[s-cars] scammer....

[Igor Kessel]

Pollock, Thomas wrote:
> Hey,
> 
> I'm helping a buddy sell his gorgeous 4.2 A6 and he's got mail that I know is a scam but I'm trying to understand how it works or better, how my buddy gets hurt in this deal ?  
> 
> guys name is mike lee from bestautos007 and here's his pitch...
> 
> 
> Yes we are really interested, I have forwarded your vehicle information to my client and after evaluation and due to time constraint on the fact that we are running short of time, I'm delighted to tell you that my client has recommended your vehicle, with full interest and he has instructed me to carry on with this transaction. 
> 
> 
> He also instructed to inform you that payment will get to you in a Cashiers Check amount of $35,000 which will cover the cost of the vehicle and also the cost of shipment.
> So you are required to deduct the cost of your ( vehicle) $27,000 when payment gets to you and refund balance $8,000 the Agent (The shiper ) for him to be able to ofset shipping & tax charges and other cosmetic repair costs. 
> 
> Now we really need your truth & honesty with definite assurance that the balance will be honestly be send to the shipper/agent when payment get to you, as we 
> have make alternative arrangement not to stress you in shipment. 
> After payment has reached you and balance sent to shipper, the shipper's agent will come for inspection, pick up of vehicle & signing of title papers, make some cosmetic touches to a prepaid shipper to be shiped to my customer. 
> 
> To further more, Please confirm these and provide the following for the payment to be made out and send to you. 
> LEGAL FULL NAME:.........
> VALID ADDRESS:..........
> TELL/CELLPHONE:.......... 
> 
> Thanks 
> 
> suggestions ?
> 
> thanks,
> 
> tom.
> _______________________________________________
> S-CAR-List mailing list
> S-CAR-List at audifans.com
> http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/s-car-list
> 

It's a definite scam, Tom. Here's the excerpt from 
http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams.html

"
2. distant person offers a genuine-looking (but fake) cashier's check

     * you receive an email (examples below) offering to buy your item, 
or rent your apartment, sight unseen.
     * cashier's check is offered for your sale item, as a deposit for 
an apartment, or for just about anything else of value.
     * value of cashier's check often far exceeds your item - scammer 
offers to "trust" you, and asks you to wire the balance via money 
transfer service
     * banks will often cash these fake checks AND THEN HOLD YOU 
RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE CHECK FAILS TO CLEAR, including criminal 
prosecution in some cases!
     * scam often involves a 3rd party (shipping agent, business 
associate owing buyer money, etc) "

Igor