Comments on: How to report an online scam

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:01:13 +0000

Interesting that we all have the same stories here… I saw an add on Craigslist for a 2003 Nissan Mureno for $3200. My hang up was that the vehicle needed to be “shipped” and the transcation done through Ebay. I thought to myself, “then why post on Craigslist if this is to go strictly through Ebay, why not post to Ebay alone”.

The email address used was angelawilliam34@gmail.com

The emails are as follows:
(my initial contact)

Hi Angela,

I saw your posting on Craig’s list for the sale of your 2003 Nissan Murano. I am interested and would like to schedule a time that is convenient for you to take a closer look at it. I can be reached until 2:00pm today through this email address or by cell phone at —–. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Take care.

(Scammer response)

Hello,

I have received your email regarding the 2003 Nissan Murano SL 2WD with only 64,380 miles.The SUV is in perfect condition,with no scratches on it,no damage, clear title.The price for the SUV is $3,200 with shipping included.The SUV was my husband`s as he loved it very much, but he did not enjoy it as he died in a IRAQ 3 month 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.

Thank you!

(my response)
Hi Angela,

Thank you for your response. I hope you understand my hesitance with a “shipping” involved and sight unseen purchase. I would like to know where the vehicle is currently? The add said it was located in —-. I do live in —- and if it is here, I would like to see it. Again, I hope you understand and I truly am interested in purchasing this vehicle if I can see it and test drive it. I cannot afford to lose this amount of money, I have a 9 month old infant and I need a dependable vehicle as what I am driving now is not cost effective or safe. Please let me know the location of the vehicle.

I am truly sorry for your loss.

(Scammer response)
Hi again,
The car is located in Levittown,PA(i just moved here with my job)is already crated at the shipping company ready to be sent to any location anywhere in the world,like i told we will use eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection,so we can both be protected and insured.The price for the car is $3,200 with shipping included.
1. Buyer, seller reach an agreement (price and delivery conditions)
2. Buyer sends money to eBay.
3. eBay confirms to seller that the amount has been received.
4. Seller performs the required services (shipping, insurance).
5. Buyer accepts delivery and informs eBay about the acceptance.
6. eBay releases the money to seller.
As you can see, you will receive the car BEFORE any money is released to me. You will get the chance to inspect it, test drive it and everything you like while your money is still safely held in eBay’s account. ONLY after you confirm to eBay that you agree with the vehicle, they will release the money to me. If, for some reason, you disagree with the car (I assure you that is NOT going to happen since my Nissan Murano is in IMMACULATE condition inside and out) it will be shipped back to me on MY EXPENSE and eBay will send you your money back.
If you wish to proceed further, I will need your complete name and address so I can start the transaction with eBay’s Vehicle Purchase Protection Program.
Let me know if we can get the ball rolling.
Regards,
Angela Williams
Here you can see some pictures with the car;
http://s820.photobucket.com/albums/zz130/03_nissan_murano_sl_2wd/

After I received the last response, I looked up Ebay Vehicle Protection and the site that I was sent to was “Ebay Vehicle Protection Scam” and I read everything you all have said… and I sent this back to the person in an email:

You may be legit but I can’t take the risk.

eBay Vehicle Protection Program scam
Posted in Craigslist, Vehicle classifieds on May 27, 2008 Comments(697)
A new type of escrow scam is showing up on most of the east coast craigslist motorcycle boards. This scheme will advertise a great deal to elicit lots of responses, and each responder gets a few bait emails explaining that the item is “in eBay’s hands” because a previous sale there was not completed.
Lately, scammers are posting with gmail addresses that almost always contain a first name. After a potential target responds to the ad, the gmail address is abandoned. I have seen this trend in real estate as well. This particular scammer used cametamegastore1@cametastock.com to send these emails to me in an auto-responder fashion after I contacted him. No matter what my emails contained, these three messages came from the scammer as immediate responses in this order:
First of all, please DO NOT REPLY at this e-Mail if you don’t have the amount available, or if you don’t intend to be serious.
I’m from Orlando, Florida.
This is the second time when I try to sell the motorcycle. First time I tried eBay.
Because all the time I use only 100% safe methods I sent the motorcycle through eBay Vehicle Protection Program to a buyer from Alaska.
I paid all the shipping fees from my money and when the eBay have requested the payment the seller have refused to pay because he don’t have the full amount.
Now I have the motorcycle in the eBay hands and is ready to be delivered to the next buyer.
If you want to purchase it and only if you are a serious buyer then send me your complete name and address for shipping.
The time delivery will be only 3 days and the motorcycle will be delivered at your home address full registered in your state and under your name.
This scam appears to be sophisticated for a few reasons. Above all, eBay does have a Vehicle Protection Program that was designed to shield buyers from scam artists on eBay Motors. After some quick searches, a shopper could be falsely convinced that this program exists as a transaction escrow service instead of just a monetary guarantee. Also, the ad text itself plays on a buyer’s emotions. This seller appears to be frustrated with dead-beat buyers and tire kickers, which is a typical grief that one-time sellers profess in their listings.
The second email…
The bike is in perfect condition. Full working. The technical inspection has been made 3 weeks ago.
Now the motorcycle is in the eBay hands and not in my possession it. If you will not like it and you will decide to return it then you will receive the full refund. If you will decide to buy it then eBay will release the funds to me.
If you agree with the terms then send me your complete name, address FAX number and I’ll redirect the motorcycle to you.
I’ll wait for your reply!
Regards!
…and the third email…
eBay Protection Program help the sellers and buyers to stay safe with all the transactions.
How it works:
1. The seller ships the goods to eBay. They will inspect the goods and will contact you through email with the payment details.
2. You will send the payment to eBay.
3. After eBay will confirm your payment they will delivery you the goods in 3 days.
4. As soon as you will receive and you will inspect it if all will be ok and if you will decide to keep it then eBay will release the funds to me. If not you will receive the full refunds and the goods will be returned to me.
Tips that will save you from this scam:
1. eBay does not handle merchandise or hold and release funds
2. make sure the email address on the ad listing and the one you communicate with are the same
3. avoid shipping, deal locally, and meet the seller in person

