Craigslist/eBay Motors/Western Union scam

It started off with a Craigslist link to a 2006 Honda Civic listed for $2400 after replying the ad and asking "What's the catch?" I received this reply: COL. Michael Miller [USA] [email protected]
Aug 3 (3 days ago)

Hi,
I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before August 14th. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do have the title, clear, under my name. The Civic has 40,244 current miles VIN# 2HGFA16586H513938. It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $2,400. The car is in Lakewood WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below are the car details, also link with more photos and copy of Carfax report. If the link doesn't work,copy and paste it into a new browser page.
Regards!!!
2006 HONDA CIVIC LX
Vehicle title: Clear
Body type: SEDAN 4 DR
Engine: 1.8L L4 MPI SOHC 16V
Exterior color: Tan
Transmission: Automatic FWD
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Tan
You can find more pics at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/116774893717169756774/CIVIC#

After indicating my interest I received this reply:

COL. Michael Miller [USA] [email protected]

Hi again,
As i told you, at this moment I am in WA state in a military base, getting ready for Afghanistan (I hope for the last time). I do a special training program everyday day and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or make calls whenever I want. The shipping will take 3 to 5 days depending on your location and it’s not a problem because i have considerable discount from eBay and I can do it at no cost for you. As long as I'm dealing with eBay and they can ship the vehicle anywhere in the US,I listed the car in several states because it increases my chances to get it sold much faster. I want to mention that the vehicle was inspected by eBay and fulfils the CO Emission standards from all the 50 states so it wouldn't be a problem for you to register it in your state. You will receive the car along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, 2 set of keys, full service records and more. Because it is a large transaction, we will complete the deal only using an authorized third part like eBay because I already prearranged the whole process with them, using their escrow Safe Pay Program for vehicles not listed on their website. The car is located in the eBay warehouse in WA (ready for delivery). I asked them to allow viewers to go there and inspect the car but their reply was "We are not a showroom!" In this case, I will offer a 5-day period to inspect the car from the moment you receive it, before I'll have your money. I think this is more than fair for both of us.The payment will be handled by eBay Escrow, and you will benefit of 5 days inspection time period (test drive) and the option to accept or reject the car on my expense. If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info to eBay and they will notify you about our deal. Like this you'll be able to talk directly with them and ask all you want to know. Sorry for the long emails I have tried to touch all bases.
Regards!!

After stating that it sounded more than fair and providing my contact info I received this reply:

I will contact eBay today or tomorrow and open a case for us and declare you as buyer. They will inform you what are the next steps in order to complete the transaction. I will let you know as soon I will make this happen..
Michael

And this one:

I just wanted to let you know that I already opened the case with eBay about our deal and they will send you an invoice and also the payment instructions, so pls let me know when eBay contacts you. As soon as they receive and validate your payment, the shipping will start and you will receive by e-mail a link and a unique number where you can track the vehicle until it arrives to you. Because of the strict policies of Spam filters, maybe you won't be able to receive the eBay invoice in your inbox. Please check your box of "Spam" , "Bulk" or "Junk" from your email address in order to see the transaction. If you don't receive it in the next 2-3 hours please email me back.
Michael

I then received this from someone pretending to be eBay motors (a.k.a. [email protected] )

eBay sent this message to xxxxx (I took out my contact information for security reasons):
Your name is included to help confirm this message originated from eBay.
Congratulations, Purchase Protection Granted. Please pay now!

Buy with confidence using eBay Motors!
Thank you for contacting eBay.

This is a confirmation mail regarding authenticity of Michael Miller Vehicle Purchase Protection membership.
Transaction #75A9U328M8E14, is valid with the purchase protection granted for the amount of $ 2,400.00. If something goes wrong we will investigate and take appropriate action based upon the policy violation and the member involved recovering the funds or the vehicle.
This transaction is in progress in our database and we strongly recommend to pay for the vehicle below:
Vehicle name: 2006 HONDA CIVIC LX
Vehicle price: $ 2,400.00
Shipping & Handling costs: Included
Delivery time: 3-5 days
Payment method accepted: Western Union

The vehicle will be delivered directly to :
Address: xxxxxx ,United States

We confirm that you are fully protected when you send the payment to the eBay Regional Manager below and you will be fully refunded by eBay in this transaction if something goes wrong or if by any chances you are not satisfied with the vehicle after inspection period you will be fully refunded including you transfer fees.
Please attempt to complete this transaction as it is a valid eBay transaction. This is safe and you will be eligible to claim under the eBay purchase protection programme.
You will have to make the payment using Western Union money order using our agent details . We need the money in our custody in order to offer protection to our member so he can feel comfortable using our services. From the moment that we will have the deposit payment confirmation we will start the delivery process.

