# Screwing with a ebay scamer for fun **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 25, 2007, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344 "2007-01-25T00:27:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2007, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/1 "2007-01-25T00:27:17Z")
Not Profit. ::: sigh::: OK, here is the deal, I have been wanting a toy car to play with. MG, Austin Healey, or a Jag XKE. Now I am fairly new to eBay, and while I have bit on several items, I have dropped out when it got to the price I could have bought them at on the outside. So right now I have zero feedback. But between my friends that are heavy into it, and the dope, I have a fairly good idea of what to expect. So Sunday night I see a 1966 Jag XKE convertible listed. Not perfect condition, but a good driver. Just what I am looking for. The auction has under two days left, and 0 bids on the car. Smelling a chance for a bargain, I go to bid and see that the auction is for approved bidders only. OK, a might unusual, but within the realm of possibility. So I send off a note: > [@](#): > > I would like to be put on your approved bidder list for your E-type > Thanks, > Rick Here is what I got back: - Hello, First let me say that the Jaguar XKE is available for $7200, I am the third owner of the car.You will receive your car by DAS([www.dasautoshippers.com](http://www.dasautoshippers.com)) at your home address. It is insured in case of damage and it takes 3-5 days to be delivered at your door. I will send the Jaguar with all the papers you need to register it(clear title, bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement).The car is in perfect condition, no marks or need for additional repairs what so ever.The real miles on board, a great car ready to be yours. It has no accident or any engine problem. The car is located in Farmington, MN and is ready for new owner.Because I want to deal as soon as possible I am ready to cover the shipping costs and insurance. If you agree with this price we can start to complete the transaction, you won’t pay any additional taxes, just the price for it ($7200). I need to know you,even if that means by email or phone before i sell you the car.Even if i seem a little paranoid,i will not sell this car to anyone.I took very good care of her and i feel very attached to her.The car has a clear title and it is on my name.I dont want to offend you by anything but if we are going to complete the sale we are going to use Ebay Purchase Program which will cover the purchases up to 20,000 USD.Please also provide me with the following details necessary to take a decision: -your full name and address for shipping -your ph# If you agree with my terms,i will need your name and address and i will contact ebay to inform them about our agreement and to start the program to protect us.If this is ok with you and you want me to explain how the process works,please email me and i will do that. Thank you and i will wait for your email\* So far everything seems good. The price is low, but with no bids, it is possible that the seller is in a bind and wants cash now. Cool, I can swing with that. Just to make sure I am not overlooking something obvious, I call two of my friends, the first is a guy that sells 10-15 items a week on ebay, he says it sounds OK esp since the seller for sure wants go through ebay and follow the rules. The second guy is an old car buff that has bought cars though ebay before. He also says it sounds cheap, but OK. So with that I write back: > [@](#): > > OK, I have been seduced by the cat. > First off I understand your paranoia. I feel a little goosey about sending $7200 dollars to someone I don’t know. > > You seem concerned about the home your baby will get, so let me tell you a little about myself. > I am 55 years old and started driving and working on British Cars back in 1967 when my sister bought an MGB. > I have owned various MGs and Triumphs through the years. One of my great ones that got away stories was the '63 XKE with a rebuilt engine that I did not buy for $1,000 back in 1969. I am still kicking myself over that one. > I am an auto technician by trade, and currently I am a service training instructor for Volvo cars. Back when I was first starting out as a technician I used to service a '69 E convertible, and I loved to work on that car. The test drives were the best! > I have always had a lust for Jags. To the point I even worked at a Jag dealership for a year or so. > So I think I can say your baby will go to a good home. Yes I have a garage. > > I do need to know just how the process works, so if you could explain it to me, I would like that. > My full name and contact info: > Richard XXX > 123 My home street St. > So Cal, Ca. 91342 (Note due to my travel schedule, I may have the car shipped to my office, we will work this out when we speak) > My cell phone is: (XXX) 123-4567 > > Please call me as I do have a few questions. This was at about 7:30AM. I keep g mail and eBay open all morning as I worked. At about