I hope these people get caught….

By: aileen

aileen — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:12:36 +0000

I would like to share my experienced of scam, the person name is Kian Charles, he posted this nice trailer in KIJIJI for 4600 Canadian, he used ebay Purchase Protection program for shipping, but we never get the trailer, I am going to report to the police today and see what they can do to me. Please Help Me! can someone reply to me. I used all my saving for this trailer.

By: Neal

Neal — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:38:25 +0000

This Mark Reinman(aka Steve Bergman)is a busy scammer. He’s run over 54 craigslist ads all over the country and canada since Feb. 14, 2010. He “borrowed” pictures of a 2004 Coachmen RV listed in a legit auction in Sacramento, CA. which ended 2/21/10 selling for $27,600. He’s still claiming he’ll ship it from Arkansas with a clear title signed by him. His selling price always varies 2,800 to 2,900 with each new ad in a new city on craigslist. He is even trying several rv auction listings now. Wonder how many money grams he has cashed already… Time to file my complaints and forward all the info I’ve gathered on him. PS:(the emails he used with me match “Cathy” and “Gavin”’s above).

By: Robin Larson

Robin Larson — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:24:02 +0000

‘Mark Reinman’ (pretend military hero) has a new posting as of today on Craigslist Palm Springs for the above RV. Asking $2812. It’s a felony to impersonate military personnel. I have reported him to all the agencies I can. I hope they find these scums that dishonor our boys fighting for us in Iraq. Spread the word were ever you can.

By: Cathy Landry

Cathy Landry — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:21:54 +0000

mark Reinman still at it as of Feb.25, 2010
This time he is selling a
2004 Coachmen Cascade LIBERTY EDITION MIRA ^^ – $2827
here is his email to me
Thank you for your interest in my ad. I have recently divorced my wife, this RV was her gift from me . I want you to know the RV is in excellent condition with no rust or any kind of damage anywhere. I am the first owner of this 2004 Coachmen Liberty Edition. The RV is extremely clean and works perfectly. No mechanical or cosmetic issues, no accidents!! Bellow you can find the options and features of the RV together with more pictures.

Vehicle title:Clear
Features
Model :Liberty Edition Mira
Mileage: 12,726 miles
Type: Motorized class A
Slide outs: None
Water capacity (gallons): 91-100
Length (feet): 30
Sleeping capacity: 6
Air conditioners: 1
Fuel type: Gas
Awnings: 3
Leveling jacks included?: No

Here is a link where you can find some pictures with this gorgeous RV: http://markreinmantt.shutterfly.com/29#29

My asking price is $2900, I have no need for this RV and want to sell it fast. The RV was left at a shipping company in Pine Bluff, AR and it will be shipped from there if necessary for inspection and test before we close the deal. I really need to sell it ASAP as I am undergoing special military training, getting ready to be shipped to Iraq.

Get back to me if you are interested in purchasing and we have a deal.

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I still have not told him that I know its a scam.