Vehicle Purchase Program Regional Manager :
Name: Lise Toinette
Address: 500 North Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47401, United States

If you are not familiarized with the Western Union transfer services please visit: http://www.westernunion.com .
Western Union agent locations are independent businesses that provide money transfer service to their customers on behalf of Western Union. Western Union agents are primarily banks, post offices, exchange offices or retail locations - grocery stores, mail box centers, drug stores, travel agencies, depots, other retail locations.

1. Locate the nearest Western Union Office (We suggest Walmart Store) using a SEND MONEY (International Money Transfer).
2. Make the payment ( $ 2,400.00 ) with cash using our eBay agent details
3. E-mail us the following details from the payment receipt:
- Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) - 10 digits number from the payment receipt
- Sender's Name and Address
- Receiver's Name and Address
- Amount transferred
4. Fax the Western Union payment receipt to the following fax number: +1 (801) 846-9913

We have the shipping ready and we are waiting for the payment confirmation so we can start delivery.
Notice that no money will be released to the seller until you will receive and inspect the merchandise.

We strongly recommend that you confirm the payment by both e-mail and fax.
For any questions please contact eBay Customer Support by click reply .

Regards,
Sarah Norton
Trust and Safety Department eBay Inc.

Suspicious now, I Googled [email protected] and found several links to scams, one of which led me here.

Bottom line if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.

Welcome to ScamWarners Mendicus. It is great you did some checking before you sent anything via Western Union. While Western Union is a legitimate business and company, scammers use it because once the money is sent and picked up, there is no way to get recourse if it is a scam (which it is). Ebay does not have you ever pay by Western Union. They warn that such requirements are indicative of scams.

Thank you for posting this. I have moved this to our online selling topic area.

A freind of mine recently replied to one of these fraudulent adds but thinking it was too good to be true did the right thing and asked others for advice.
I know this is really long but heres the email transcript. I have changed all the email address to save any hassle. After we realised this was clearly a scam following the many forum posts detailing every move thi guy made we made up a fake western union receipt using the Edinburgh police headquarters address, the lottery numbers froma recent draw, the phone number of radio 1 flirt divert and the name of the Audi UK CEO.

any way here it is, hopefully the time/effort this guy spent trying to dupe us saved someone else, also maybe someone will learn from this.

PS READ FROM THE BOTTOM.

---- Forwarded Message -----
From: Derek Taylor <[email protected]>
To: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, 16 August 2012, 16:56
Subject: RE: Photos 2009 Audio S3

I am flexible but for the fact that is not my mistake and i am a man of my word and when i say that i sell the car to you i won't change my mind,but for you i cannot say the same thing.
Stay cool because i have other buyiers waiting for my decision and i will sell the car for sure.
Thanks.


Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:45:35 +0100
From: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Subject: Re: Photos 2009 Audio S3
To: [email protected]

I don't understand why you wont be flexible. I have the money, and the way I am suggesting doing things (travellers cheque) gives you the same benefits as Western union.


From: Derek Taylor <[email protected]>
To: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, 16 August 2012, 13:31
Subject: RE: Photos 2009 Audio S3

O.k but there is not my fault at all for happening that.I am a genuine seller and the car is waiting in my garage in Plymouth for you or for any other serious buyier with cash in hand.
As i already told you i will only make this happen the way i suggested and it is really not my fault for this,so anytime you can find another western union location and make it happen.
As far as i know this is the first story i have heard about this because western union do not mess with this kind of stuff.I have done many transfers trough them and never happened nothing.

Thanks and let me know.


Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:26:54 +0100
From: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Subject: Re: Photos 2009 Audio S3
To: [email protected]

My brother in law wouldn't do that. From what I understand the police are talking to shop owner. It appears there have been more than one complaint and a detective from CID is speaking to my brother in law. Hopefully we will get the funds back soon. 

I really do not want to use western union, If this shop was bad I don't think I can trust another. A travellers cheque would do the same job surely. You would see I have the funds and only I can claim them back. Also you would see my friend, Please understand I really want the car.
I'll leave it up to you.


From: Derek Taylor <[email protected]>
To: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, 16 August 2012, 13:16
Subject: RE: Photos 2009 Audio S3

you'd better ask your brother-in-law what he did with the money,because if it was genuine from you than you should have more than one western union receipt.
or maybe you were kidding me from the start.i only tried to verify the funds with the info provided by you and it shows that there is no transfer with those details and you did checked that yourself.
so in one word there was not made any funds transfer at all.you should have another receipt with the stamp of the western union agent beside his signature.

let me know.



Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:11:34 +0100
From: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Subject: Re: Photos 2009 Audio S3
To: [email protected]

Right I have a big problem, Western Union can't track the money, My brother in law is currently talking to police in the shop, I really don't want to use western union if this sort of thing can happen. My friend is going to Augsburg. He isn't traveling specially for this he will be there on business as he works for Siemens. I will ask him to bring a travelers Cheque for the money. This way you can see I do have the money but I know its safe. If we could arrange for you to come over next weekend that would be great. I'm really sorry for the delay and I do really want the car.
Hopefully these terms will be acceptable to you. You will meet one of my friends and see I am genuine and have the funds available.


From: Derek Taylor <[email protected]>
To: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, 16 August 2012, 12:46
Subject: RE: Photos 2009 Audio S3

ok but if he will tell him the purpose of this transaction i think they will cancel it for some reason and than our transaction will be off.
There is no need to put your friend to travel to Augsburg just for this and i think that we can manage it here and i will fly this weekend to uk.
So just sort it out with western union and make the transaction available and i will book the tickets.

Just let me know.


Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 12:42:03 +0100
From: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Subject: Re: Photos 2009 Audio S3
To: [email protected]

My Brother in law has just rang and the shop are trying to locate the transaction with someone from the western union head office. I have asked him to explain the purposes of the transaction and its urgency. I will pay the extra taxes and fee's. 

I really want to get this arranged this weekend but if it would make you feel better I have a friend who works for siemens and will be going to Germany on Monday. I know he has been to Augsburg in the past, I will find out if he is this time. If so you could meet him to verify I am serious?

Thanks for your patience


From: Derek Taylor <[email protected]>
To: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, 16 August 2012, 12:24
Subject: RE: Photos 2009 Audio S3

Hi,

O.k no problem with me but please tell your brother-in-law not to tell why was the transfer made because i am not ready to spend 100 pounds more for taxes and i hope you understand my point of view,ok?
There is no need to worry about anything because i am sure that the officer there made a mistake and that is why we can't check the transfer online.The money are there and will remain there but all you should do is repair the mistake.
I will not sell the car,it is already reserved to you so stay chill with that.We will sort things up,ok?
I will remain online for the next 30 min and after that i have to go up-town and i will come back home later today but i just hope to sort this out in the next hour so i can book the plane tickets.

Thanks and let me know.


Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 12:19:36 +0100
From: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Subject: Re: Photos 2009 Audio S3
To: [email protected]

I have just checked and It says they do not have an order for that number. My brother in law did the transaction and works near the shop. He is going there now to find out what has happened. I am not kidding you but I'm very worried now. I will email you as soon as Martin gets back to me, hopefully in the next 15 minutes or so. 
Please don't sell that car, I will go with my husband tonight to do another transfer if this one isn't sorted today, and then I can chase Western Union for the original money. 



From: Derek Taylor <[email protected]>
To: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, 16 August 2012, 12:08
Subject: RE: Photos 2009 Audio S3

yes you can check it online yourself to see that i am not kidding.you should not be worried because most of the wu offices are in shops here in germany as well.
you are 100% safe.you can call western union office where you made the transfer and tell them that you cannot verify it on western union website and ask why is that but please keep in mind not to tell them that you made the transfer for buying a car from internet as they will extra charge us when we will cash the money,ok?
you must have another receipt where it is written clear the mtcn# and all the details,right?
or are you kidding me?

just let me know as i will stay online to arrange this with you.


Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 12:02:10 +0100
From: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Subject: Re: Photos 2009 Audio S3
To: [email protected]

I think the mtcn is 4782318644 the Senders name is Martin Sanders.
Should I be worried because the western union place is in a shop and I was a bit unsure if it would be safe with such a large amount of money?
Can I check it online too?



From: Derek Taylor <[email protected]>
To: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, 16 August 2012, 11:52
Subject: RE: Photos 2009 Audio S3

O.k but maybe there is no need for you to go back to the western union office..are the details i wrote you correct?
what is the sender's name and what is the mtcn#?




Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:51:03 +0100
From: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Subject: Re: Photos 2009 Audio S3
To: [email protected]

ok i dont really know much about this as i have ever used this western union before.  i am just going to go back to their office and ask them wahts happened and explaine what im trying to do etc. please bare with  me
claire


From: Derek Taylor <[email protected]>
To: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, 16 August 2012, 11:38
Subject: RE: Photos 2009 Audio S3

Hi,

I will look into that with the 10 euro sim card.
I did received the second scan but it is the same and i tried to verify on http://www.westernunion.com website under "track a money transfer" and it says that there is no order for that transfer and i just thought i might misspelled something.
Is the MTCN#: 4782318694?
And the sender's name is Martain Sanders?