noon, the eBay listing got cancelled. Poof! gone. So I wrote this > [@](#): > > I just noticed that the listing has been pulled. > What is going on? > Please contact me, good or bad, I would just like to know what is happening. > Thanks, > Rick I was thinking that the seller had pulled the listing because they had sold the car to someone else. At about 5PM I get this: \*"Hi, Thank you for a prompt answer.I can see that you are a decided and serious person.Ok, i will try to explain it to you.If you want to buy a car trough their program,I must forward to ebay your user name,name and address.They will examine the transaction and they will contact us if everything is fine.If this transaction will be approved they will send you the invoice with all payment (deposit) instruction.The price is 7200 USD and the payment method will be bank wire transfer.Please let me know if you agree in order to start this transaction. I will wait your reply…"\* OK, at this point the Red strobe lights start flashing, the sirens start going off, and over the speakers I hear **Danger Will Robinson, Danger! Danger!** This is a scam I think. I call my buddies and they agree with me. But wait we aren’t done yet. The next morning I get this: _“Dear Mr.Rick, You are the only approved buyer for this Jaguar. Your details have been forwarded on to the eBay Motors Customer Department and I think that you have been informed by them about the details of this transaction. Now, in order to finish the deal, you must complete the payment process exactly as you have been instructed by eBay. As soon as I receive the confirmation from eBay that you have made the payment, I will have the car sent to you or you can pick it up,it is your choice. If you are no more interested in purchasing this item from me, please let me know ASAP because I have another 2 clients waiting for this item but I need your agreement to sell it to someone else. Thank you”_ And also in my inbox is a fake invoice for the car from ebay. I wish I could reproduce the entire e mail here it was a work of art > [@](#): > > Dear Rick, > > eBay Motors is recording the transaction for item #330077674274 - Jaguar : E TYPE ROADSTER > The Vehicle Services Division was created for the specific purpose of processing all issues related to the purchase, title transfer, lien registration, inspection and transport of vehicles. Whether the transaction is a simple direct purchase for an individual or a more complex transaction involving a multiple parties, the unique range of services offered by eBay motors is always available as a proven and invaluable tool for dealers, lenders and individuals contemplating purchasing a vehicle over the Internet. > The process is straightforward; after the terms of the agreement are determined, eBay motors instructions are prepared and the buyer deposits the funds into eBay. The Buyer may also select additional services at this time. These services include Title Transfer/Lien Registration, Vehicle Inspection, Vehicle Transportation and Vehicle History. eBay motors has partnered with industry leaders to deliver this comprehensive solution. Nice string of double talk, huh? So now it is time to go for the fuck me, no FUCK YOU with this scammer. I send this back > [@](#): > > Hey that is great. After having a chance to think about this, I think I want to drive back to Farmington and pick the car up myself. I will be happy to bring cash with me. I will drive my pickup and bring a trailer to carry the car back. This will save you the cost of shipping. > What airport is the closest to where you live, and can you suggest a good hotel I can stay at. I can be there next week. > Looking forward to doing business with you > Rick This morning I get this back: _“The near airport is Lakeville Airport \ and this will be greate if you caome and pick up the car but firs you must made the payment as you has-been instructed be ebay.”_ Yikes, the junior assistant scammer they passed me off too barely speaks English. So here is what I sent back this afternoon: > [@](#): > > Here is the deal, I am in Canada this week, and don’t have access to my bank. They won’t do a wire transfer over the phone for that amount. But I have an uncle that lives just outside of Farmington, Mr. Benjamin Dover, a retired FBI agent. I know you are concerned about safety, so I want to mention that Uncle Ben spent 40 years with the FBI, the last ten investigating online fraud. Now it just so happens I sent him a certified bank check for $26,000 dollars last week. I called him this morning, and he has not yet cashed the check. What could be safer than dealing with a retired FBI agent? > Ben would be happy to meet you, go to the bank together, you can cash the bank check take your money, and give Mr. Dover the car. > Since you are going out of your way for me, I would be happy to give you an extra three hundred dollars for your trouble. This means you would get $7500 for the car and don’t have to pay shipping. > I need your address and phone number so Ben can contact you. > Rick So I was thinking I should get a hotmail address for Ben Dover HICA\* the retired FBI agent and send them a note from Uncle Ben asking when they can get together, and mentioning that he spent his last years at the FBI extraditing scammers from Nigeria. Anybody else got any ideas? \*That is his professional title **Here it comes again.** So he is Ben Dover here it comes again. ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2007, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/2 "2007-01-25T00:46:33Z")
