AutoTrader Paypal Scam

You'd think 'Paul Wayman' would be smart enough to change names or something. Because it's still happening! I posted a car on AutoTrader (it's still there if you're interested and got the same request that others have gotten. I replied that it sounded fishy but I was willing to answer the questions he asked. Today I received this:

"I am glad to inform you that I have made the payment and you should have received the payment notification from PayPal by now. Kindly check your PayPal email address or the spam filter for the notification alert from PayPal and follow the PayPal instructions so the funds can be credited and shown in your account. I will be waiting to read back from you."

At that point I wondered "why doesn't he care that I said this sounded fishy? No response to that statement at all! Think I'll google his name..." and here I am!

I responded to his email with a link to this address.

Welcome to Scamwarners cashenbrener,

I am happy to hear that a search of the scammers name led you here and you avoided being scammed.

We ask that people do not inform the scammer he is posted here or any other anti scam site. Once the scammer knows that he is posted on an anti scam site he will change his name and email address. We like for them to keep using their scam information. This way when people search for information they will land here and avoid being scammed. It only takes less than 5 minutes to get a new email address and fake name. When he changes his information we will likely learn of him again after a victim has lost money.

Please post the email address the scammer used with you. This will help others when they search using the email address.

Hi I have been contacted by [email protected] trying to buy my car too for his daughters birthday. Working in the navy he apparently has no internet banking! I was suspicious about him but am so relieved to find confirmation of the scam here. Thanks to previous posters. Am currently winding him up that i will make the payment to his courier. Might make him hang in anticipation for a few days and suffer the same disappointment we all feel when we realise it's a scam

Had an email from a RichardCole@Gmail asking about the car I have for sale. Same old story, Navy Officer, buying for his daughter. Wants to pay via PayPal then get shipping agent to collect it.

Was feeling suspicious so googled it and thanks to this site, I told him to jog on. So thank you very much or I might have fallen for it!

Welcome to Scamwarners marshall85.

Once you know what to look for, this type of scammer is easy to spot, but they're looking for inexperienced sellers to prey on and they are happy to send hundreds of contact mails or SMS messages in the hope finding one.

Bottom line is that any time a buyer tries to get you to make THEM a payment you're being scammed. They hide this until the end to try and hook you in, but sellers should never have to pay a buyer anything unless the buyer is located on a ship in an internet cafe in downtown Lagos.

Hi all,,
just registered to add my list of scammers... i'm currently selling a xsara vtr on autotrader & already the scammers come out of the woodwork even after reading the block caps on my ad stating 'cash only sale'.. idiots... heres the culprits so far-

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

annnnnd another -

[email protected]

I was trying to sell my car on the normal routes of Ebay and Autotrader, The only replies I had were from scammers, trouble is the the first 4 gave me their phone numbers so when I called them they sounded like the same person including the lady who was a gent. They also used the same speil as the many posts on here have said :live to far to come and see it but the price is fine, just send pictures and can I pay with paypal. If though I told the ebay interests that the ebay already posted my paypal link. I actually sent them invoices that I later cancelled via ebay.

Contact 1 was ebay user prescottroy07roy who then said his name was Jodie Williams and his email was [email protected] tel 07438782401
Contact 2 was ebay user marsden103newyou who said his name was Richard Gardner and his email was [email protected] tel 07774168511
Contact 3 was ebay user suzyc24 who then said his name was Mark Hancock and his email was [email protected] tel 07405351488 when asked to go through paypal the name was Tommy Mathieson when I questioned was this his name he said yes.
Contact 4 was ebay user tamurilpalantir who the said his name was Jade Reuben and his email was [email protected] and tel is 07438782401
Contact 5 was Autotrader called [email protected] didnt want to even talk but said he was in France. However, when realised he was a scammer just played along. I even told him that I was aware of scammers and how they operated so he better be genuine and he carried on. Then he must have realised when he sent me the email and told me to look for the email in my spam and junk mail for Paypal confirmation.
All of these can be dangerous and hurtful so thank you to this site for at least helping bring to others attention.

