Email Messages from a Scammer Posting on Autotrader.com
The following email messages were forwarded by a person that was interested in a vehicle being advertised on Autotrader.com. His radar went up as soon as the scammer mentioned eBay's Vehicle Purchase Protection Program. eBay and Autotrader are not affiliated with one another, and eBay DOES NOT operate any type of escrow service.
If you're going to buy a vehicle through the Internet, make sure that you can see the vehicle, test drive it, and bring it to a mechanic. Do not send money via Western Union or Moneygram to people that you do not know.
***VEHICLE LEAD***
The following lead was generated from Autotrader.com's website.
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Make: Toyota
Model: Camry
Year: 2007
Price: 12700
Mileage: 9140
Body Style: Sedan
Color: White
Cylinders: 6 Cylinder Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Doors: Four Door
Stereo: Unavailable
VIN: 4T1BK46K37U537107
Description: It is a 2007 (new body style) with less than 9,000 miles, always garaged. This XLE has the 3.5 liter V-6 engine with dual exhaust and 6 speed automatic transmission currently used in the Lexus, but uses regular unleaded. I average 28 mpg in local driving, 32 mpg highway. The color is super white with no dings; the interior is tan leather; the windows have been professionally tinted legally dark by Sun Toyota, where I bought it in February 2007. Oil changes were done at 3800 miles and 8100 miles. It has always been in Florida since I bought it new and has never been in an accident. Never smoked in and no pets, or kids. The JBL premium stereo has a six in-dash CD and Bluetooth which connects your cell phone automatically to the sound system, talk hands free, and voice activated dialing. Also has alloy wheels with no scratches or curb rash; and has Toyoguard which is paint sealant, roadside assistance, and vin number etched windows. Still has plenty of factory warranty for your piece of mind. Comes with all manuals, keys, and Toyota mats and trunk mat
------- Original Message Follows -------
From: Alan Rosenlicht [alanrosenlicht@gmail.com]
To: INTENTIONALLY DELETED
Subject: Re: Owner 62388151: AutoTrader.com: Vehicle Lead 2007 Toyota Camry
Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:39:54 -0700
Hi
Thank you for your interest in my car. It is in perfect condition, no technical or cosmetical problems. It has no scratches and has never been involved in an accident. This car was always garaged. I assume you already know the price from the AutoTrader site.
The sale will be conducted through eBay, for the protection of both of us. If you have any questions regarding the car please e-mail them to me. I can also send you more pictures. If you like the car and you want to buy it, contact me and we will discuss the terms.
Alan
----- Original Message -----
From: INTENTIONALLY DELETED
To: Alan Rosenlicht [alanrosenlicht@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 7:36 PM
Subject: Re: Owner 62388151: AutoTrader.com: Vehicle Lead 2007 Toyota Camry
If you can please email me more pictures of the interior and a close up of the tires for tread. I will be going on a short vacation this weekend and will be back Monday April 15th.
From: Alan Rosenlicht [alanrosenlicht@gmail.com]
To: INTENTIONALLY DELETED
Subject: Re: Owner 62388151: AutoTrader.com: Vehicle Lead 2007 Toyota Camry
Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:59:21 -0700
Hi INTENTIONALLY DELETED,
Please see the attached pictures. I want to tell you that I am not selling this car for profit or due to financial problems. All I can say is that some recent events in my life made me change my perception on certain things, things I've considered important in the past. Therefore, all the funds obtained from this sale will be donated to a children foundation.
I am currently on a trip for UNICEF in Europe. I will not be able to meet you to show you the car, but I am available for any information you may need. Feel free to e-mail me, I check my inbox very often. I have already included the car into the eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection, so I would like to use this program for the transaction.
Here is how the process works:
- you give me your shipping address,
- I start a transaction on eBay Motors,
- they send you the payment instructions,
- you send the money into eBay trust account,
- they confirm me that they received the funds,
- I ship the car,
- you receive the car and approve them to pay me,
- they send me the money.
You'll receive the car papers along with the car. They will hold the money until the car is delivered to you, with properly executed title. You will have 5 business days for inspection. If the car is not like described you will have to ship it back at the end of the 5 business days on my expense, but I am sure that you will love it.
In order to move forward I will need your full name and address. EBay will get in touch with you with further details and instructions.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Alan
