Overhaulin'

Is this seller trying to scam me?

Hello, I am glad that you are really interested in my car. Regarding the price, to be honest with you...this was my brother car but he is not…anymore.I don't want to get rich by its selling, just want to give it to someone who will take good care....... As I already said in my first email the car is currently located in UK but still registered in US, so you won't have to pay anything since it have a clear US title, no lien. Also, the car is in perfect working condition and it was never been smoked in. I can have it shipped from here by an US Air Force cargo plane so there won't be any additional shipping costs. Also I can arrange for a truck to transport the car to your home address or, if you like, you can pick it up from the nearest airport in your area. The shipping will take up to 7 days, depending on your location. The car will arrive with all the papers and documents required for registration and the keys. The US clear title and the bill of sale will be already signed by me. The final price you will have to pay is $15,500. The payment must be done through eBay. Ebay Motors will work for us just like an escrow service, just that the transaction will be faster and also 100% secure for both of us. You will send them the payment, then they will let me know that the payment is OK and I can start the shipping. After the car will arrive to you and you will inspect it, you will let them know that, so they can forward the payment and complete the transaction. If the car is not as advertised and decide not to keep it (I'm sure this will not be the case) eBay will refund you the money, no questions asked, and shipping back of the car will be my concern. I think this is fair for both of us. Please take into consideration that I will get paid only after you receive the car and make sure everything is as agreed. If you agree with these terms and you have the money, send me your full name and the address where you want the car to be delivered and I will initiate the transaction with eBay. You will receive all the transaction details from them. I will appreciate an answer as soon as possible. Also, feel free to ask me any question you may have. Thank you, Col. Lawrence S. Reed On 8/14/09, Cesar Garcia <cek1317@sbcglobal.net> wrote: About how much would the shipping be from the UK, to California? -Cesar --- On Thu, 8/13/09, Col. Lawrence Reed <lawrence.s.reed10@gmail.com> wrote: From: Col. Lawrence Reed <lawrence.s.reed10@gmail.com> Subject: Re: Toyota Tundra 08 To: "Cesar Garcia" <cek1317@sbcglobal.net> Date: Thursday, August 13, 2009, 11:35 PM Hello, This is a 2008 TOYOTA TUNDRA CREWMAX LIMITED, CREW PICKUP 5.7L V8 FI DOHC 32V, 4 WHEEL DRIVE, Automatic, ONLY 14,723 Miles. VIN 5TFDV58198X038200 Here you can find more pictures with the truck: http://s981.photobucket.com/albums/ae294/2008TUNDRA/ (if the above link does not work copy and paste it into a new web browser window) It is in EXCELLENT condition; the body and paint are great, no scratches and no dents; the interior is clean; it has never been involved in an accident. I'm an US Air Force Col. currently stationed in UK and the car is here with me. It was bought in the US and shipped to Europe, but it was never permanently registered here, the car is still registered in the US. The shipping will take up to 7 business days and you will also have 10 days to inspect and test drive the vehicle from the moment it arrives at your place. There will be no extra or hidden taxes for you to pay since the car is still registered in US. In case you decide not to keep the car I'm responsible for shipping back costs. I must say that this is a US model car, with the steering wheel on the left side, as opposed to a UK model, that has the steering wheel on the right side. As I'm unable to travel in the near future and I don't have anyone back home to help me with the sale I decided to sell this car through eBay or craigslist. Our transaction will be entirely through eBay Motors and we both will be covered. The final price is $15,500 including shipping from Europe to the US and delivery to your home address. So if you decide to buy this car or need further information pleaseget back to me as soon as possible. Thank you and have a great day, Col. Lawrence S. Reed http://www.lakenheath.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-080731-008.jpg PS. Sorry for the long email I have tried to touch all bases. On 8/14/09, Cesar Garcia <cek1317@sbcglobal.net> wrote: Please give me a call about the truck. I 'am interested. -Cesar 1-310-508-9588

Public Comments

1. Never, ever buy a used car without having a mechanic check it out first. Buyer beware. This sounds very fishy to me.
2. sounds too strange. Go to the help sections of your buying website and look for example scams. I would walk away without giving any personal info. Better safe than sorry.
3. For sure dude! I saw the add on craigslist too! the 2007 bmw is soo nice, & for $9000, I really want it too. He sent me the exact emails as he did to you. My uncle was trying to buy a honda pilot & came across the same kind of story. Don't do it, trust me, since he is in another country, if your money is taken, they can't do anything about it. I know it sucks, I wanted the car too.
4. The answer is YES! We have been in contact with eBay through online chat and have been told this is a scam. We googled Colonel Lawrence S. Reed and according to them there is such a person in Lakenheath England. Don't think it would be the same person. Someone is using his name and reputation, we think! This guy has gone as far as sending a VPP transaction case number and invoice number to my son. He even gave him a phone number which was incorrect but we managed to figure it out and got through on the phone. We sent all the information (including phone numbers and email addresses) to eBay and let them look after it. As this guy is pretending to use the eBay name. This Lawrence S. Reed was quiet for a couple of days and has just contacted my son. He has advised the guy "don't email me again". You would be wise to do the same. Don't get stuck with losing your money!