Friday, August 27, 2010

Car Scam

My wife and I just started looking for used cars. Since we're new to Craigslist we've discovered that there are a number of deceptive scams to "ship" very expensive vehicles sold ridiculously low cloaked by a story of urgency and sympathy.

This is the second car scam we've encountered. This conversation picks up where I've just asked for a phone number. Here is the response from "Anna" and my email back.

Hi again Rob,

Please understand that I just moved here and I don't yet have a phone. Until then please understand the situation and carry on with this by e-mail cause I don't have any other way yet. And again I'm truly sorry we can't talk over the phone. But please understand.

The car is located in Honolulu HI. Is already crated at the shipping company ready to be sent to any location anywhere in the world, like i told we will use eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection, so we can both be protected and insured. The price for the car is $3,000 with shipping included.
1. Buyer, seller reach an agreement (price and delivery conditions)
2. Buyer sends money to eBay.
3. eBay confirms to seller that the amount has been received.
4. Seller performs the required services (shipping, insurance).
5. Buyer accepts delivery and informs eBay about the acceptance.
6. eBay releases the money to seller.
As you can see, you will receive the car BEFORE any money is released to me. You will get the chance to inspect it, test drive it and everything you like while your money is still safely held in eBay's account. ONLY after you confirm to eBay that you agree with the vehicle, they will release the money to me.
If, for some reason, you disagree with the car (I assure you that is NOT going to happen since my 2006 Acura TL is in IMMACULATE condition inside and out) it will be shipped back to me on MY EXPENSE and eBay will send you your money back.
If you wish to proceed further, I will need your complete name and address so I can start the transaction with eBay's Vehicle Purchase Protection Program.

Let me know if we can get the ball rolling.

Regards,
Anna Parker



no. thanks.

praying for you friend that you will turn from this sin and find new freedom and life in Jesus Christ.

We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Rom. 3:23) but God came to us in Jesus Christ to set us free from sin. If you turn your life to him recognizing your sin and need of Him by faith--He will forgive you--and give you new life (Acts 3:19-20).

God will provide for your needs if you become His child--we are not all children of God by birth. But we become His children when we turn our lives over to Jesus Christ by faith alone (John 1:12-13).

He can provide for your financial needs. But you must turn from this and trust in Him.

Praying that you do that this hour.

7 comments:

  1. I had several scams like that from posting my resume on hotjobs.

    I've not been very proactive or bold in sharing the gospel. I was thankful for an opportunity last week but I felt that there was an element of it that I missed that the guy really needed to hear. This post brought it to my mind--freedom FROM sin. Thanks.

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  2. Sounds like you could use a pimpadelic 1981 Cadillac Deville with white lea-thuh interior! I'll ship it to you for half of what Anna was charging. ;)

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270627295691&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

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  3. Thanks Clint!

    Awesome Mark--that sounds like a great deal--and for less shipping. Don't think i could pull it off though.

    rob

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  4. thank you so much for this blog i found the same add and today was going to be the day that i made the purchase until i read this. i cant figure out why people would do this to other people. but thank you so very much you helped save me and my kids. thank you

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