Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rob Leech on November 07, 2017, 08:23:59 PM

Title: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Rob Leech on November 07, 2017, 08:23:59 PM
 Put out a "wanted to buy" part on the forum about a month ago. Put my cell phone number on it so I could be easily reached if anyone had the part. Got a txt message this morning from "John" that he knew someone that had the part and gave me an email address to contact the part owner. Soooo, I naturally fired off an email to enquire about the part. The answer came back quickly that yes they had that part and could ship it in 24 hours. Just send my payment through Wall Mart payment services and the part would be mine. I thought well, this is great, so I inquired about more parts that I wanted. The answer came back almost immediately that yes they had those parts too. The prices were ridiculously cheap!! It crossed my mind that this is all to good to be true when they had the first part I wanted, and then when they had more parts, I knew this was BS. So I asked for pictures of the parts. That's when all communication ended. Be Careful before you pay for a part on "WTB". I got lucky, they made a few mistakes and I caught on. We all seem like good old boys on this forum and almost all of us are just that. But there are a some bad apples that read "WTB". Check things out carefully and I only use Wall Mart services when the kids are broke.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Bobby B on November 07, 2017, 09:35:18 PM
Rob,
Hi. There are more scams going on now than legitimate deals. People are getting desperate and have resorted to this nonsense. By now, everyone should know that when you see a deal that's too good to be true, it is. Always be on your guard. Once in a while I like to toy with these people. It's fun...... >:D
                                                                                                                                                                               Bobby
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Rob Leech on November 07, 2017, 10:02:45 PM
 Yeah, when you see the next one, ask them if they have your hub cap bearings and blinker fluid. lol
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: David Greenburg on November 08, 2017, 04:07:24 AM
if they’ve got Corvair radiator caps in stock it’s time to run.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on November 08, 2017, 04:23:09 AM
If you have to, pay with PayPal, and then it might be possible to reclaim your money.

NEVER EVER pay with Western Union.

I got caught way back in 2001.

The only real way to do something like this is to find a local person, who you can trust, like a CLC Member, or a member of one of your car, boat, camera etc clubs, and have them collect the part/s, and do the deal for you.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: jmurrayent on November 08, 2017, 07:59:24 AM
Yup, be careful, I just got a bogus reply from somebody named C Gully by email on my WTB post here.  At first I was excited, but after reading the vague reply, I could tell it was a scam.  The good news is, 99% of the time you can filter them out by corresponding with them and asking for photos, details, ect.  Scammers can't usually answer detailed question or don't take the time to. 

The older generation seems to have a tougher time detecting scams.  My dad is 72 and I filter through his craigslist responses for him whenever he tries to sell something, his generation seems to take people for their word, strange concept these days........too bad
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Rob Leech on November 08, 2017, 11:25:56 AM
 Yep, this one is from C Gully also. Miss Caroline is still in business. It sounded good until about the second email, then things just didn't add up.

Beware my friends carlinulleyemail addresses not permitted is a scam.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: veesixteen on November 10, 2017, 05:48:10 AM
Beware also the guy/gal who wants to BUY your stuff and PAY you with a "bankers certified check".
Run even faster if he offers to pay you MORE than your asking price, just to "hold it" for him/her.
Watch out also for the guy/gal who is over keen, speaks good English ... but NOT QUITE GOOD ENOUGH.

It never happened to me but I do occasionally get such "proposals" from potential scammers.  Example below:

"I'm Daniel, Actually I am sorry that I could not get to you earlier due to my work schedule, I  just had a change in my work schedule but I believe am OK with the condition as seen on the advert as well as the price stated. I am ready to make instant purchase with my mode of payment would being a Certified Bank Check via US mail or UPS next day service. I'll arrange for a local pick up as soon as you receive check, cash it and have your money in hand, i promise you everything will go smoothly as I would like to have it before my wedding anniversary which comes in a week. Kindly get back to me with your Full Name, Full mailing Address, Cell Phone Number and Agreed price. As soon as this is provided, payment will be overnight to you and I will let you know once it's mailed out with tracking number sent to you. I will also add an additional $70 for holding it for me till the Check get to you and delete the posting from (... list) today. Thanks and I hope we handle this in good faith while waiting to hearing from you. Best Regards, Mr Daniel. Pls consider it sold to me am seriously interested.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Steve Passmore on November 10, 2017, 06:01:47 AM
I agree with the poor grammar but how would that work Yann? In theory, you wait till you have the money before sending the item no?
They are not asking for your bank information so I'm just trying to work out how they intend to be either left with the item without paying for it or taking your money? Is there something I'm missing? as before the days of PayPal this was how bought all my spares.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: veesixteen on November 10, 2017, 07:26:39 AM
Not too sure either, Steve. Here's an explanation I found on the Web:

https://www.thebalance.com/cashier-s-check-fraud-315795
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Steve Passmore on November 10, 2017, 07:46:15 AM
Seems like the answer to most of these buyer scams if indeed that's what they are, is to wait until one is absolutely sure the funds have cleared before releasing anything..
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: cadillacmike68 on November 11, 2017, 12:59:17 AM
Those fake cashiers checks can take over a month for come up bad and your bank will suck the money out from your account faster than you can switch your old hoover on! Gotta love those "prominent Nigerian bankers".

