Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: twistybits on September 16, 2011, 10:34:58 AM

Title: Sounds like a scam?
Post by: twistybits on September 16, 2011, 10:34:58 AM
As some of you may be aware, I have put the feelers out to sell my 1750GTV. I have not formally advertised my car outside of this forum and received the e-mail below this morning:

Dear sir,
I am an international business man that specializes in purchasing and selling of AUTOS.I also help my foreign client to ship their AUTOS to any place of their desired country or destination most especially EUROPEAN and AMERICAN COUNTRIES,because i have a reputable and efficient shipper who takes care of the shipment,so shipping will not pose any problem.
Presently i have a client who has asked me to help him purchase a used auto.As i was browsing through the internet,i saw your advert subjected above and i will like to purchase it for my client,but before payment will be made i need to be sure of whom i will be dealing with if you are going to be honest and sincere throughout the transaction.
So to start with,signify your interest by forwarding to me your last price (THE PRICE YOU ARE WILLING TO SELL) through email,after which we can continue with the transaction and i promise if all conditions and agreement are accepted and reached on time,payment will be made out almost immediately.
Hoping to hear from you as soon as possible.

Respectfully,

MICHAEL-EDWARD.


This screams out a scam!
Has anyone else been contacted with a similar request?

Cheers
Andy
Title: Re: Sounds like a scam?
Post by: shiny_car on September 16, 2011, 10:54:23 AM
SCAM! For sure. I have heard about many similar emails to sellers of cars/motorbikes. Including these forums too.

:)
Title: Re: Sounds like a scam?
Post by: pep105 on September 16, 2011, 11:26:23 AM
I thought you were selling a used 1750 not a used auto  :)

Major Scam Andy (as you know) Ive heard of this before 

Cheers

Pep
Title: Re: Sounds like a scam?
Post by: Cool Jesus on September 16, 2011, 11:44:14 AM
Mate your nuts if you even reply to it. I'm in law enforcement and constantly come across these internet frauds. Junk it and block it. What was the domain? You'll find that they will next ask for all your banking detals to transfer the funds... BANG Mr twistybits has been created with a credit card in Pakistan, Ukrane, Greece... yeah mate if its too good to be true, it isn't. I love the lottery scams, embossed and letterhead stating that a worldwide search was conducted to locate you as you're name was drawn as the winner of te Irish Sweepstakes for $Millions... I then ask the curious couple at the counter, Have you ever been to Ireland? Have you ever bought an Irish lottery ticket? Do you know any Irish citizen? No, No, No....
Title: Re: Sounds like a scam?
Post by: Evan Bottcher on September 16, 2011, 12:09:37 PM
You're all being paranoid. I'm sure it's legit. Poor bugger just trying to run a business! And he signed his email 'respectfully' does that sound like a crook to you?
Title: Re: Sounds like a scam?
Post by: Cool Jesus on September 16, 2011, 02:11:40 PM
Evan, 17 more posts and you pass Sheldon for poll position as the inaugral AROCA 'poster boy' on the forum :P
Title: Re: Sounds like a scam?
Post by: RobT on September 16, 2011, 02:36:57 PM
Just Google  "I am an international businessman that specializes in purchasing and selling of AUTOS"


http://www.hotrodhotline.com/classifieds/seller_info.htm

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=253

Hey, it's Friday
Title: Re: Sounds like a scam?
Post by: pancho on September 16, 2011, 02:50:01 PM
I'd ask him for a Western Union money cheque as do all the Nigerians.  ;D
Title: Re: Sounds like a scam?
Post by: Berlina74 on September 16, 2011, 05:13:43 PM
I had two similar enquiries about my Berlina.
Gordon
Title: Re: Sounds like a scam?
Post by: twistybits on September 16, 2011, 08:49:03 PM
You mean the Irish lottery is also a scam!!!! :'(
Damn! My business received 2 x 'unique' entries last week with the luck numbers on the back. coincidentally, both had exactly the same unique numbers!
I wouldn't dare respond an offer like the one sent.
Hope it might be a warning for others.