AutoTrader Classics Website Scam

[Trvlrxxx]

I was browsing through Autotrader a few days ago and did a search for a 1957 Chevrolet. Among the many that popped up was a beautiful 57 Corvette with the list price of $12,900. Unbelievably low but I thought, what the heck? It could be a misprint. Maybe it was suppose to be $21,900, still a good deal. I called the listed phone (Dallas area code) and got no answer. I wrote to the email address. I received no reply to the phone messages I left or the several emails. I gave up. The listing was taken down the next day so I figured the car was sold right away.
Two days later I got an email from the "seller" saying that the car was still for sale. He said the reason it was so cheap is that it had belonged to his dad who had recently died, etc. I wrote back and told him that I was still interested (though at this point extremely cautious) and asked him how he would like to proceed. I told him that I would come to Dallas (I live nearby) and inspect the car and pick it up myself, rather than have him ship it even though he offered to ship at his expense.
He wrote back saying that he lived in Seattle and had the car up there in a shipping container. He gave instructions on sending money to Google Collect and that the car would be delivered and if I didn't like it I could send it back and be refunded.

I wrote back and asked him: if he is in Seattle, why was the car listed as being located in Dallas? Why is his email address ben777ben@hotmail.com a UK address? I never heard from him again.

Interestingly, I had sent one other email to the seller of another car, a 1957 Chevy Belair located in Alabama.
I was not interested in buying this car. I merely pointed out to the seller that his listing showed the car to be a 1955 Chevy when it was clearly a 1957.

I received an email from the same address: ben777ben@hotmail.com with the exact same, word-for-word language as was in the email regarding the Corvette. EXACTLY the same except for the vehicle and the price. What are the odds that, out of the thousands of listings on Autotrader, the only two to which I replied were part of the same Scam by the same guy?? I sent copies of the emails and the Listing numbers to the Fraud desk at Autotrader but I suspect I'll never hear anything from them.

Below are the two emails I received from ben777@hotmail.com I'll not post the email regarding the Belair but remember, it was word for word the same as the one about the Corvette.

Be safe out there!

From: B B <ben777ben@hotmail.com>
To: xxxxxxx@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2012 4:47 PM
Subject: RE: Lead for 1957 Chevrolet Corvette

Hello,
I am glad that you are interested in my 1957 Chevrolet Corvette. You have to know that there is nothing wrong with it and that it's exactly as you see it in the pictures.The vehicle is registered on my name and the title is clear (no lien). This is not a kit car, it is fully restored and all parts are original.It wasn't involved in any accident and has never suffered any kind of damage. The price I am asking for it , as you saw on my listing, is only $12,900. The only reason that I am selling this car is because it belonged to my father, who unfortunately died , so I am selling it nonprofit in his memory. No one from my family will use it and I don't want to see it getting rusty in my backyard.
Please let me know where are you located so I can calculate the shipping fees that will be on my expense.
Thank you.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
From: B B <ben777ben@hotmail.com>
To: xxxxxxx@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2012 5:34 PM
Subject: RE: Lead for 1957 Chevrolet Corvette

Hi ,
I am located in Seattle,Washington and I would like to know from the beginning if you are really interested in purchase, so I can stop negotiating with potential buyers.
I had two guys promise me to buy it: one didn't show up and the other called saying he lost the money, so I can't afford to take more days off my work for that, that is why I gave to a shipping company that will ship it to the next owner, it is sealed in container, so I'm trying to sell it on-line.
The transaction will be processed through Google Checkout as I paid them the fees and they provide the most reliable and secure services in which concerns the online sales.
You will pay Google Checkout the required amount, and they will secure it until you get the vehicle. You will be given a 7 days inspection period during which you can decide whether you keep it or not. If you are satisfied with it , you will confirm that to Google Checkout so that they can unblock the funds and send it to me.
Otherwise the transaction is canceled, you get the refund and I ship the vehicle back.
Here are the four steps that we have to follow:
1. You must send me your info: name,address,phone so we can get in touch.
2. You will get an invoice from Google Checkout and there you will be further instructed.
3. You pay Google Checkout the amount, and I contact the shipping company regarding the delivery arrangements so you get the vehicle in maximum 3-4 days.
4. You decide whether you keep the vehicle or not( hopefully you will be positive as you will love it) , if not you will receive a full refund from Google Checkout.
Therefore, if you are determined in buying the vehicle, please send me an email with your name, shipping address and phone number so I can register the transaction with Google Checkout.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.If you agree my terms of sale I will call you for more details.
Thank you,
Ben

[Ramon]

same thing here, same story but a different car! My dad was real interested in a 1970 chevelle did a few research for him and it was the same story!!

Have fun!!

[pamandmike0804]

Crazy....same thing here.....read bottom up! A 65 GTO convertable for $11k!!! Too good to be true, but decided to have some fun anyway! Watch out for this guy...