That is why i have asked for the other scanned receipt so i can see the details better.
Maybe you can verify this with me so i can check it with western union and than to book plane tickets and send you the confirmation for that by email.
I am waiting for your email back.

Kind regards,


Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:32:48 +0100
From: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Subject: Re: Photos 2009 Audio S3
To: [email protected]

Dont't you know you can get pay as you go sim cards for 10 euro. i caould be useful for you in the mean time.  i have attachen another scan for you
claire


From: Derek Taylor <[email protected]>
To: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, 16 August 2012, 11:24
Subject: RE: Photos 2009 Audio S3

Hi,

At the moment due my early movement to Germany i didn't get the chance to do things right overhere so i am waiting for the phone company to come and make the phone contract and install the phone as i need it a lot.
I am online to my email most of the day so you can email me back anytime.
Do you have a clear copy of the receipt?

Thanks and let me know.


Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:22:21 +0100
From: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Subject: Re: Photos 2009 Audio S3
To: [email protected]

do you have a phone number i can call you on?  it may be easier

calire

From: Derek Taylor <[email protected]>
To: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, 16 August 2012, 11:09
Subject: RE: Photos 2009 Audio S3

Hi there,

I just received your email with the scanned receipt but unfortunatelly i could not see the details to well as the receipt is not so clear.
Can you please scan it again and attach it to your next email to me or maybe just email me the sender's name,receiver's name and the MTCN # so i can verify it online on the western union website?
As soon as i have that i will book the plane tickets for me and my wife and i will email you back.

Thanks and waiting for your reply.

Sent from my iPhone


Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 10:23:29 +0100
From: clairebal26@My email.co.uk
Subject: Photos 2009 Audio S3
To: [email protected]

hello mr taylor

its claire im writing from my personal email
please disregard my old account
i have attached the pay slip thing from western union
please confirm you have got it
what happens next?
claire

Begin forwarded message:

From: Derek Taylor <[email protected]>
Date: 15 August 2012 17:06:44 GMT+01:00
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Photos 2009 Audi a3 2.0 tdi S LINE


Hi again,

I would love to send you all the car's document by email but they are in the car and the car is locked in my garage in Plymouth but please do not worry because i can do that as soon as i land in UK or i can just bring them to our meeting.
Is that o.k with you.

Just let me know.

Thanks.



Subject: Re: Photos 2009 Audi a3 2.0 tdi S LINE
From: [email protected]
Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:58:20 +0100
To: [email protected]

Yes sure no problem. Could you first send me a scan of the v8 form? 
Thanks

Sent from my iPhone

On 15 Aug 2012, at 16:44, Derek Taylor <[email protected]> wrote:


Hello,


Just spoke to my wife and we can arrive in Edinburgh on Friday evening so we can have our meeting on Saturday at noon if this works for
you.
Few days ago a person told me that he is very interested to buy the car and i need to fly to UK to make the transaction as soon as I can .I came to Plymouth next day because I trusted his word, but when I arrived I called him and he never answered me again. It's not about the money for the plane tickets but i lost 2 working days for nothing.
The time it's very precious for me.I am a genuine person and he disappointed me.
I just want to know if you really intend to buy the car because for this time I will fly to UK only if i have an insurance. I just want to see that you are a serious person and will be no problem if you don't want to buy the car.I need to be sure that you will be there.I spoke with my wife about this and we have a proposal for you. If you accept our proposal, we can come to the meeting as we agreed.

I need a strong reason to come to UK and the best way it's to transfer £3100 ON YOUR NAME via Western Union.You have to find a Western Union office near you and ask a relative or a friend to send the money to your name to Edinburgh. Your friend or relative will go with your cash at w.u. and send the money (he/she will be the sender name) to your name so you will be receiver of the money.When the transfer it's made you have to send a scanned copy of the W.U. receipt. In this way I will be sure that I have a serious buyer with cash money available.
If you decide to buy the car after you will test it we will go to Western Union and you will pick up your money and pay me cash .
I will help you with the documents.
So as you can see I am not asking you to send money to me . You will be the receiver of the money and ONLY you can pick the money from Western Union only in Edinburgh/UK .

Please understand that I am not asking for an advance payment, the only one who can pick up the money from Edinburgh is you.I do not have access to your money, I just want to see you have the money so i don't fly from Germany for nothing.
This transfer will cost you about £50. As soon as we meet I will pay you back this money. It doesn't matter if you will decide to buy the car or not. This way you have nothing to lose.
 
