Weird craigslist add, Fake?
 

I found an add on my local craigslist (which is now gone) for a 1952 Jeep Willys completely restored for $4500. Out of speculation I sent and email. I get this back:

I'm really sorry for this late reply but I've been very busy lately and away from a computer. The Jeep is in excellent running and body condition, no flaws on it or any other mechanical problems. It has a clear title and it will be signed and notarized on your name as soon as the payment will be completed. This was my husband's Jeep who passed away 4 months ago and it only brings me bad memories. I only hope to find a good home for it and to be taken care of like my husband did. I believe $4,500(not negotiable) with all shipping fees anywhere in the continental US included is more than a fair price.
I will tell you a few words about it. 52 Jeep 3dr Wagon with an automatic transmission it is in immaculate condition with only 58,311 miles, VIN number: IT20077Y, rust free, no scratch and hasn't been involved in any accident. The engine runs very well (Chevy 350 4BBL V8).
The interior looks great (never smoked in). This Jeep needs nothing.
I want this transaction to go smoothly enough as I am caught in the middle of some very important events and have little time at my disposal. I already have tons of emails so I hope you understand that I need to sort them out. I will take in consideration only those buyers who are really interested in buying the Jeep, to be sure that I don't waste my time with endless discussions. This way, I shall be assured of the serious intentions.
For more pictures click in the link below:
http://s325.photobucket.com/albums/k366/mellisabor
So if you are interested please email me back and we'll go from there.
Mellisa Borres

Now I'm really skeptical so I ask for here phone #. I get this email back:

As I told you in my first e-mail, I lost my husband in an accident 4 months ago and I was badly injured. I have problems with my hearing and most of the time have headaches. I'm in Santa Monica now for treatment.
Before leaving I had prearranged the deal with Fast Shippers http://www.fast-shippers.com so my presence isn't necessary. The jeep and all the papers (title,etc..) are in their possession ready for delivery. The shipping company will hold the payment until the jeep is delivered and inspected. You will have 3 days to test and inspect it. If it's not as described or if the title is not clear or whatever problem you may find and we can't work it out, the jeep will be returned and your money will be refunded. If you accept it, the papers will be signed and notorized.
Quite simple and fast. So if you want to purchase the jeep please go to http://www.fast-shippers.com/search.php and follow the instructions.


Funny thing is here email checks out on the website (mellisabor@aol.com).

Thats throwing me off a bit. Still think its complete BS but she seems a little to knowledgeable in the 1st email.

I'd be very suspicious. You obviously are.

The whole set-up may be fake, company and website too.

Website domain registration info:

More:

http://forum.aa419.org/viewtopic.php?t=25696&start=0&postdays=0&postorder =asc&highlight=&sid=bff83ab5134b76274d9d8d53546642 f3

And

http://db.aa419.org/fakebanksview.php?key=28168

Thats what I figured. I searched for Mellisa Borres all over the internet and could find a single name. If they learned how to spell Melissa it would have been more convincing.

RUN!!!

Did a Google on "fast shippers" and found the following:

http://db.aa419.org/fakebanksview.php?key=28168
Note the "Created On" date for the website... :eek:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1216140218.jpg

And another link here:
http://forum.aa419.org/viewtopic.php?t=25696&start=0&postdays=0&postorder =asc&highlight=&sid=bff83ab5134b76274d9d8d53546642 f3

Randy

Your instincts were correct. :)

Unfortunately, I bet this scammer gets a sucker every now and then and makes a pretty good living and is probably operating from somewhere in Africa, out of reach from legitimate law enforcement.

It would be great to flood their inbox with crap load of emails.


Speedy:)

Or hammer the site with a DoS attack. :D

That is one of the best-written ones I have seen. Still, it follows the same MO. No phone number, can't see the car, shipping to anywhere included, fire-sale price. That, and there are just enough things wrong with the English, to make it reek.

you guys are good ;)

personally, I love sleuthing through internet scams. seems like this outfit lifted its data from Passport Auto (Reliable Carriers) in order to model their fake shipping site. pretty clever, but not good enough