Another car buy scam ...

[Drdogface]

This guy uses the same old crap:

I have my P car listed on CL so I guess I can expect these. Also get tons of brokers calling from all over. What a PIA it is to sell a car...even a nice resto'd SC..

"I'm satisfied with the condition but when last was it serviced, how
long have you owned it?? and what's your lowest price for it. I love a
bargain, so i would like to get it as soon as i can.I would be able
to make payment through paypal, i find it the easiest way to use my
credit card safely and is a safe and reliable method of payment...
Let me know your price for it .I hope to hear from you soon, and i
will make all transportation preparations"

[AFC-911]

If I could have used Paypal to buy my last used car, I would have.

Talk about a missed opportunity to get 4k of Frequent Flyer miles.

[Drdogface]

Using Pay Pal...or rather accepting it...is no guarantee of payment. Dunno how long you'd have to wait to be sure...

[Rick Lee]

When trying to sell my bike on CL, I put "NO PAYPAL. Cash or certified funds in person only" in the ad twice and still got crushed with scammers every day. They must have some kind of software that just blasts to all vehicle ads and, even with a .000001% success rate, it makes it worthwhile.

[AFC-911]

^ If I met you in person and said I wanted to pay you through Paypal, would you still say no?

The reason being is that I want FF miles in addition to what you're selling, of course.

[Esel Mann]

There's no telling as to whether the pay pal angle is legit or not. As one pointed out it could be a buyer trying to finagle rewards/kick-backs. Equally possible it could be a scammer.

The thing is there are alternatives which CYA for the seller so rejecting pay pal payment should not be a problem for the serious buyer. If they have an issue, politely decline it such.

My experience on selling things on Craigslist is you are going to get all types. However the same is true for other classified oriented means. The thing about craigslist though is it does seem that I get more people who are only interested in buying only if they perceive they are getting a deal. There is very little interest in purchasing something of value at fair-value on craigslist. Again not always the case but it seems to be more often than not when I sell things.

For craigslist, patience is a prerequisite. Also per above, it may not be the place to try to sell something which has exceptional value unless it is in demand. Are SC's in demand in your area? Do you see a lot of churn on craigslist in your area for SC's? If not and if your SC is low-mileage, or in excellent condition or above, or has something about it which commands value, craigslist folks are still only going to want to pay the high-mileage average condition price. Another classified venue may need to be considered.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by Drdogface

This guy uses the same old crap:

I have my P car listed on CL so I guess I can expect these. Also get tons of brokers calling from all over. What a PIA it is to sell a car...even a nice resto'd SC..

"I'm satisfied with the condition but when last was it serviced, how
long have you owned it?? and what's your lowest price for it. I love a
bargain, so i would like to get it as soon as i can.I would be able
to make payment through paypal, i find it the easiest way to use my
credit card safely and is a safe and reliable method of payment...
Let me know your price for it .I hope to hear from you soon, and i
will make all transportation preparations"

Does the AC work?

[Drdogface]

AC didn't work so I took it out..

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by AFC-911

^ If I met you in person and said I wanted to pay you through Paypal, would you still say no?

Pretty sure I would say "NO".

Last two Porsches I have purchased have been with fists of $100 bills.
Last thing I sold was a Jeep, and the buyer paid with.... $100 bills.

[Zeke]

I took PP for the deposit. Transferred the money the next day.

My PP is never tied to a bank. If a seller doesn't accept non verified PP payments from me, I simply find one who does.

I love walking away from people while putting my money back in my wallet. One of the best feelings you can have.

Screw 'em.

By the time I'm 80, people are going to have to offer to give me a BJ before I buy anything. Of course I won't be able to rise to the occasion.

It's the thought that counts.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I sold a set of $800 Boxster wheels via Paypal, the buyer disputed one fraudulent charge on his account and Paypal reversed his last 60 days of transactions. Despite both myself and the seller writing (they have no phone number) Paypal that the transaction was legitimate, Paypal put a negative balance on my account and demanded payment. The seller made it right via check, but THAT is the reason why I wouldn't ever take Paypal for anything more than a few hundred dollar vehicle deposit. Selling a vehicle for thousands and taking Paypal for it is crazy, they are NOT your friend.

[rattlsnak]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Despite both myself and the seller writing (they have no phone number)

sure they do, Ive called them a few times on occasion. Its listed in the contact page.

[aigel]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I sold a set of $800 Boxster wheels via Paypal, the buyer disputed one fraudulent charge on his account and Paypal reversed his last 60 days of transactions. Despite both myself and the seller writing (they have no phone number) Paypal that the transaction was legitimate, Paypal put a negative balance on my account and demanded payment. The seller made it right via check, but THAT is the reason why I wouldn't ever take Paypal for anything more than a few hundred dollar vehicle deposit. Selling a vehicle for thousands and taking Paypal for it is crazy, they are NOT your friend.

They are fraudulent, actually. I lost several hundred bucks the same way. I am convinced they take money they know is legit but not covered by their "insurance" to stuff holes that are caused by fraud, so they don't have to cover it. I use PayPal only when I have to and limit it to <100 if it isn't me paying by credit card.

G

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by rattlsnak

sure they do, Ive called them a few times on occasion. Its listed in the contact page.

During this fiasco I tried to find their number and failed. I got the impression from their email replies that they really didn't comprehend what either of us was writing. Was their support based in India?

[rattlsnak]

no, it was here. they have always been very helpful and quick to resolve the 2-3 issues Ive had.