We hope you understand our message and also we don't want to seem rude but it's a long way for a blind date. Please inform us about your decision.

Thank you!



Subject: Re: Photos 2009 Audi a3 2.0 tdi S LINE
From: [email protected]
Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:39:48 +0100
To: [email protected]

We are in Edinburgh on the outskirts.  How would you like me to pay for the car? 
Claire

Sent from my iPhone

On 15 Aug 2012, at 16:28, Derek Taylor <[email protected]> wrote:


Hello,

I will be more than happy to meet your husband but first you need to tell me your location and where would that be fine for you to meet me and my wife.
Thanks and let me know.



Subject: Re: Photos 2009 Audi a3 2.0 tdi S LINE
From: [email protected]
Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2012 15:39:13 +0100
To: [email protected]

Hello mt Taylor
I have spoken with my husband and he is happy to meet and view the car and make a purchase after checking it over. Please let me know what you would like to do.
Kind regards
Claire

Sent from my iPhone

On 15 Aug 2012, at 15:11, Derek Taylor <[email protected]> wrote:


Hello,


Thank you for prompt response. As I told you the car is in perfect condition and has no technical problems.
As I already announced you we are in Augsburg,Germany now.If you are interested in a test-drive and a full inspection I am ready to meet you.
We can meet you on Saturday or any day you like if it is o.k with you also.I spoke with my wife and we are willing to come to your area area and meet you or maybe you want us to meet elsewhere?.Is that o.k with you?
Let me know if you agree so I can start looking for a Hotel in the area and book the plane tickets.

Kind regards



Subject: Re: Audi
From: [email protected]
Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2012 15:04:21 +0100
To: [email protected]

Hello mr Taylor

Yes we are interested and distance is no problem for us. We are up in Scotland but can fly down to England.  I have just had a look on gum tree and cannot find the advert to show my husband, do you have the link for it or any details and photos?  
Kind regards
Claire 

Sent from my iPhone

On 15 Aug 2012, at 13:44, Derek Taylor <[email protected]> wrote:


Hello,

I am sorry for my late reply but i was at work and i didn't check my email.
I am writing you regarding the 2009 AUDI A3 DIESEL S LINE 2.0 TDI  listed on Gumtree.
The car is still for sale.It's in perfect condition inside and outside as well, never been implicated in accidents and has only 39680 miles on board .
The car is located in Plymouth ,UK and I am the registered keeper  and I have all the original papers.
The price that I'm asking for the car is £3100.
I must tell you that at the moment i am located in Germany and i just opened a store in my home city Augsburg/Germany and i need a car here.I already found one but i need to sell the one from Plymouth.UK.
Anyway the car is located in Plymouth ,UK in my garage there and i need to sell it as i cannot drive it here due it has the steering wheel on the right side.
If you are really interested we are ready to make a trip to England and meet you personally next week. You can take the car for a test-drive and any kind of inspection.
Please tell us where do you live? I am sure we can arrange a meeting, a region acceptable for us and for you in the same time.

If you are interested please email me back.

Kind regards,



> Subject: Audi
> From: [email protected]
> Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2012 22:17:00 +0100
> To: [email protected]
>
> Hello
> Thank you for contacting me, I saw your advert on gum tree and was wondering if you missed a 1 from the beginning of your price? Can you confirm the price please?
> Kind regards
> Claire
>
> Sent from my iPhone

Hello mikesmith23 and welcome to scamwarners.

Yes, it is a definitely a scam. The scammer wants you to basically have a friend or relative to send money to you using your money via Western Union. In this scam the scammer is requesting the scan of the Western Union receipt/slip showing the MTCN, sender name and receiver name. With that information he will collect the money any where in the world or have an associate pick it up.

There is no car to be bought. The scammer can pick up money by bribing Western Union officials or fake documents. The scammer is more than likely in a café in Lagos Nigeria.

@mikesmith23, will you please post all the scammer email addresses. Most of the time there is the initial email address then it changes. Also email header of the email.

Potential victims will search using the scammers email addresses. You will warn many others by posting the email addresses.

Thanks for posting
Bryon

Hi Bryon
His/Her email address was
From: Derek Taylor <[email protected]>

I won't post the email headers as it has my friends email address and although I know everything is available on the internet I don;t think she would appreciate me posting so blatantly. I have been through the entire thread of emails and his address didn't change throughout.

Thanks for posting the email addy of [email protected]

You could simply xxxxx your friends information in the header. What we are looking for is the Ip address of the scammer and if he is using an IP stripping service.