If you pay with paypal, ALWAYS FUND VIA A CREDIT CARD!!!!! NEVER through your bank account - NEVER.

Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: denniscaddy on November 11, 2017, 01:40:50 PM
Just my two cents worth:

I've been selling Cadillac parts as a part-time thing, and then as a retirement "keep you busy" thing, for over 30 years.  In the older days, it was all SASE's and personal checks;  rarely photos.  Rarely phone, because it was expensive.  In all those years I never had a bad check from a Cadillac guy.  Repeat customers would often get their parts before I got their check, though I allowed very few open accounts.

From the seller's side, eBay and PayPal have made it a lot easier.  You get your parts before many more eyes than you ever could at a flea market or through ads.  You get your money quickly, though at a cost.  From the buyer's side, there are some protections provided, and photos on eBay let you know pretty well what the part is.  The eBay feedback ratings are very good guides.

I agree that the scammers are so stupid that they are usually easily detected.  Just post a car for sale and they come out of the woodwork, not to mention parts of the world you never heard of.

Most of the time I have found Cadillac people to be very good to deal with.  They are doing something they love and want to do.  If I have that elusive part I am very happy to provide it.  I try to be reasonably priced, though sometimes the customer wouldn't agree.

I guess the lesson is:  Know before you go.  Find out the facts, it's best if you know the person you're dealing with.

Dennis

PS:  I'm not as young as I once was.  I still have so many Cadillac parts that my wife says she hopes she dies first.  If anyone would like to talk with me about buying them all, I would be happy to discuss.  It can be a nice hobby business, especially for a CLC guy.

Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: chstitans42 on November 12, 2017, 10:45:27 AM
If ANYONE uses the word "advert" it is a scam. Who has EVER heard someone say that word in normal conversation????
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Steve Passmore on November 12, 2017, 11:28:44 AM
Quote from: chstitans42 on November 12, 2017, 10:45:27 AM
If ANYONE uses the word "advert" it is a scam. Who has EVER heard someone say that word in normal conversation????

Whoops, I use it all the time ???
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Rob Leech on November 13, 2017, 07:01:38 PM
 I started this thread and said that all communication had ended, however it was not over. I continue to get txt messages saying they have the parts and they are ready to ship. Still no pictures, claims to have a very basic phone that has no camera. They can be relentless. Also, someone posted that people wanted to by their parts with cashiers checks. The bad ones are hard to spot, but your bank will get it back eventually. Then your out. Some of them actually have sent cashiers checks for more than the purchase price and requested that you send them the change. Of course the check is bad, they never pick up the parts, they just keep the change. 
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: veesixteen on November 14, 2017, 05:07:34 AM
Just got another one, from ...  Nebraska (I live in South Carolina).
Again, poor English.
My ad is clear: "Cash only, on pickup or delivery within 10 mile radius of Lake Murray dam. No "Certified Bankers' Checks" that bounce a week later! NO offers MORE than the advertised price!"

You have to laugh at their ingenuity!
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: boseephuss on November 14, 2017, 09:50:04 AM
I, sadly, was had by one of these guys.  Lesson learned.  I suggest requesting all primary communication go through the forum as a first hurdle.  None of the scammers have ever contacted me through the forum itself and I don't suspect they would take the time to create an account on here to scam folks.

Amusingly enough, I told the scammer that I was filing a claim with law enforcement.  His response was "Yes, please proceed."  Should you get an email from garybennyfieldemail addresses not permitted, be forewarned.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: gary griffin on November 14, 2017, 11:11:41 AM
When a large amount of money is involved I "Fly and buy" . Works well for me, I get a trip and what I want.  Small amounts I trust other club members and established businesses only.

I have checked out items for club members in the past also. If you see a great deal in Seattle area give me a call and I will go and look at it for you.  no fee but it I do it and you are happy you can donate a bit to your favorite charity. I live just North of Tacoma and do not care to go north of Seattle but can be persuaded!
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: 59-in-pieces on November 14, 2017, 02:15:15 PM
Yann,
the link is very informative - and thanks.

From my own Domestic and International Banking experience, I offer the following.

