Craigslist Scam - [email protected]

Well, I was considering buying an RV and am so glad I found this Forum!

I started to get suspicious when I thanked him for his military service and he did not respond to that. He also seemed to get more inpatient with each email I sent him and did not want to answer my concerns directly.

Then I tried to contact auto trader directly via a link in his email but the reply had such poor English I was pretty sure by that time that it was a scam.

Does this sound familiar??:

"Hi,
I am selling my rv because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and it's time to move on from this one. 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 1998 Coachmen Starflyte has 74,573 miles, motorized class B, Length (feet): 21, sleeping capacity: 4, four speed automatic transmission, 35 gallon fuel tank - 12- 15 mpg, 2.8 Onan generator with 122 hours, combined toilet/shower, ducted AC/heat is thermostatically controlled.
VIN : 1FDKE30L2VHA58833. It's a wonderful road trip vehicle, comfortable, and very easy to drive.
It fits into a regular parking place, and can be driven by anyone who can drive a van.
I tried to price it under what I've seen them going for on craigslist, but I need to sell it in the next 2 weeks so I would be willing to let it go for $2600 just to make sure it sells. I hate selling things and have no problem with giving someone a great deal just to get it over with quickly. I would rather sell it fast then wait a month or two trying to squeeze a few hundred more out of it. I don't accept any trades.
Here is a link with more pictures : http://www.use.com/5f7d4416b77b9a8a022c
Let me know if you are interested, email back.
Thank you! Lloyd Stevenson

OK, first you need to know that I'm currently at US Marine Corps New Orleans, LA base, as I'll be changing it for Afghanistan very soon (I hope for the last time). Due to military security reasons I'm restricted from leaving the unit's facility under any purpose and have strictly limited phone access.
Because it's a large transaction, I want to use an authorized third party, Autotrader. As long as I'm dealing with Autotrader and they can ship anywhere in the US, the rv was listed in several states because it increases my chances to get it sold much faster. Shipping won't be a problem, military has a considerable discount, so I can handle it myself with no charges whatsoever on your account. The rv it's already at the Autotrader warehouse in New Orleans (ready for delivery) and it will be sent along with all documents needed for registration, bill of sale and everything else you'll need.
I asked them to allow viewers to go there and inspect the rv but their reply was "We are not a showroom!" in this case, I'll grant you a 5 days inspection period (to test drive it) from the moment you receive it and the option to accept or reject on my expense, before Autotrader releases your money to me. If you are determined in buying, please reply with your full name and complete shipping address, I will forward your info to Autotrader and they will send you the invoice explaining the exact procedure...it's quite simple.

Thank you! Lloyd"

Welcome to Scamwarners CJFriesian,

Yes, it is another scammer trying to steal your money. Everything he said is a lie. Only he believes the things he wrote. Below is a quote from Auto Trader and a link for things to look out for.

What email address did he use to contact you?

Quote From Auto Trader: http://www.autotrader.com/research/shar ... e_id=12124

We don't offer automotive warehousing or shipping services.

Any email that requests a deposit or payment for a shipment of a car stored in an AutoTrader.com warehouse is a scam. AutoTrader.com doesn't own a warehouse, and we don't ship cars. Simply put, we don't get involved in transactions between buyers and sellers (see more below).

There are many reputable warehousing and shipping services that can make long-distance transactions easy. Just be sure to check out the services proposed on your own.

If a seller recommends a bogus warehousing or shipping service, report the seller to us and to law enforcement.