Hello Mike,
I can't provide you any copy of the documents because all the documents of the car are sent to Google for verification and validation.
Even if I had, I don't send them over the internet.You will receive all the documents once the payment its completed to Google Checkout.
Its a real GTO,runs&drives great, all parts are original , tires in good condition ,39800 miles.
The shipping company that I will use is DAS auto.
I will explain in a few steps how the process works:
1.I will open a case with Google.
2.They will send us the forms of the payment.
3.You make the payment like is state in the forms that you receive.
4.They secure the money and contact me to make the arrangement of the shipping.
5.I make the shipping and I will send you the details.
6.You receive the car and give your approval to Google to forward me the money.
Note that I will not receive any money from Google until you receive the car,inspect it and send the confirmation to them.If you are not comfortable with it you can send it back(on my expense) and Google will refund your money immediately .But I'm sure that you will love the car and keep it for you.
So please let me know if you have the money ready so I can open the case with Google.They will also provide you live support 24/7.
Keep in touch and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
________________________________________
From: xxxxxxxx@charter.net
To: ben777ben@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: Lead for 1965 Pontiac GTO
Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:01:29 -0500
Good morning Ben

I am very interested in the car. However, before we continue I would like to see any documentation for the vehicle..ie. PHS docs, service records, window sticker or anything else you might have. I would also still like to know if it’s an actual GTO or a replica or tribute car. And what is the mileage on the car, what is the wear on the tires? What is the name of the shipping company you will use?


Call if you have any questions….xxxxxxxxxx

Thanks,

Mike





From: B B [mailto:ben777ben@hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2012 6:14 PM
To: xxxxxxxx@charter.net
Subject: RE: Lead for 1965 Pontiac GTO

Hi ,
I am located in Seattle,Washington and I would like to know from the beginning if you are really interested in purchase, so I can stop negotiating with potential buyers.
I had two guys promise me to buy it: one didn't show up and the other called saying he lost the money, so I can't afford to take more days off my work for that, that is why I gave to a shipping company that will ship it to the next owner, it is sealed in container, so I'm trying to sell it on-line.
The transaction will be processed through Google Checkout as I paid them the fees and they provide the most reliable and secure services in which concerns the online sales.
You will pay Google Checkout the required amount, and they will secure it until you get the vehicle. You will be given a 7 days inspection period during which you can decide whether you keep it or not. If you are satisfied with it , you will confirm that to Google Checkout so that they can unblock the funds and send it to me.
Otherwise the transaction is canceled, you get the refund and I ship the vehicle back.
Here are the four steps that we have to follow:
1. You must send me your info: name,address,phone so we can get in touch.
2. You will get an invoice from Google Checkout and there you will be further instructed.
3. You pay Google Checkout the amount, and I contact the shipping company regarding the delivery arrangements so you get the vehicle in maximum 3-4 days.
4. You decide whether you keep the vehicle or not( hopefully you will be positive as you will love it) , if not you will receive a full refund from Google Checkout.
Therefore, if you are determined in buying the vehicle, please send me an email with your name, shipping address and phone number so I can register the transaction with Google Checkout.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.If you agree my terms of sale I will call you for more details.
Thank you,
Ben
________________________________________
From: xxxxxxxx@charter.net
To: ben777ben@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: Lead for 1965 Pontiac GTO
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:55:05 -0500
Hi

Thanks for getting back to me regarding your car. Sorry to hear you dad passed away.

I am still interested in your GTO. I live right around the Green Bay area. From the phone # you provided it looks like you are in the Illinois area…not too far away.

I would like to look over the car & take it for a spin. Let me know how you would like to proceed.

Also, could you tell me the mileage of the car? I don’t seem to remember.

Thanks & I look forward to hearing from you,

Mike

From: B B [mailto:ben777ben@hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2012 4:00 PM
To: xxxxxxxx@charter.net
Subject: RE: Lead for 1965 Pontiac GTO

Hello,
I am glad that you are interested in my 1965 Pontiac GTO. You have to know that there is nothing wrong with it and that it's exactly as you see it in the pictures.The vehicle is registered on my name and the title is clear (no lien). This is not a kit car, it is fully restored and all parts are original.It wasn't involved in any accident and has never suffered any kind of damage. The price I am asking for it , as you saw on my listing, is only $11,100. The only reason that I am selling this car is because it belonged to my father, who unfortunately died , so I am selling it nonprofit in his memory. No one from my family will use it and I don't want to see it getting rusty in my backyard.
Please let me know where are you located so I can calculate the shipping fees that will be on my expense.
Thank you.

[FightOnlineCarScams]

Can you please post the phone number the scammer used as well.

Finally, email me the listings on Auto Trader. We have a direct line that gets past their usual email reporting process and can assist in getting the ads removed.

[stephenonsense]

They are still at it, this reply came to me today, 20th June 2012., So watch out for Mary Ann Hensen. Stephen.

