Beware of the $6,000. WW Thunderbird

[Brad]

There are ads in multiple markets on craigslist for WW Tbirds for $6,000. Same pictures in Atlanta is a salvage title, in Chicago, it's a clean title 50K mile car, with the same $6,000. price. I had emailed back a month ago when he/she was using different pictures. When you emai requesting info they will want your direct email, once they get it, you will hear the sob story about a death in the family and car is in another location, blah, blah, blah. Then you will receive a semi-legit looking email from eBay motors (it's not actually from eBay).

[metallic]

Thanks for this information. I spotted a 1956 Chevy, which sounds like this scam. I figured it out when I saw that this same car had sold on e-bay. First indication is a low price.

PAUL

[Quickdraw]

Brad, what's to hook? Are they trying to get a $ deposit out of you?

[Brad]

Brad, what's to hook? Are they trying to get a $ deposit out of you?

They tell you that they want to use eBay motors for "everyone's safety" and then send you a phony link that looks like eBay, but it isn't. You click pay and the money is gone.

[Brad]

> > Hey,
> >
> > I'm selling it because my husband died 2 months ago (he had a heart attack) and it brings me bad memories, that's the reason I want to sell it a.s.a.p.The total price is $6,000. No damage or hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained. I have clear title, without liens or loans on it, everything is under my name. Me and my son decided to sell the house and we moved to my parents house in Mason City, NE trying to start a new life. We need to meet up to my parents place or I can arrange delivery - it will cost the gas money and I will pay for it.
> >
> > I want to use eBay Motors services (5 days of testing prior purchase) for the safety of both of us, so if you’re interested in purchasing, please provide me your full name for the bill of sale, your full address and a phone number so I can notify eBay that you're selected as my possible buyer, and they will contact you to explain the entire procedure.
> >
> > I look forward to hear from you!
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > P.S. I have attached the pics to the email, the specs are below:
> >
> > 2003 Ford Thunderbird
> >
> > 51,500 miles
> > 2 wheel drive - rear
> > 8 Cylinder
> > Automatic Transmission
> > CD Player
> > Cruise Control
> > Keyless Entry
> > Leather Seats
> > Power Locks
> > Power Windows
> > Premium Audio
> > Premium Wheels
> > Security System
> >
> > A/C ice cold, All scheduled maintenance, All records, Always garaged, Excellent condition, Fully loaded with all the goodies, Looks & drives great, Must see, Non-smoker, One owner.

[Brad]

Hey,

It is located in Mason City, NE.

Right now, I'm not there because I'm a special needs nurse and can’t take off without a 48 hours notice, so we need to meet up or I can arrange delivery - it will cost the gas money and I'll pay for it. I’d like to use eBay because someone stood me up last week - he made me drive there but he didn't show up. They’ll hold the money so you have the chance to inspect it for 5 days - the title and everything. Only after you’ve had the chance to do all that you will call eBay and let them release the money. You’re not committed to buy it either; if you request a refund, eBay will provide it within 24h.

If that sounds good to you, then all I need to get started is your full name, delivery address and phone number.

Thanks!

[Brad]

Apparently it's a pretty common scam

[carntz]

I just bought a 2016 Rolls Royce from these folks and they promised delivery the 31st of February

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Buyer beware as they say. I just bought an 03 DSB with less than 30k for $12,000. But I'm still glad I saw the car first

[Quickdraw]

Hey,

It is located in Mason City, NE.

Right now, I'm not there because I'm a special needs nurse and can’t take off without a 48 hours notice, so we need to meet up or I can arrange delivery - it will cost the gas money and I'll pay for it. I’d like to use eBay because someone stood me up last week - he made me drive there but he didn't show up. They’ll hold the money so you have the chance to inspect it for 5 days - the title and everything. Only after you’ve had the chance to do all that you will call eBay and let them release the money. You’re not committed to buy it either; if you request a refund, eBay will provide it within 24h.

If that sounds good to you, then all I need to get started is your full name, delivery address and phone number.

Thanks!

Yeah, she had the car last week but not now... Ask her for the VIN... IF she can supply one... and ask if she is the original owner where they bought it, I can check what dealer sold it...

[jayred1]

Mason City, NE ... population ~ 170. Conveniently pick a very small town so it's likely that no one can check out the car.

[Brad]

Here is the current ones I could find, the ads only stay up for a short time and they are taken down, they could be posting 100's of different models of cars:

https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/c...585549603.html

https://chattanooga.craigslist.org/c...584210327.html

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/c...588070128.html

https://yubasutter.craigslist.org/ct...583771849.html

[Quickdraw]

I see what you mean Brad, some ads say clean title, others say salvage title. Thanks for the heads up on this scam, it's a new one to me.

[AyPapiii]

Good catch.

It used to be you wanted to sell a car you put a sign in the window with your number and the price. The transactions were face to face, mostly about service and quick.

Collateral damage from these scams is good cars getting missed due to care taken to avoid scams. I know I have missed a bunch and still I get caught every once in awhile. I agree they tend to be in smaller towns and priced attractively. Now even responding to an ad, especially on CarGuru and AutoTrader gets your contact information sold to a world full of marketers and scammers.

Takes the fun out of it.

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Well, I have purchased 15 Thunderbirds and never laid eyes on 14 of them. Never been disappointed. I have bought cars with know issues, but I paid accordingly.