address on the check and said he wanted the money sent to his shipper whos name was Forrowa Daniel out of nigeria. I took the check to the bank. the bank president approved the check i put no money in the bank. sent "Lugard" his money and like a true car guy was out searching for my new project car the same day. After this took place i never heard from Lugard or the bank or anyone else until we had an FBI agent show up at our door. she informed us our check was a counterfiet. But she said it was a dang good one. (it had a watermark and everything.) she thought it to be real as well. fortunately we saved the corespondence with lugard to a disk and when the agent approached us we were able to show her we were just trying to sell a car. The goverment being the kind people they are thanked us for all the addresses of were we sent the checks and the telephone numbers we had of the scammers and did not try to stick us with a bill for the amount of the check.
what a crazy situation. in the end i made a profit off the check bought a new project car and then sold the bus to a guy locally again. not bad eh?
280zx_guy
what a crazy situation. in the end i made a profit off the check bought a new project car and then sold the bus to a guy locally again. not bad eh?
280zx_guy
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11
how about this
Information about inquiring person:
Name: jim
Email: butler4s@yahoo.co.uk
================================================== =
Hello,
I am interested in buying your car,will like to know the prsent
condition,last offer,how best to maintain it,i will be paying with a
certifid check,hoping to hear from you as jiffy as possible as i can';t
wait to own it,bye.
i hope its for real but he sounds too happy
i got this today should i be alarmed???
Name: jim
Email: butler4s@yahoo.co.uk
================================================== =
Hello,
I am interested in buying your car,will like to know the prsent
condition,last offer,how best to maintain it,i will be paying with a
certifid check,hoping to hear from you as jiffy as possible as i can';t
wait to own it,bye.
i hope its for real but he sounds too happy
i got this today should i be alarmed???
Dan's the Man
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 332
From: Peterborough, Ontario
Alarmed no. You are in control as long as you have your car. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
This happened to me as well last December when I was selling my 96 Maxima. I was looking for $12,000 CDN and the guy sends me a Bank One certified cheque for $30,000 USD. I was sceptical at first. When I got that cheque I said no way.
I have worked in Banking for 16 years and this cheque looked legit. I called some of my contacts at Bank One and at first they said it was a good cheque. 1 week later my buddy calls me and tells me to hold on to my car and forget it. The cheque was after all a fake.
Like EMO said, they are getting trickier and trickier.
Either tell the guy to go away and deal with someone who is "the real deal" or tell the guy that you will deposit the cheque and hold it for at least 30 days to ensure it clears before you consider releasing the car. I'd be surprised if he/she remains interested then.
This happened to me as well last December when I was selling my 96 Maxima. I was looking for $12,000 CDN and the guy sends me a Bank One certified cheque for $30,000 USD. I was sceptical at first. When I got that cheque I said no way.
I have worked in Banking for 16 years and this cheque looked legit. I called some of my contacts at Bank One and at first they said it was a good cheque. 1 week later my buddy calls me and tells me to hold on to my car and forget it. The cheque was after all a fake.
Like EMO said, they are getting trickier and trickier.
Either tell the guy to go away and deal with someone who is "the real deal" or tell the guy that you will deposit the cheque and hold it for at least 30 days to ensure it clears before you consider releasing the car. I'd be surprised if he/she remains interested then.