--------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2012 15:08:25 -0700
Message-ID: <CALA++qaGJpaWyvTjEQ0keiwMD5y1iyEpYCZwfu0dtgN9ZkYt8A@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Lead for 1966 Ford Mustang
From: Maryann Hensen <maryannhensen56@gmail.com>
To: <removed personal information > Mod edit - MW
Hello,
I am glad that you are interested in my 1966 Ford Mustang. �You have to
know that there is nothing wrong with it and that it's exactly as you see
it in the pictures.
The vehicle is registered on my name and the title is clear (no lien).
Comes along with all original documentation. This is not a kit car, it is
fully functional and witth all parts are original with absolutely no
rust-spots.
It wasn't involved in any accident and has never suffered any kind of
damage. The price I am asking for it , as you saw on my listing, is only
$11,300.
The only reason that I am selling this car is because I divorced with my
husband and after the divorce I own this car, now as a woman I �don`t need
it...
Also, I �can send you the pictures and more details too. Just let me know
if you �are still interested.
Thank you very much

[christmir7]

I have had the same experience with two separate responses from the Autotrader Site:

1st Car - Classic Car ID: bc33b (a 1966 Corvette from Barron, WI)
Response email I received from "Maryann Hensen [maryannhensen56@gmail.com]":
Hello,

I am glad that you are interested in my 1966 Chevrolet Corvette. You have to know that there is nothing wrong with it and that it's exactly as you see it in the pictures.
The vehicle is registered on my name and the title is clear (no lien). Comes along with all original documentation. This is not a kit car, it is fully functional and with all parts are original with absolutely no rust-spots.
It wasn't involved in any accident and has never suffered any kind of damage.
The price I am asking for it, as you saw on my listing, is only $13,200.
The only reason that I am selling this car is because I divorced with my husband and after the divorce I own this car, now as a woman I don`t need it...

Also, I can send you the pictures and more details too. Just let me know if you are still interested.

Thank you very much

2nd Car - Classic Car ID: bd07b (a 1967 Camaro from Great Neck, NY)
Response email I received from "Allison Brown [alison.brown943@gmail.com]":

Hello,

I'm sorry for the delay,the car is still for sale. Thanks for being interested in buying my 1967 Chevrolet Camaro. It is in a good condition, no scratches, no damages, never been implicated in any accidents, no problems at the engine, runs very well. It has an 8 Cylinder engine,798 miles, clear title, a perfect car. The price is negotiable , $15,960.The only thing I am selling its because I divorced with my husband and after the divorce I own this car, now as a woman I don`t need it...

I can provide VIN # to check on your own. Also, I can send you the pictures and more details too. Just let me know if you are still interested.

Thank you very much,
Allison Brown

The similar wording tipped it off. No creativity from this scammer.

[LimeGT]

I just got this today ,and it had a random number to a guy.."who was not aware of this add."

Hello,


The car is still for sale. Thanks for being interested in buying my 2006 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H Coupe. It is in a good condition, no scratches, no damages, never been involved in any accidents, no problems at the engine, runs very well. Fully loaded and 100% working!! It has an 8 Cylinder, 14,068 miles, clear title, a perfect car. The price is negotiable , 15200$. The only thing I am selling its because I divorced with my husband and after the divorce I own this car, now as a woman I don`t need it...


Also, I can send you the pictures and more details too. Just let me know if you are still interested.


Thank you very much,
Maryann

[maziz27]

This is a funny one!

I sent an email enquiring about a lovely Audi A3 2010 on Autotrader for unbelievable £2290

Look at the answer:


Hello,

I still got the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class C220 CDI SPORT 4DR AUTO for sale at the price of £2290. The car is in excellent condition, garage kept and accident free. The mileage is real and I never had any problems with the engine. The car looks and works just perfect. I bought it from UK and it is still registered here. We live in the Northern part of United Kingdom, in a beautiful sea-side city called Thurso.
We are a nice couple of pensioners (I have 64 and my beloved wife is 63 years old) and don't use the car so often. We love to spend our time on the road but now we use to travel by plane, so a car is no more useful for us. Also we sold our house and bought a big farm here in Thurso. If you are really interested we are ready to make a trip to England and meet you personally. You can take the car for a test-drive and any kind of inspection.
Please tell us where do you live? I am sure that we will find a nice city in England to arrange a meeting, a region acceptable for us and for you in the same time. We have the faith that this can be a good deal!

P.S. I appreciate if we can continue our conversation by e-mail. The mobile signal is poor here, we have to walk over 2 miles for a good phone call.

Thank you and let me know,

Clark

From: Xxxxxx@hotmail.com>
To: "clarkstursten@yahoo.co.uk" <clarkstursten@yahoo.co.uk>
Sent: Thursday, 30 May 2013, 2:03
Subject: Audi A3 2.0 TDi Sport 5dr DSG

Interested in the above car!!!
Where is the catch??
Too cheap to be true

M

Sent from my iPad

[TerranceBoyce]

Welcome to Scamwarners maziz27.

You're being a bit suspicious aren't you ? I'm sure they just forgot what make of car it was they were selling

Give them another chance and they'll change the make to whatever you want.

It's an amateur scammer error to refer to the car's make in the body of a mail. They will be scamming with so many ads that it's too easy to get them muddled if they mention the make more than once.

It's written in classic West African English and it's apparent that they looked at a map to find the most remote spot in the UK without being aware that no Scotsman would ever describe their location as they have.

I've not come across the offer to allow a viewing before but I think that's just a 'come on' that will evaporate. The important part of a scam is to grab your attention.