Offer to Buy 911S: A Scam?

Rot 911 · 09-18-2007, 05:01 AM

There is a '73 911S on ebay that has a buy it now price of $93K. Someone posted it on here. As a joke I made a "best offer" of $12K. Here is the email I just got. Is this another "nigerian scam" type email or should I be getting my car trailer ready?

"Hello scanners52491. I am the seller of Item #200150873596 (1973 Porsche : 911 S). I have changed my mind and accepted your offer. I'm giving you the chance to purchase it for your price (US $12,000.00). Contact me at bestfever3@aol.com or respond to this message either or not interested. Thank You, vantage1227 "

frogger · 09-18-2007, 05:03 AM

Buy it, with money exchanging hands at the time you take possession of the S.

Joeaksa · 09-18-2007, 05:05 AM

Tell him that you want to pick the car up in person after its had a pre-purchase inspection. You will pay in cash...

Just tried to look at the auction and it says a non-valid item number... ??

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

Go for it. Cash only.

Rot 911 · 09-18-2007, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Tell him that you want to pick the car up in person after its had a pre-purchase inspection. You will pay in cash...
Just tried to look at the auction and it says a non-valid item number... ??

That's odd the number works for me. I'll put the link here, but it is probably to long to work.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200150873596&ru=http://motors.search.ebay.com:80/200150873596_W0QQfromZR40QQfviZ1

The auction has ended so I suspect this is someone else trying to sucker someone out of their money.

Rot 911 · 09-18-2007, 05:46 AM

I just replied to the scammer:

"Wow, I never thought I had a chance of being able to buy that beautiful automobile. What do I have to do next to complete the purchase?
"

Neilk · 09-18-2007, 06:46 AM

I got the following e=mail when I lost an auction for some laptop memory. "Hello Dear Buyer ,

I am sorry if i disturbing you, but i want let you know that i am the seller of the item title 512MB PC133 SODimm Laptop Notebook Memory, Dell IBM HP ,if you are still interested to buy it please make your best offer once you receive this email and please be resonable and we can have a deal. Contact me as soon as possible for more details about closing the transaction !

Waiting for your answer!
Best regards! "

The odd thing is that they spammed my gmail account when my ebay user name is registered with yahoo. I almost fell for it. Fortunately I remembered that the e-mail address used was incorrect.

stevepaa · 09-18-2007, 06:53 AM

just call the dealer directly 631 425 1555
and talk to them.

the · 09-18-2007, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevepaa

just call the dealer directly 631 425 1555
and talk to them.

Why?

CJFusco · CJFusco's Garage

With the information given, I would assume it is a scammer... but looking at his auction, he has a number of Porsches and Ferraris for sale, and all the pics are from the same lot. Maybe he has been trying to sell the S forever and he just wants it off his lot?

I think it would be foolish of you NOT to complete the transaction; that car at 12K would be a ridiculous steal. Just use caution - offer to pay in person after a PPI. You never know, this might be the deal of a lifetime (or a good way for you to turn around and flip the car for $20-30K profit).

Of course, it might just be an attempted scam.

Rot 911 · 09-18-2007, 07:01 AM

I can't help but think it is a scam, just not sure what is up. He is not asking for the money up front. Here is his reply to me:

"In order to complete this transaction easy and safe provide a shipping name and address and eBay will send you an invoice with details regarding payment and shipping.

I will be waiting for your response shortly.
Best Regards!"

I can't believe my offer was the best offer he had. Any suggestions as to a response? Pehaps I should just call the number on the listing and see what is up.

the · 09-18-2007, 07:16 AM

It is obviously a scam, you can be 100% sure. It's the most common scam on eBay.

Deal of a lifetime, LOL. Yeah, a dealer who tries to sell a valuable car for $93K but doesn't get it that high, suddenly is going to take $12K for it. This is a car dealer. They know what they are doing and aren't in the biz of giving stuff away for 1/4 (or less) of its easy sale value.

Either have some fun with the scammer (at some point you'll get a request to send money to him before you receive anything in return), or stop corresponding with him and go on with your day.

Joeaksa · 09-18-2007, 07:18 AM

Look at the guys feedback:

http://feedback.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=vantage1227&&ftab=FeedbackAsSeller&sspagename=VIP:feedback:2:us&iid=200150873596

Really not good. I would keep playing with him but be very wary of this one.

the · 09-18-2007, 07:19 AM

The "second chance offer" has nothing to do with the seller's feedback.

The guy making the "second chance offer" ISN'T THE SELLER. The seller doesn't even know about it.

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

12 grand for an S that looks that good even if just on pictures
why a PPI , if the chassis and engine number works out, it's worth that much in parts

if it were near me ,i'de arrange for pickup with cash
and arrange it close to a police station, with friend or 2 along in case they try anything funny

the · 09-18-2007, 07:22 AM

Good gawd. Have any of you had ANY experience with eBay or are you all eBay newbies?

Now I know why these scams stay around (and work) for so long.

Have fun.

stealthn · 09-18-2007, 07:32 AM

I think the email is a scam, the seller seems to have a good rep, and is quite a driver and enthusiast. You have to call to see if you get to steal it....

http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3800.asp?id=12739

911teo · 09-18-2007, 07:44 AM

the same happened to me when I wanted to buy a Ford GT.
Same story, same email, same instructions.
Ebay DOES NOT offer escrow services.
Also on the invoice there will be a link to a fake ebay page.

Say that you have relatives at the sellers location and would like to see the car. They could also pay money tomorrow to the seller directly.

Well my guy disappeared....

Kurt 12k for an S? Come on.... it's not real...

Rot 911 · 09-18-2007, 07:54 AM

The plot thickens!

Kurt V to bestfever3
show details 10:25 am (26 minutes ago)

I'd like to just fly out there to inspect the car and pay for it on
the spot. I could do that quickly. Can you give me a good name and
phone number for you so I can work out the details with you on the
phone?

from "bestfever3@aol.com" hide details 10:32 am (18 minutes ago)
to kvalent118@gmail.com
date Sep 18, 2007 10:32 AM
subject Re: eBay Best Offer Accepted for Item 200150873596: 1973 Porsche : 911 S
mailed-by aol.com

Please do as instructed to get this done trough eBay . I`m not working outside eBay . Thanks and please send the requested info !

Rot 911 · 09-18-2007, 08:04 AM

My latest response:

"Not a problem. I sent the information through the ad that was posted on ebay. I still would like to have the car inspected. Can you give me your phone number so I can get with you to arrange that? How much should I send you now to insure I get the car? Thanks!"