Folks believe that a Cashier's or Certified Bank Check can not be stopped for payment, and it is as cash - one even says so.
Not true - we all know about putting a Stop Payment on a check we have written for a variety of reasons, some times with the payment of a fee to our Bank.

It is also true that the buyer of the Cashier's or Certified Bank Check may place a Stop Payment on the check - generally for no fee if the buyer is well known to the Bank and maintains consistently reasonable balances - or - the buyer signs a Certification explaining the need to stop payment - or - the buyer signs a Hold Harmless Agreement for the Bank's benefit - or - the buyer posts a Bond in the same amount as the Check.  Each "or" is based upon the banking relationship with the customer/buyer, and can be used in any aggregate.  The upshot of the Stop Payment is after it reaches your Bank, the Bank move to Set-Off against the available funds in your account into which the funds were originally deposited - or - against all available funds you have in as many accounts that you have, for the Bank to recover the funds to keep the Bank whole.

Another 2 cents - when selling my son's cars, outside the area - we have required the buyer to pay CASH at the time and place of delivery.  When the buyer is well out of the area and when a transport company is required, we have asked that the buyer's funds be transferred to the transport company by check.  When the check clears to their satisfaction, they have been given written instructions by the buyer - their customer - to bring cash to us before they take possession of the car.
This has kept us out of trouble even sending a 70 Nova to Spain.

One more piece of advice - if you are going to get Cash for your car or parts without being sure of the buyer, I would suggest getting a Counterfeit bill detector.
They are cheap and similar to the ones used at your Bank to detect counterfeit $100 bills - most often counterfeited - see pic below.
You don't want to think just because you got Cash you are clear.
Nope, if you didn't check the bills and you present them to your smiling Teller at the Bank, and she reaches under the counter and suddenly you are surrounded by the cops for trying to pass bogus bills - shame and surprise could be yours - out the goods - out the cash - possible bad mark on your reputation.

That is all from the belt and suspenders guy.
Have fun,
Steve B.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Glen on November 15, 2017, 12:34:10 AM
Another word of advice.  If you are the buyer and you are to meet the seller and bring cash, meet only in a public place and bring a big muscular friend with you. 
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Classic on November 15, 2017, 08:27:20 AM
OK, so even cash can be suspect.  Are wire transfers safe?  Is PayPal safe?  Your collective input would be appreciated.  Thank you.  Gene
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Barry M Wheeler #2189 on November 15, 2017, 08:58:27 AM
Or bring one of Col. Colt's friends with you. It used to be that you could give a guy a check and they would not bat an eye. Or even say that you'd forgotten to bring your checkbook. They'd say, "Send it to me when you get home. I hope you have a safe trip." Nowadays, you have to bring someone with you to Mickey Ds, meet the guy and hope HE isn't carrying. Are we having fun yet?

I have a member who admired the carpictures and asked if I wanted to sell it.???
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: cadillacmike68 on November 16, 2017, 12:04:37 AM
Quote from: Glen on November 15, 2017, 12:34:10 AM
Another word of advice.  If you are the buyer and you are to meet the seller and bring cash, meet only in a public place and bring a big muscular friend with you.

Or bring an M1911A1.   ;)
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Barry M Wheeler #2189 on November 16, 2017, 09:23:29 AM
Funny you should mention that, Mike. One is about a foot from my hand as I type this. (1927 Argentine one of 10K built by Colt.) Cocked (so as to make it easier to work the slide and get a round in the chamber) and locked.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: SixDucks on November 19, 2017, 12:32:00 PM
Hello all,

My 2 cents,

I NEVER purchase parts from unless I can speak with the person on the phone and I exclusively use a USPS money order when I make a purchase.  If the parts are within driving distance I take often need to plan the trip which means I usually have time to send a postal money order prior to my arrival  to pick up the parts. I haven't ever purchased from someone that is not a member of the site.
Again.... no phone conversation NO SALE.

Terry
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: cadillacmike68 on November 22, 2017, 10:10:01 PM
You don't need those pens, you just need to know the various treasury features in the currency. Most notable; the color changing hallmarks, the denomination running vertical, the blue & red threads, and the gold or solver interrupted lines. These are not easily faked.

If someone that I have any suspicion of wants to pay in large bills, we will meet at MY bank where he will take out a tellers check for me using his cash, with me standing next to him.

End of any possible problems.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Rob Leech on December 17, 2017, 02:11:24 PM
 This has been a very informative thread, thanks to all for your suggestions and experience about buying and selling in todays world. Keep them coming if you know more. I hope we have saved someone the misfortune of a scam.
One thing nobody mentioned about PayPal. I saw this happen to my son. He sold his password to a video game and they deposited the money in my PayPal account. They took over his game and changed the password, then stopped payment on the PayPal transaction. He was stuck, I couldn't get the money back for him. The woman who owned the other side of the PayPal transaction swore she didn't know anything about it. So, it is also possible to have a PayPal transactions reversed.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Bobby B on December 17, 2017, 02:41:33 PM
Quote from: Rob Leech on December 17, 2017, 02:11:24 PM
The woman who owned the other side of the PayPal transaction swore she didn't know anything about it. So, it is also possible to have a PayPal transactions reversed.