I was contacted by this Jade Reuben ([email protected])
ebay id - eben9813
mobile - 0758 9755802
I have a car for sale on ebay and the emails seemed a little off so I contacted paypal and ebay too. Then I did a little digging and came across your posting. THANKS!!! It's a tricky one because you think a payment through paypal is safe. I was concerned though, if the payment was fraudulent, that funds would be confiscated. Glad I took time to reflect. What a nasty scam!!

Here are the emails I received.

JADE: Is this still available for sale and what your best price get back to me with this email Reubenjade734 yahoo dot dot uk (please consider the sign @ n dot as.) pls its bcos dont check my ebay often. Thanks


17-Oct16:10:12- Responded: (Hide Message)
Hi Jade Yes It is still for sale. £xxxx. Its a really good car, I've loved every minute in it and it's been serviced every year, I can supply service history, you'll love it. Look forward to hearing from you Kind Regards I have emailed to your yahoo address too

17-Oct16:34:01- Responded: (Hide Message)
JADE - I am willing to know the lowest price of it and i will be paying you with my PayPal account because it's attached to my bank account and its safe and very secure way to make payment. If my mode of payment is accepted just send me your paypal email address,(Paypal ID) soi can pay in right away. Make sure you get back to me so that i can make the payment. I have a private courier agent that will come for thepick up after payments has been made, so no shipping included. And if you dont have a paypal account, you can easily go to www.paypal.com and sign up. its very easy. I await your reply asap

Responded: (Hide Message)
Hi Jade You can put £xxxx in the "Make an offer" tab on the Ebay listing. You can then pay via paypal this way. I look forward to your reply. Kind Regards

JADE - Thanks for your response. Making a bid/buy it now on the auction is not a problem but that will take a long time and you will also be over charged by paypal for receiving a payment for an ebay auction. I'll suggest we conclude everything right now by me responding to the paypal money request you will send me. Please get back to me a.s.a.p. My paypal email is [email protected] and you can also send me your paypal email so i can make the payment asap.

A few days ago I received a text message in regards to my car sale. I figured some people prefer using text rather than phone calls so thought nothing of that.
Sent him an email about it and this is the string that followed.
His name was Mattew Boyle
Email [email protected]
The mobile number was +61428465117

Hi Mattew,

Thanks for the interest. The car is still up for sale and the current price is $6,500. If you're still keen we can organise a time for you to pop by and check it out.

Look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Sarah.


Subject: Re: Car for sale
From: [email protected]

Thank you for the mail,i am okay with the little details have read in the advert compare to the others have seen recently and please Does it have any more history I should be aware of and why are you selling if you don't mind my asking.I work with New Zealand Oil and Gas (NZOG) and we are presently offshore in New Zealand Taranaki Basin on kapo project. We do not have access to phone at the moment,its 15days off and 15days on,which is why I contacted you with internet messaging facility.

I am buying this for my first son who just graduated ontop of his class at Charles Darwin University in NT ,He studied Building Design & Architecture. I want it to be the perfect graduation gift and a surprise package for him .Where is it located at the moment and I will really appreciate if you can email more info.

In regards to payment ,all i will need is your bank details or pay pal payment email and name to set up purchase,as i don't have access to my bank account online as am not with my credit card details here on our mine site but i have my ANZ bank account linked up with my PayPal account so I will be paying you through PayPal to your nominated bank account .Have been introduce to a reputable shipping company that will handle the delivery after the payment clears to your account.I will really appreciate if you can email more info..

Regards,
Matt .

Hi Matt,
I'm selling the car because I bought a new one that is more fuel efficient and suits my needs much better. Feel in love with my new car by accident and didn't want to trade in the Magna to the dealer. It will be hard parting with the Magna though as it's such a great car. It recently had a service but I'm having trouble finding the receipt at the moment, so I will have to get back to you about what they did. The vehicle hasn't been in any accidents, just a few visual defects from scraps and bumps. There is also paint on the backseat from a spillage incident I had. Those wont be a problem will they? The backseat is custom design so normal seat covers wont fit it, but if you got your hands on some the paint would be undetectable.
It has registration until July next year.