It sounds fun on the surface, but my suggestion would be to not mess around with scammers. Do I understand correctly that they have your real name, address, and phone number? These operations are more and more associated with foreign organized crime, which is pretty high up on the list of people you don’t want to have annoyed at you. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2007, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/3 "2007-01-25T01:07:48Z")
Giving out your real-life personal details to scammers, impersonating a government agent, what could possibly go wrong? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2007, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/4 "2007-01-25T01:29:36Z")
Does Ben Dover have a partner named Phil McCraken? ---
**Author:** ![ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2007, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/5 "2007-01-25T02:23:46Z")
If I were you I’d take what steps I could to at least get that eBay account terminated so that it can’t be used to possibly scam others. Your report might contribute to a larger investigation if one happens to be taking place regarding this particular perp/group. Your report might be the tipping point toward a larger investigation if one isn’t already underway. I know some people at eBay, and could try and escalate it for you. My personal email is in my profile. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2007, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/6 "2007-01-25T04:33:47Z")
I forwarded the fake invoice to [spoof@ebay.com](mailto:spoof@ebay.com) (an address that took me a longer than it should have to find) and the bank account details to the abuse email at the bank. If you think you can get ebay to take it further I will forward everything to you. ---
**Author:** ![ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2007, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/7 "2007-01-25T04:41:49Z")
I’m fairly sure that the primary function of that address is to receive reports of phishing sites, though I realize now upon editing that the spoofed invoice certainly qualifies. Go ahead and send me what you have, though. It can’t hurt to try from a few different angles. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2007, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/8 "2007-01-25T05:45:59Z")
[QUOTE=ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies] I’m fairly sure that the primary function of that address is to receive reports of phishing sites, though I realize now upon editing that the spoofed invoice certainly qualifies. Go ahead and send me what you have, though. It can’t hurt to try from a few different angles. [/QUOTE] Check you mailbox. Thanks again. ---
**Author:** ![rinni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f6c823/32.png) [@rinni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rinni)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2007, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/9 "2007-01-25T10:45:42Z")
I also recommend reporting this to eBay’s Trust & Safety department. [http://pages.ebay.com/help/contact\_us/\_base/result\_6\_4\_8.html](http://pages.ebay.com/help/contact_us/_base/result_6_4_8.html) Click the Email Us link there. Sucks that you ran into a stinker. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2007, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/10 "2007-01-25T13:59:07Z")
From the current issue of _Classic Motorsports_: > [@](#): > > Lately we have found some cars listed on eBay that just sounded too good to be true. In these cases, the cars up for auction appeared to be mint, linited-productions muscle cars: 1969 Camero Z28, 1970 Oldsmobile 442, 1969 Mustang Boss 429, 1967 Impala SS and so on. All had But It Now prices of exactly $6500 – not $6400 and not $6600. IMO a low BIN price is a red flag. Legitimate sellers usually have a BIN price of around the fair market value of the car. They’ll usually have a reserve price that must be met, and will not offer to sell the car for the reserve price before the auction has ended. Most of them won’t even divulge the reserve price. Another thing that raises a flag is ‘This item is being relisted due to deadbeat bidders.’ It happens, but I’ve seen that statement on a few scam acutions. A **big** red flag with bells on it is ‘Please email me at this email [email link].’ I was looking at a motion picture camera a while ago with this message. Instead I used the Contact Seller link to ask my question. Guess what? The email link in the body of the auction didn’t go to the person’s registered address. You don’t get the registered user’s email address with the CS link, but the CS link should go to the registered user and not the scammer. The RU presumably reports the fraud to eBay when he starts getting queries about things he is not selling or has already sold. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2007, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/11 "2007-01-25T18:28:16Z")
