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.

Broken Down but Not Broken

Friday before last I was in Garland having lunch with a guy new to the church. As I was driving off I was grateful for how the conversation went. It was almost exclusively about the gospel--and encouraging to talk about the grace of God.

So when my car died just 5 minutes down the road I was at peace. My mind was filled with thoughts of God's grace. Can you hear a Tomlin song in the background?

However, 3 hours later, and 3 mechanics in--my peace melted off my conscience and onto the pavement outside of Peachtree Food Mart to join the pools of sweat. Nobody could figure out the problem of my Nissan mystery machine.

Questions filled my mind.

"Am I going to get home?" "Will this be the end of my car?" "Can I afford another one?" "Can this be salvaged?" "Am I going to get mugged?"

Long story short--the mobile guy discovered the non-fixable problem I had the the car towed and we are still praying about what to do with it. But one thing that did happen was an opportunity to share the gospel when I was at the end of my rope emotionally and physically tired.

One of the mechanics was a friend of the guy I met with. He called him and this man came to help. But he didn't just stay for 20 minutes in the 102 degree temperature, or 1 hour, but for over 3 hours!

At one point I was on the phone juggling calls with AAA, my wife, and another friend who works at a dealership and I looked over at him. There he sat--next to my defunct car--waiting patiently for me to see if I needed his help for anything else. He was an amazing example of compassion and generosity.

I was floored. As I asked him questions I learned that he was born in another country--and had a Christian upbringing--and some interest in church.

I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed--so after 3 hours in the sun--mostly of us silently starring down at the sea of gray under my hood--I thought it may be a good idea to share the gospel.

We talked about the peace of forgiveness through the death of Jesus--and new life through His resurrection. As I surrendered to the Spirit's desires--I found the words to say and sensed His power. I am convicted that it has been a while since I've stepped out in faith at an open door.

It was a great reminder not only that God uses inconveniences as open doors--but more than that for me. This reminded me that He will see to it that His message of reconciliation be shared with all people--and even when we're not actively going into the world--He will bring the world to us.

Just give us eyes God.

5 Reasons I Love You Joel (on your 5th Birthday)

1. I love your joy. Your smile and your laugh is contagious—and you suffer from the same thing your Daddy does—the ability to smile at the most inappropriate times.

2. I love your mind. The way you can enter a whole world through your imagination. You love to pretend—and we love to watch you pretend (and spray the sound effects all over the living room).

3. I love your personality. You enjoy taking the smallest and most random part of a toy and focusing all your energy and enthusiasm on it for hours. Very strange—but very cool.

4. I love that you sing. I love hearing songs come out of you when your playing—and hearing you ask for music when we’re driving.

5. I love that you are mine and I get to enjoy you every day. I will never stop loving you Joel.

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