Searching for a used car? Don’t fall prey to a scam that is rampant on Craigslist, the popular network of online communities featuring free online classified advertisements.
The opportunity to advertise products and services for free has made Craigslist a highly desirable marketplace for everything from real estate to electronics, toys, collectibles, and jobs. Because the ads are free of charge and editorial scrutiny in the vast majority of the Craigslist communities, it is the perfect venue to perpetrate scams and other nefarious activities.
You might recall the flap over promotion and solicitation of prostitution via advertising on Craigslist. While prostitution is often considered a victimless crime, other activities on the website can cost you dearly. Identity thieves, those seeking to sell you various work-at-home and multi-level marketing schemes, and yet others looking to defraud you outright lurk in every corner of Craigslist.
This latter group includes the particular form of scamming of which I have recently become cognizant. Using the Web to search for a used car on various sites, I perused Craigslist and discovered a number of amazing deals on vehicles that had relatively low mileage and were purported to be in “mint” or “perfect” condition. Included among these were a 2006 Nissan Maxima for $2,900, a 2003 Acura RSX for $3,300, a 2005 Toyota Corolla for $2,740, and a 2008 Honda Accord for $3,400. The advertisements for each of these cars had numerous pictures of various interior and exterior views and detailed descriptive information. They all required you to send an email to the presumed owner for more information.
I sent emails requesting information on these vehicles and received the following responses:
For the Nissan –
This 2006 NISSAN MAXIMA SE SEDAN is in perfect working condition. Title Clear. My husband was recently promoted so we had to move in Omaha, Nebraska. We brought the car with us, but my husband received a new car from the company. Besides, there are a lot of things which have priority now, so, this car has to go. As you probably noticed, the price is rather low $2900 because i want to find quickly a buyer. Due to the fact I am very busy with my work and I don’t stay too much at home, the car is already to the shipping company and will be delivered from there very fast. If you are interested, please email me with your details (name and address) for the shipping process.
Mileage: 65,600 miles
And
I will make the deal only to eBay. I am a member of the eBay buyer protection program and using this service you will get a 7 days testing period after delivery. During that 7 days testing period I will not be getting any money. I need to know if you are interested in buying it so I can ask eBay to send you the details on how this works. If interested please include in your next email your contact info for eBay (name, address and #) so we can get things started. The price is $2900 with all the taxes and charges of the shipping process included.
Here is some pics with my car: Link Removed.
Thanks. Miranda Carle
For the Acura –
Hi there, Thank you so much for contacting me regarding my 2003 Acura RSX. The car has 67,611 miles is in perfect condition without any mechanical problems, tires and wheels are in great shape as well, electric is working perfectly, has a clean and clear US title without any accidents. No liens or loans on the it. Never had any paint or body work done. The engine and equipment are all in proper working order. The price is $3300.I am selling the car because of the financial crises that affected me in the same measure it affected the most inhabitants of this country. I’m in a hurry to find a buyer because I’m in debts with my bank and a few days ago I was made to work. But what it’s really worrying me is that if I don’t get money quickly I’ll lose my house because the term due at my bank is near and I don’t have the money to pay my rate. So now you can see the reason why I’m selling my car at $3300$.We will use only eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection to complete the sale. If you are interested to buy email me your full name and shipping address so I can open the case with eBay.
Thanks,
Kasie Ragsdale
For the Toyota –
First of all I want to thank you for your interest for my car. I sell it at this price($2,740.00 ) because I have been divorced recently and I don’t have a driver license.
Now the car is in my property.This car is in excellent working conditions, no scratches,
flaws or any kind of damage, slightly used in 100% working and looking conditions and comes with a clear title.
From the beginning you have to know that for the payment I request only secure pay, I prefer the payment to be done using eBay services.
We will use a safe payment method because I am affiliated at eBay and I have a purchase protection account for $20,000.00
The final price that I want for this car is $2,740.00 including shipping and handling.
If you are interested in buying it please provide me your full name and address so I can initiate the deal through eBay.
I will wait your answer very soon.
Vanessa Ferguson
And
Hi again,
The car is already at the shipping company in Orlando, Florida sealed and ready for the shipping.
I have a contract with eBay so this deal must go through them. I’m very busy with my job and I’m getting off the town so I can’t meet
in person with you so this is the reason why I chose to sell my car over the internet. According with the eBay you have 5 days
from the time you receive the car to inspect it and decide if you want to keep it or not.
Here is how it will work:
1.First of all I will need the following details from you:
- Full Name
- Full Shipping Address
- Phone #
2. After I will receive the details from you, I will forward them to eBay.
3. After they will process your info, they will send us both invoices. The invoice will send you the details on how to make a refundable payment.
4. eBay will contact me and I will ship the car to you. After you receive the car you will have 5 days to test, verify and do whatever you need with the car.