If she swore she didn't know anything about it, how about making good on it then? And Yes, if you pay with PayPal THROUGH your credit card, you have a case, even when it is legit and the product, car, etc. was not "as advertised". They will go to bat for you and they'll work hand-in-hand with your credit card company. The last thing PayPal needs is a bad rap. Now eBay, that's a different story altogether ::)........
                                                                                                                                                            Bobby
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: gary griffin on December 17, 2017, 03:17:28 PM
I got an email from Caroline about my "advert" also from someone trolling our forum.  She wants my address to send info about the 1940 emblem I may need.  As it turns out I had mine chrome plated with a bunch or other parts from a different restoration and it was in the garage on the Dodge shelf. 

One of the many advantages to this forum is communicating scams and opportunities along with the knowledge we share.

As I recall the only non response posting I have made was for the rare emblem I already have.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: slowpoke17 on December 17, 2017, 09:02:13 PM
Unfortunately I've learned to be less trustful of almost everything nowadays. I've seen various ads, purchased excellent cars from very reputable dealers only to find my definition of excellent didn't quite match their version. The best example I have to share was last year I was looking again to find another '84, '85 Eldorado. I found an ad with an '85 black one with good miles, located within 10 miles of my home. I read the ad and commented to my wife on how well written it was. I looked over the photos again and again as it seemed like something was odd. Then I realized their was a Ram 1500 in the background, I zoomed in and it just like mine, down to the last pinstripe. Then I noticed it was my old Eldorado that I sold two years prior to a dealer in Belgium. This person took my ad and posted it exactly as I had it. My car was that Bordeaux red and they thought it was black as it was very dark in the photos.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: gary griffin on December 17, 2017, 09:20:34 PM
I basically trust club members but for large $ item I fly and buy.  I have purchased in person and had cars shipped, and I have purchased and driven home. I take along  a club directory thinking if it is a little shakey I could buy and hopefully club member would let me park at his place until shipper could pick it up, but I never had top consider that option.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: cadillacmike68 on December 17, 2017, 10:53:52 PM
Quote from: Barry M Wheeler #2189 on November 16, 2017, 09:23:29 AM
Funny you should mention that, Mike. One is about a foot from my hand as I type this. (1927 Argentine one of 10K built by Colt.) Cocked (so as to make it easier to work the slide and get a round in the chamber) and locked.

You know what the saying is: "cocked and locked, safer than a glock".

I got my 1996 Fleetwood by flying to south Carolina and driving it home.

Paypal is only safe if you fund the payment WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD.

And now you have to watch out for fake paypal payment advice messages with a convenient dispute link that takes you off to wherever.....
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Steve Passmore on December 18, 2017, 04:09:47 AM
One thing to remember when paying PayPal with your credit card. If you're like me and always pay off the card to avoid interest charges your credit card classes a PayPal transaction as an instant cash withdraw and interest is charged instantly. Paying big dollars for a car can give you a nasty shock when the credit card bill comes in.
When buying cars to ship back here I set up a rapport with the seller and before the deal is done a great deal of emails have passed between us with questions only someone genuine could answer. I guess I will get caught one day but so far so good.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: cadillacmike68 on December 18, 2017, 09:45:33 AM
Quote from: Steve Passmore on December 18, 2017, 04:09:47 AM
One thing to remember when paying PayPal with your credit card. If you're like me and always pay off the card to avoid interest charges your credit card classes a PayPal transaction as an instant cash withdraw and interest is charged instantly. Paying big dollars for a car can give you a nasty shock when the credit card bill comes in.
When buying cars to ship back here I set up a rapport with the seller and before the deal is done a great deal of emails have passed between us with questions only someone genuine could answer. I guess I will get caught one day but so far so good.

That's not correct. It must be something that your card company is doing. I know some cards haze zero grace period, but its not an instant cash withdrawal. There are federal laws on that sort of thing.

Edit. Steve being in the UK means that the US laws that I'm familiar with do not apply.
Title: Re: Scams on the "wanted to buy" forum
Post by: Steve Passmore on December 18, 2017, 11:39:00 AM
Quote from: cadillacmike68 on December 18, 2017, 09:45:33 AM


Edit. Steve being in the UK means that the US laws that I'm familiar with do not apply.

Certainly the case with my card here sadly.