This is the email he used:
[email protected]


This is the emailed "Invoice" they sent:

Transaction Date: Sunday, November 03, 2013
AutoTrader invoice number: 001496959
Hello XXXXXXXX
This is your invoice for your vehicle purchase . The next step is to pay using MoneyGram® Money Transfer .
We have verified all the details of this transaction and concluded that they are accurate. Please follow our instructions to complete this transaction safely.
Your vehicle purchase is protected for up to $20,000 or the vehicle purchase price.
Purchased from: Buyer: Ship to:
Lloyd Stevenson
United States Marine Corps
4041 Tulane Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119
United States

TRANSACTION DETAILS :
• Item : 1998 Coachmen Starflyte • Insurance : Offered
• Title : Clear • Inspection : Inspected
• Mileage : 74,573 • Invoice number : 001496959
• Sale Price : $ 2,600.00 • Case ID : AT009393-84F
• Handling Fee : $ 0.00 • Shipping Company : AutoTrader Inc.
• Amount due : $ 2,600.00 • Advertised on : http://www.craigslist.org
How to make payment ?
Find the nearest MoneyGram® location from where you can send the funds . click to find the nearest MoneyGram® location
Fill in the "To Send Money" form using AutoTrader Agent details (found below) as payment details .
• The payment details are confidential and will not be released under any circumstances.
• Seller is authorized to ship only after AutoTrader verifies good funds.
• Upon payment verification, the seller is authorized to ship the vehicle and submit tracking information.
____________________________
Herbert Dance (use this as receiver)
2507 Cherryfield Ct
Shreveport, LA 71118
United States
Give the operator the completed form along with the amount due, the sending costs and an identification document .
The operator will give you a receipt .
Fax the MoneyGram® payment receipt to our Central Fax Number .
+1 (866) 294-8625
if you don't have access to a fax machine scan the payment receipt and send us the scanned copy by email.
If you are not familiarized with MoneyGram® services please visit: http://www.moneygram.com

For any questions please respond by replying to this invoice. Your email will go directly to our Customer Support Department.

When payment is received, it will be verified and secured into a non-interest bearing trust account. Payment verification process usually takes less than three hours. After payment is secured, the Seller is authorized to ship merchandise. The seller has three business days to send the buyer and AutoTrader the tracking number of the shipment. If no tracking number is provided, a full refund is immediately sent to the buyer .
Buyer receives the merchandise and has five days to inspect it. If it is complete and as described, the buyer should accept the merchandise. If he refuses the merchandise, the buyer must inform AutoTrader and the shipping company will return the merchandise to the Seller within three business days. Buyer will not be charged for shipping fees .
After the inspection period is over, the Buyer must contact Autotrader Customer Support with the result of the inspection. If the buyer refuses the merchandise, the refund will be sent to the buyer after the tracking number for the returned shipment is verified. If the merchandise is accepted , Autotrader submits the payment directly to the Seller within 3 business days.

Copyright © 2013 AutoTrader, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Thanks to you guys, google and the internet. I was almost scammed, by the same guy. good thing I check before sending any money.

He give me the same Email;

to me

Hi,
I am selling my rv because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and it's time to move on from this one. 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 1998 Coachmen Starflyte has 74,573 miles, motorized class B, Length (feet): 21, sleeping capacity: 4, four speed automatic transmission, 35 gallon fuel tank - 12- 15 mpg, 2.8 Onan generator with 122 hours, combined toilet/shower, ducted AC/heat is thermostatically controlled.
VIN : 1FDKE30L2VHA58833. It's a wonderful road trip vehicle, comfortable, and very easy to drive.
It fits into a regular parking place, and can be driven by anyone who can drive a van.
I tried to price it under what I've seen them going for on craigslist, but I need to sell it in the next 2 weeks so I would be willing to let it go for $2600 just to make sure it sells. I hate selling things and have no problem with giving someone a great deal just to get it over with quickly. I would rather sell it fast then wait a month or two trying to squeeze a few hundred more out of it. I don't accept any trades.
Here is a link with more pictures : http://www.use.com/5f7d4416b77b9a8a022c
Let me know if you are interested, email back.
Thank you! Lloyd Stevenson .

Welcome to Scamwarners Fastlanedan,

I am glad this site helped you avoid a scam.

Please read my post a couple above yours. Read what Autotrader say's.

If you can not touch the vehicle and take it to your mechanic I would avoid the purchase.

Bryon