If you will buy, then I will receive the payment details from eBay so that I can pick up the money.
5. If you will decide that you will not buy the car, eBay will refund the money and I will have the shipping company come pick up my car.
If you wish to make the transaction, please send me the necessary info so we can proceed. I look forward to hear from you.
Thank you
For the Honda –
Hi,
First of all i want to thank you for your interest in my vehicle.
I am selling this vehicle because I am being dispatched to the Gulf of Aden and i must sell it before Jun 4th.
The vehicle is in perfect condition, it has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects.I must add it was never involved in any accidents and has a clear, clean title
The car is in Billings MT area and in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping.
Let me know if you are interested, email back.
2008 Honda Accord Price $3400
VIN: 1hgcs12838a025823
Mileage: 36,401 miles
Body type: Coupe Engine: 4 Cylinder 2.4 Liter Exterior color: Red
Transmission: Automatic Fuel type: Gasoline Interior color: Black
And
Hello,
Thanks for your reply.
As i told you i am stuck here in the military company and i have restrictions in communicating due to the medical and physical exams that i have to complete.
The vehicle will arrive with a military cargo so that is why i can offer free shipping.
I am a member of the eBay buyer protection program and using this service you will get a 3 days testing period after delivery. During those 3 days of testing period I will not be
getting any money. I need to know if you are interested so I can ask eBay to send you the details on this deal. If interested please include in your next email your contact info for
eBay, full name and shipping address so we can proceed.
Hope we will do business together.
Best Regards,
Robin Faller
Note that although these ads were placed in the “Central New Jersey” Craigslist community, each vehicle is in a distant location and in the possession of some type of shipping or holding company. In each instance, there is a compelling reason given for the surprisingly low asking price (military reasons seem to predominate). All of the responses are sent from an email address bearing a female name (presumably, they know less about autos and would sell one for less than half its true value). All of these sellers indicate that they will bear shipping costs for delivery and, if necessary, return of their vehicles (scammers do have their generous side). And, the signature similarity of all of these responses is that they purport to use some type of eBay buyer protection service. While eBay does offer certain protections, there are numerous conditions and exclusions, and it offers no such services as described in these correspondences.
If you do provide the information that these scammers are seeking, I surmise that you would be contacted by someone falsely representing himself as a representative of eBay to facilitate transfer of the purchase amount and assure you that no funds will be distributed to the seller until you have received and had the opportunity to fully inspect and test the vehicle. How long you would await delivery of your automobile before realizing you had been scammed and contacting law enforcement (who would be unable to assist you) would vary depending upon your individual level of gullibility (from incredibly gullible to unconscious).
Needless to say, the old adage that “if something appears too good to be true, it probably is” has once again proven accurate. If you are a used car shopper, save yourself the aggravation and deal only with reliable sources of online information.
Thanks for creating this great informational resource.
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Thanks for the heads up! Another on Craigslist..2004 Cadillac DeVille $3000. only 49K miles, will ship. When said I will pick up and pay cash, wouldn’t work because it’s in aa container to be shipped from Texas. Just send $ to EBay along with the garauntee of $ refund. This was also Kasie Ragsdale from July 5th, was husbands car and he ws killed in Afganistan 3 months ago. Just want to get rid of the sad memories.
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We need to be very careful while buying a car and should always consult experienced people. I own a chrysler product and got it from a local dealer at a very good deal. The car has a great interior and I have absolutely no complaints about it to date.
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DIANE NEAL – USED CAR SCAM ARTIST ON CRAIGSLIST…
thanks for posting this story. it confirmed my suspicions about an ad on craigslist for a mitsubishi galant low miles, $2700. it was posted by Diane.Neal@gmail.com and yes…after i inquired via email she replied back with a sob story about a recent divorce, how much she travled with her job and was too busy to show the car…and the kicker was that she said she has to sell cuz she doesn’t have a drivers license. last but not least, car was in shipping dock in reno nevada. i decided to google her name with no results and then i went back to the craigslist site where they have a huge banner warning people of “free” shipping scams. Ms Diane told me that the shipping is included in the price of the car. HUGE RED FLAG!! i got no hits when i googled her name so decided to google auto shipping scam and here i am!! thanks again for taking the time out to write your article. keep up the good detective work!
I’ve bookmarked this because I found it helpful. I would be extremely interested to hear more info on this. Thanks!
My buddy and I were just talking over this particular article, she is always seeking to prove me incorrect! I will present her this post and additionally rub it in a little!
Thank you for writing this article. This article was a big help to me in not getting scammed especially since I was looking for a car and received the same email as you posted up. However, I am a bit worried since I gave away some information of mine at first since I was a little clueless. I gave away my name as well as my email and address. What actions should I take to ensure my safety as well as my personal information being safe? Am I in a lot of danger?
