Background check please: Car lot / shop called GUEST-AUTOS

cowtown · 04-06-2004, 09:15 AM

Has anyone heard of this shop or car lot in the UK:

Adams Ritscher
GUEST-AUTOS
No 1 Charlwood Court
County Oak Way
Creawley, West Sussex RH11 7XA
GREAT BRITAIN.

The short version is that I've been back and forth 3 times with Mr. Ritscher via email, and he seems to want to buy my '88 Carrera and ship to the UK, presumably to resell. On the surface this might make sense because of the weak USD, and he says he will pay ahead of time and make shipping arrangements. He has also provided the above address, so I'm more inclined to think he's for real.

I just do not want to get burned. Has anyone heard of Adams Ritscher or got any background on this shop? I can't find a web site.

I AM NOT accusing him of fraudulent activity - just doing my due dilligence.

Thanks!
Colin

kqw · 04-06-2004, 09:56 AM

When payment is tendered, (I presume a check/ money order or certified check) before you ship the car make sure the money clears.

Have your banker be very clear on what you mean by clear. The check was cleared by the buyers bank.

There have been instances where money is tendered by check etc. and a week later your bank will come back and say insufficient funds.

karpis · 04-06-2004, 11:41 AM

This is scam. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/CARS/sell/cc/fr-1.jsp

cowtown · 04-06-2004, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by karpis
This is scam. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/CARS/sell/cc/fr-1.jsp

That was my first instinct. But I don't want to jump to conclusions either. We'll see if he wants to wire me extra money that I'm supposed to send back to him.

I wrote that I would clear funds with both my bank and his bank before the car goes anywhere. Have not heard back.

Was hoping someone would say "Oh yeah, that's a big shop near my house. I know the guy well!" It's never that easy.

cowtown · 12:57 PM

Okay, now how do I get this guy busted? Maybe I should have him send the check to "Detective O'Keefe" at the LAPD or something.

I appreciate your price difference from other sellers.I have considered the pictures of the car(unit) at the advert as presentable to the choice of my client that opted for the car,and I've discussed with him and he accepted the offer and instructed that I should go on and pay with his deposited check of a cancealled order .

I would've come over on my own for the test drive and pick-up but due to the rigorious assignment I have at hand, I've liased with my assisting shiper agent in canada to help up in the test drive& pick-up.

Ok,I have understood that We've settled to deal the car. Good,Now I am sending you the payment cashier's check of $24,695.00 on trust,You will deduct the which is the cost of your car and then send the remainder via western union transfer to the shiper agent in canada whom is responsible for the test drive & pick-up to enable him get the shipment arrangment ready and by then come over for the pick-up.

Confirm the deal and get back to me soon with your informations for the payment cashier's check and courier service.

Thanks,
Adams Ritscher.

GUEST-AUTOS
No 1 Charlwood Court
County Oak Way
Creawley, West Sussex RH11 7XA
GREAT BRITAIN.

Rot 911 · 04-06-2004, 12:58 PM

Hell at least get the cashier's check to keep as a souvenir!

kqw · 04-06-2004, 01:47 PM

reply back to him:

It is most convienient for to have the car ready for pick up where I work. Please have the shipping agent you designated to arrive at the following address:

Cowtown, find the correct address of:

Office of the Department of Justice
XXX street
Suite XXX
XXX, Mo.

Attn: your name

Then note at the botton:

Please advise if this is aceptable as I'll be sure to have the vehicle available.

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

same thing happened when i had my go-kart for sale. these guys must reallt scour want adds looking to make this scam work.

vash · vash's Garage

cowtown, i just looked at a leaky C2 in san leandro for a friend (in texas) i am pushing hard to have him look into your car. i will forward your PP posting to his son in law, ASAP. sooner or later, it will sink into the guys thick head that low mileage is not the best thing to look for...

cliff

cowtown · 05:50 PM

Gave him the address of the Sacramento FBI office to send the check to. Hope they don't mind... Not a federal matter, but might be more believable than CIA.

cowtown · 04-07-2004, 06:25 AM

Just to wrap this up, here's his response. I'm surprised he even replied:

To: "Colin O'Keefe"
Subject: f K U
From: Adams Ritscher
Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2004 04:40:11 -0700 (PDT)

F-K U.

tHANKS,