Hope others dont fall for his scams

By: jay

jay — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:23:20 +0000

This guy is trying 2 scam me right now. Its the same thing w/ that ebay vehicle protection program. He wants me 2 wire money 2 some bull—- agent in Orlando Fl through western union. This transaction is 4 a 2000 fisher boat supposedly in Dallas TX. I found it posted in numerous New England cities on craigslist. I thought it was kinda funny that it wasnt listed on Texas craigslist or Dallas or anywhere down there. After I said I wanted the boat, the postings on craigslist dissapeared pretty fast. He proceeded to contact me a couple of days later, strictly email, He won’t call your telephone. I thuoght it was fishy so I checked out scams. All of your complaints just saved me 3 grand. So thanks everyone! And heads up 4 the invisible boats also. They used the name amandalindke1@gmail.com and an ebay agent name of Soliez Francesco in Fl. I think I’m Gonna send them 25 cents just 2 make them sweat 4 nothing. Peace Out

By: gavin

gavin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:27:17 +0000

Craigslist Scammer Alert:

This is an old e-mail I received today that thanks to sites such as these, I was able to quickly identify this “turkey” as a scammer:

Hi again,

Right now I’m in a military base, we are getting ready for Iraq. I cannot leave the base for now. The car is already at the shipping company warehouse in Pine Bluff, AR, ready to be shipped. It’s enlisted in the eBay VPP program so this deal must go through them. In accordance with eBay Vehicle Purchase Program terms, you have 3 days from the time you receive the car to inspect it and decide whether you want to keep it or not. The car will be shipped free of charge (assured by the army) along with all documents, clean title with my signature on it, owner’s manual and keys. Here is how it will
work:

1. First of all I will need your details: Full name, shipping address and phone #.
2. Once I receive the details from you, I will forward them to Ebay.
3. After they process your information, they will send you an invoice with all the details on how to make a Money Gram refundable payment.
4. After the deposit is made, eBay will contact me and I will ship the car.
After you receive it you will have 3 days to test and verify the car. If you decide to buy it, I will receive the payment from Ebay. Otherwise, the car will be shipped back free of charge on your side and you will be fully refunded. If you wish to make the transaction, please send me the necessary information so we can proceed.
I’ll wait your response.

Thanks,

Mark Reinman

Well Mr. Reinman; sorry but NO THANKS!

By: terri

terri — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 06:03:34 +0000

I was searching for a used vehicle and ran across a 2002 ford explorer eddie bower for 2650. I thought wow got to check it out. after reviewing the emails sent,like the ebay protection program invoice and the fact that i was surpose to wire money to a family member or business and the persons did not give their phone or address just the email lucrecia.marvel@msn.com It didnt feel right so I found this website and didnt loose out. I hope other people will read and research before they get scammed.

By: Jade

Jade — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:08:20 +0000

So glad to find this and other sites about the scams. My husband and I have both purchased vehichles from craigs list with great success. So when my sister was looking for an SUV I searched and found a Honda Pilot LX for $3900.00. I thought it sounds to good to be true, but I would see how it played out before I make any judgements. I am now sure it’s a scam. I researched the VIN# and have the actual owner of the Pilots name. (which is different from who I have been emailing RAY FALK at ray41b@gmail.com) From there I looked him up in the white pages and have an address and phone number for him. I plan to contact the Police and FBI tomorrow. Is there anything else you suggest I do.

By: j jenkin

j jenkin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:28:04 +0000

I responded to an add on craigslist for a 2003 BMW for $9000. Email follows:
On 2010-01-30 18:16:56 -0600 Matthew Ditata wrote:
> > Thank you for your interest in my BMW 745 Li. My car is still available. This is a very reluctant sale because I’m going through
> > a divorce right now, and I’m in a time crunch, which forces me to sell under
> > market value. This turns out to be a financial disaster for me, I wouldn’t
> > want > > to be forced to just give her the car if I can get some money out of it,
> > anyone
> > who went through a divorce knows exactly what I’m talking about! Therefore,
> > the
> > price is $9,000
> >
> >
> >
> > I want to make this transaction through eBay’s Vehicle
> > Purchase Program. I want eBay because they are the biggest Company and we can
> >
> > close this deal fast and safe for both of us
> >
> >
> >
> > You pay a refundable
> > deposit to one of their agents and after that I send the car to your
> > location.
> > If you accept it they will forward the payment to me. If you reject it, the
> > vehicle will be shipped back on my expense, but I assure you that it won’t be
> >
> > the case. According with eBay you have 5 days from the moment you receive the
> >
> > car to inspect it and decide if you want to keep it or not. You will have 10
> > days to settle the remaining balance.
> >
> > The vehicle is already at a shipping
> > company in Miami, Florida ready for shipping.
> >
> >
> >
> > If you are still
> > interested in buying this car I will need your full name and shipping address
> > so
> > I send them to eBay and open a transaction case for us.
> >
> >
> >
> > Thank
> > you,
> >
> > Matthew Ditata
> > _________________________________________________________