Even if you do give them your information and they contact you, you’ve done no harm.. Right?
This was an email I was sent after finding an awesome deal on craigslist…definitely a SCAM!
*****************************************************************
I have received your email regarding the 2004 Infiniti G35 with only 65,695 miles. The car is located in Houston, Texas at the shipping company. The car is in perfect condition,with no scratches on it,no damage, clear title. The engine is a V6 3.5 Liter. The transmission is automatic. The price for the car is $3,200 with shipping included.The car was my husband`s as he loved it very much, but he did not enjoy it as he died in Iraq 1 year ago. It brings very bad memories to me, I want to get rid of it.The buyer will receive the car with all papers and receipts that he needs to register it to his name.Shipping will be done whit DAS and it will take no more then 2-3 days. I have a friend there who will manage me a low price shipping and I assumed that it is my duty to pay for shipping it.It will be delivered directly to your address.Anyway, I have to let you know that I want a fast deal so if you are really interested in buying it,please reply with the following information’s:
-Your full name;
-Your shipping address.(street,city,state,zip code)
The transaction will close only through eBay so we both will be protected.
I want eBay because as they are the biggest company on the internet I think that we can close this deal fast and safe for both of us. Also I am not very familiar with the internet transactions and eBay is the only one I know.I will look for your email,so that we can move forward with this deal!
Let me know.
P.S I attached you some pictures with the car:
http://s1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/infinitig35_04/
Regards,
Monique Ferguson
moniqueferguson28@gmail.com
********************************************************************
I went back on craiglist to look at the posting again after receiving the email and the post had been removed…that made everything very suspicious….i live in St. Louis, Mo and the car is in Texas…why the hell are you posting a car ad in St. Louis if it’s in Texas! HELLO BIG RED FLAG!
there are hundreds if not thousands of scam running on the internet, be always wary about it.*.”
I think you know how to write a definitely great post. Thanks!
I am going to post the text of emails I received from a scammer- as an example and warning to others. Notice how the description for this vehicle is actually copied and pasted from other websites- also the pictures of the car were taken at a dealership with snow in the picture, altho the car was advertised as being located in Florida!
2000 Volkswagen Golf
$3,600 (OBO)
View this listing
Mileage: 122,545
Body Style: Hatchback
Exterior Color: Silver
Interior Color: Gray
Engine: 4 Cylinders
Transmission: Automatic
Features: A/C: Front, A/C: Rear, Power Locks, Power Steering, Airbag: Driver, Airbag: Passenger, Airbag: Side, Alarm, Anti-Lock Brakes, CD Changer, CD Player, Power Windows, Alloy Wheels
Seller’s Notes: You sacrifice some performance, but the improvement in mileage is dramatic: it gets an EPA-estimated 42/49 mpg. This unit is a 2000 Volks Wagon Golf 4 Door GLS TDI. The mileage represented on this vehicle is accurate.The engine on this vehicle is running properly.The exterior of this vehicle is extra clean.
Condition: It have been well maintained and is in great condition.If fuel economy is at the top of your shopping list, consider the 1.9-liter TDI, a turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder diesel engine. Diesels have a reputation for being noisy, smelly and slow, but Volkswagen has perfected the design. New emissions systems have cleaned up the exhaust scent, and the TDI is only a shade louder than the 2.0-liter gasoline engine. At highway speeds, you’ll barely notice the difference.
Hello,
The car is still for sale. It has a clean title, very well maintained, no exterior damages and no
mechanical problems, i don’t smoke.
I’m asking $2900 for it.
I have to to sell this car as fast as I can because in three
weeks I will be in Iraq and I think I’ll stay there for a while that’s why I’m selling it so cheap.
Currently I’m in a military base in Pennsylvania and the car is here with me. I can ship for free within
US if you want to buy it. Let me know what you decide ASAP.
The pics speak for themselves, You’ll love the car, I can guarantee you that!
Thank you
Hello.
As I told you at this moment I am in Pennsylvania in a military base getting ready for Iraq. This mean
that I do a special training program. I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I want.
The shipping can’t be a problem. I can do it at no cost for you. You will receive the car along with all
the documents. As for the payment I can start a transaction through http://www.Cars.com
. All I need is
your full name and address so i can contact them and after that they will contact you regarding this
purchase. They act as a third party and will protect both of us in this transaction.
You will have 5 days inspection period on it . If the car have any problems or you do not like it a full
refund will be done no questions ask.
I am waiting your e-mail.
Thank you.
I got the same email and saw the same ad as Devon – from Monique ferguson – cept I am in Salt Lake City – definitely a scam – she has been posting on craigslist for a few weeks now – apparently noone has been stupid enough to bite – thank goodness – people watch out for this Infiniti G35 scam.