It's currently at my house in Blair Athol, Adelaide. I wouldn't mind it being shipped interstate either.

Is there anything else you would like to know about the vehicle?

Sincerely,
Sarah.

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for the explanation ,I am satisfied with your firm asking price and I really appreciate your honesty, that is what i really need most as I wont be able to come for inspection as am at work ,just want to buy the it as a surprise package for my son to show my appreciation in my absentia and believe he will really enjoy it.I would have loved to inspect or have Anthony(My son) inspect but i will be away from home for a few months more which makes inspection impossible for me and I am making it a %100 surprise package for him and i dont want him to know about it until its delivered.

In regards the payment, I am happy to inform you that i have an upgraded paypal account (business merchant account) so i can make a direct deposit to your nominated bank account from my paypai account . Please advise me of the details so i can make the transfer ASAP, your bank details I will need are: name of your bank, name of account holder, bsb and account number and after the payment has been sorted out, I have a private courier that will come for the pick up and make a personal delivery to my son after the payment clears into your account .


Morning Matt,

So you are happy to go ahead with the sale? I'm sure your son will love driving the car!

My bank details are
BankSA
Sarah
Acc N:
BSB:

Regards,
Sarah

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for the payment details and am happy to proceed with the payment, however i just got a confirmation mail from the shipping company now that i will need to pay for the freighting fees before they can schedule pre-shipping/ pickup date,they charged $1,350aud for the pick up and delivery, but the problem is they only accept western union money transfer as form of payment which is sent to their HQ in the China.

As you are well aware of, due to the nature of my work am away and do not have access to western union, most post offices have western union section,will it be ok with you if I add the $1,350aud to the amount I am transferring? and as soon as the money goes through you can help me make the western union transfer of the freighting fees through western union money transfer? You are not obliged to help me, but i will indeed appreciate your help as I am a little incapacitated here.
Cheers.

This morning I received this:

This is to inform you that you are required to send a sum of $1,350.00 AUD to the address below via Western Union Money Transfer, you are requested to email us the MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) , Sender's Name and Address used to make the transfer .
As soon as we have received these information from you, we will Credit a sum of $7,950.00 AUD to your BankSA account. Below is the address where the money is to be sent to using Western Union Money Transfer.

Agent's Info:

Shuojia Zhang,
1055 Dawan Lu,
Beijing ,
Zip Code 10027,
China .

I had been forwarding these to my bf because he was popping me advise about what to say and this is the point where we simultaneously became suspicious. I googled the address and it lead me to this website. Thank you for making it easy to know I was dealing with a scammer. Actually thanked my father just then for not bringing up an idiot.

I think I was nearly a victim of a scam, until I called my mum and she recommended I do a google search... Then I came across this forum so thank you!

I have a scooter for sale on bike trader and haven't had loads of emails so I was excited when I got this one until she mentioned paypal.

Her name: Sophia Wayne
Email: [email protected]

Her:
Hi, do you still have your listed Bike available for sale?

Me:
Hi Sophia,
Thanks for emailing. I do still have the Vespa. Would you like some more information or photos, or would you like to come see it?
Kind regards
Erin

Her:
Great, I'll like to know the present condition and why you need to sell it. I won't be available to inspect it as I'm just recovering from surgery. How much are you willing to let it go at your last price? Any accident history?
Regards
Sophia

Me:
It's in perfect condition, it's literally just finished being fully reconditioned which includes a complete new spray, and I've only ridden it a few times down a private road since then. I'm selling now as I need a small car for the commute to work. I can provide more photographs if you wish. No previous accidents. I currently have it advertised at £ however since you're not able to visit to see it id be willing to drop to £.
Kind regards
Erin

Her:
£ sounds fair . Where is it located? I will need to contact the pick up agent to know the cost and expenses for the pick up from your location.
Regards

Me:
It's in X. Do you live far?
Erin

Her:
Hi, I have contacted the pick up agent, so I'm waiting for their response . Meanwhile you can send money request of £ to my PayPal account "[email protected]". I will send the money and choose a good time for the pick up after payment has been received. I live in Bermondsey
Regards
Sophia



I've just emailed back explaining I'm not comfortable using paypal especially when she's not seen it. So annoying

Welcome to Scamwarners Erinhalley.