Hey thanks for the info. I got caught in the Monique Ferguson from Houston, Texas scam as well. The only bad thing is I gave her my name and address and hope this doesn’t hurt me somewhere down the line.
I’m really glad I decided to google her name as well and your website came up!
Thanks!
This is the message I got from her:
have received your email regarding the 2004 Infiniti G35 with only 65,695 miles. The car is located in Houston, Texas at the shipping company. The car is in perfect condition,with no scratches on it,no damage, clear title. The engine is a V6 3.5 Liter. The transmission is automatic. The price for the car is $3,200 with shipping included.The car was my husband`s as he loved it very much, but he did not enjoy it as he died in Iraq 1 year ago. It brings very bad memories to me, I want to get rid of it.The buyer will receive the car with all papers and receipts that he needs to register it to his name.Shipping will be done whit DAS and it will take no more then 2-3 days. I have a friend there who will manage me a low price shipping and I assumed that it is my duty to pay for shipping it.It will be delivered directly to your address.Anyway, I have to let you know that I want a fast deal so if you are really interested in buying it,please reply with the following information’s:
-Your full name;
-Your shipping address.(street,city,state,zip code)
The transaction will close only through eBay so we both will be protected.
I want eBay because as they are the biggest company on the internet I think that we can close this deal fast and safe for both of us. Also I am not very familiar with the internet transactions and eBay is the only one I know.I will look for your email,so that we can move forward with this deal!
Let me know.
P.S I attached you some pictures with the car:
http://s1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/infinitig35_04/
Regards,
Monique
The car has been already inspected by the shipping mechanics and has been confirmed as perfect fiscal and mechanical condition.You will have 5 days, from the time you receive the car, to inspect and test drive it and decide if you want to keep it or not.If by any reason, you will not be satisfied, you will return the car to shipping company with no expense.You will receive the car with all the necessary papers (clear title, bill of sale, user’s manual, insurance etc).I got your info and i will send them to eBay to initiate the transaction. Once that is done, you would probably be informed in the next 24 hours upon all the details of the transaction (terms, buyer protection coverage, payment instructions, invoice for the purchase). They will contact you soon with all the details.
Keep me update with any news from eBay.
Thank you
I don’t know how much I really like craigslist. You’ve got the typical spammers that attempts to make things miserable for the user base. Do not get me wrong there are benefits to craigslist, but do the goods really outweigh the bad?
NOTE: I RECEIVED THE SAME INFORMATION AS BELOW… THANKS FOR THE UPDATE!! THIS IS A SICK PERSON
I have received your email regarding the 2004 Infiniti G35 with only 65,695 miles. The car is located in Houston, Texas at the shipping company. The car is in perfect condition,with no scratches on it,no damage, clear title. The engine is a V6 3.5 Liter. The transmission is automatic. The price for the car is $3,200 with shipping included.The car was my husband`s as he loved it very much, but he did not enjoy it as he died in Iraq 1 year ago. It brings very bad memories to me, I want to get rid of it.The buyer will receive the car with all papers and receipts that he needs to register it to his name.Shipping will be done whit DAS and it will take no more then 2-3 days. I have a friend there who will manage me a low price shipping and I assumed that it is my duty to pay for shipping it.It will be delivered directly to your address.Anyway, I have to let you know that I want a fast deal so if you are really interested in buying it,please reply with the following information’s:
-Your full name;
-Your shipping address.(street,city,state,zip code)
The transaction will close only through eBay so we both will be protected.
I want eBay because as they are the biggest company on the internet I think that we can close this deal fast and safe for both of us. Also I am not very familiar with the internet transactions and eBay is the only one I know.I will look for your email,so that we can move forward with this deal!
Let me know.
P.S I attached you some pictures with the car:
http://s1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/infinitig35_04/
Regards,
Monique Ferguson
moniqueferguson28@gmail.com
I got the same Infiniti G35 scam. I asked to set a sate to inspect the car myself and got this reply:
I’m on a cruise working as dealer and that is way I choose eBay. The car is already at the shipping company, waiting to be shipped with all the documents. The shipping will take max 3 days,depending on your location.The car has been already inspected by the shipping mechanics and has been confirmed as perfect fiscal and mechanical condition.You will have 5 days, from the time you receive the car, to inspect and test drive it and decide if you want to keep it or not.If by any reason, you will not be satisfied, you will return the car to shipping company with no expense.You will receive the car with all the necessary papers (clear title, bill of sale, user’s manual, insurance etc).
eBay will take care of the payment details since I can’t use the phone and my only method of talking with my buyers is email.Now if you want to move on with the deal just send me your full name and address to open the case with eBay.
Regards,
Monique
Honestly – the only way you can avoid scams is to see the car in person/pay in person.. no checks transfers etc. People are greedy and selfish. Also, I’m from central Jersey, she’s fishing for vicitms everywhere!