I like the 'recovering from surgery' excuse for not viewing the item and it's not one I've seen before. Usually it's all sailors and marine biologists. The problem with that excuse is that if you're unable to travel through surgery it's more than a little unlikely you'll be buying a scooter you can't ride.

An easy check is to insist he gives you his number to call him and his accent should give him away as he most likely speaks Pidgin English and you won't understand a word he says. After he sends you a 'spoofed' (fake) Paypal message, his next step is to ask you to pay his his collection agent (him) money by Western Union by which time, if you don't realise you're being scammed, you're about to lose some money.

Welcome to Scamwarners Erinhalley.

I like the 'recovering from surgery' excuse for not viewing the item and it's not one I've seen before. Usually it's all sailors and marine biologists. The problem with that excuse is that if you're unable to travel through surgery it's more than a little unlikely you'll be buying a scooter you can't ride.

An easy check is to insist he gives you his number to call him and his accent should give him away as he most likely speaks Pidgin English and you won't understand a word he says. After he sends you a 'spoofed' (fake) Paypal message, his next step is to ask you to pay his his collection agent (him) money by Western Union by which time, if you don't realise you're being scammed, you're about to lose some money.

The more research I do the more obvious it is. The fact that at no point does she makes any real reference to what I'm selling should have been enough to put me off but live and learn!

I am dealing with the same scammer, but he has a new identity. It looked fishy so I googled around. I saw he has posted the same question twice to another seller, once with an old email address: Reubenjade734 yahoo dot dot uk (which lead me to this page), and then with the new identity below:

[email protected]
Christopher Alonso
eBay ID: 0154tat
eBay profile: http://www.ebay.com/usr/0154tat

Here is what we exchanged so far, I will string him along for a while to see how he introduces the scam and to share more useful information here. I will pretend for now I have not understood he wants to take the transaction out of eBay, I want to see how he gets around that:

=========================================

[]
is this still available for sale and what your best price get back to me with this email christom360@outlook com is because i dont check my ebay thanks

- 0154tat

[]
Me <[email protected]>
16:35 (??????? 17 ????)
???????
?? christom360
Hi there,

The bike is still available for sale, I am negotiating with one buyer but he is still thinking. I need XXXX British pounds for it, that is my best price. If you let me know your exact address I can check cost of shipping for you.
Take care,
Me

[]
Christopher Alonso
20:10 (??????? 13 ????)

It's good to read from you i'm okay with the condition and price of this item, i'm seriously interested i will be paying you with my PayPal account because it's attached to my bank account and its safe and very secure way to make payment. If my mode of payment is accepted just send me your paypal email address,(Paypal ID) I have a private courier agent that will come for the pick up after payments has been made,and have your money to you so no shipping included the price. And if you dont have a paypal account, you can easily go to http://www.paypal.com and sign up. its very easy. If you also have some more pictures, might want to have a good look. Please do get back to me with your PayPal e-mail and full name on so i can make out payment ASAP. I want your honesty in return to my faithfulness to you during this transaction. Your immediate response is really appreciated.
Kind regards.

Chris

[]
Me <[email protected]>
09:34 (??????? 17 ??????)
???????
?? Christopher
Hi there,

Yes, you can pay by PayPal, it is one of the options enabled on the eBay listing. Once you purchase the item it will give you the option to select payment method - please just choose PayPal. I do have more photos of the bike but they are very similar to the ones I have uploaded with the listing.

Thanks, looking forward to doing business with you.

=========================================

Yes, definitely the same scammer. Here is his next email.

Christopher Alonso
10:51 (??????? 12 ????)
Making a bid on the auction is not a problem but that will take a long time and you will also be over charged by paypal for receiving a payment for an ebay auction. I'll suggest we conclude everything right now by me responding to the paypal money request you will send me. Please get back to me a.s.a.p. My paypal email is [email protected] and you can also send me your paypal email so i can make the payment asap

I told him I prefer to have the transaction done through eBay, and will leave it at that.