Whoops, I thought by “toy car” you meant “toy car”. – **gigi** , out of my league 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2007, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/12 "2007-01-25T20:52:28Z")
[QUOTE=rinni] I also recommend reporting this to eBay’s Trust & Safety department. [http://pages.ebay.com/help/contact\_us/\_base/result\_6\_4\_8.html](http://pages.ebay.com/help/contact_us/_base/result_6_4_8.html) Click the Email Us link there. Sucks that you ran into a stinker. ☹ [/QUOTE] I already did that, and thanks to my new best friend **ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies** it also got slipped direct to someone above the drone level in eBay’s security department. I also sent an e mail to Wells Fargo Bank’s fraud department with the account details, and an outline of the scam. On a slightly different note, I have not heard back from my seller, I guess “she” does not want to deal with Ben Dover the retired FBI agent. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2007, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/13 "2007-01-25T20:59:14Z")
[QUOTE=Johnny L.A.] From the current issue of _Classic Motorsports_: IMO a low BIN price is a red flag. Legitimate sellers usually have a BIN price of around the fair market value of the car. They’ll usually have a reserve price that must be met, and will not offer to sell the car for the reserve price before the auction has ended. Most of them won’t even divulge the reserve price. Another thing that raises a flag is ‘This item is being relisted due to deadbeat bidders.’ It happens, but I’ve seen that statement on a few scam acutions. A **big** red flag with bells on it is ‘Please email me at this email [email link].’ I was looking at a motion picture camera a while ago with this message. Instead I used the Contact Seller link to ask my question. Guess what? The email link in the body of the auction didn’t go to the person’s registered address. You don’t get the registered user’s email address with the CS link, but the CS link should go to the registered user and not the scammer. The RU presumably reports the fraud to eBay when he starts getting queries about things he is not selling or has already sold. [/QUOTE] This one did not have a BIN. I contacted the seller via eBay, there was no please e mail me at notice in the listing. The listing sounded like it was a real listing, and there were multiple pictures and a very valid description of the car. The pictures and description agreed. I think they found a old listing, and put did a cut and paste into a new listing. Thanks for the tips, I will keep my eyes more open from now on. **gigi** Toy car meaning not an everyday driver. A go out on a nice Sunday car. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2007, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/14 "2007-01-26T01:22:00Z")
[QUOTE=Rick] I think they found a old listing, and put did a cut and paste into a new listing. [/QUOTE] I saw a 1964 Hughes 269A for an incredibly good price. The scammer did exactly that. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2007, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screwing-with-a-ebay-scamer-for-fun/389344/15 "2007-01-27T05:20:58Z")
[QUOTE=Johnny L.A.] From the current issue of _Classic Motorsports_: IMO a low BIN price is a red flag. Legitimate sellers usually have a BIN price of around the fair market value of the car. They’ll usually have a reserve price that must be met, and will not offer to sell the car for the reserve price before the auction has ended. Most of them won’t even divulge the reserve price. Another thing that raises a flag is ‘This item is being relisted due to deadbeat bidders.’ It happens, but I’ve seen that statement on a few scam acutions. A **big** red flag with bells on it is ‘Please email me at this email [email link].’ I was looking at a motion picture camera a while ago with this message. Instead I used the Contact Seller link to ask my question. Guess what? The email link in the body of the auction didn’t go to the person’s registered address. You don’t get the registered user’s email address with the CS link, but the CS link should go to the registered user and not the scammer. The RU presumably reports the fraud to eBay when he starts getting queries about things he is not selling or has already sold. [/QUOTE] Funny you should mention that. Tonight there was not one but 2 fake Austin healey ads on eBay. Listed by user 123 but in the middle of the ad was this BUY IT NOW $9,400 US PLEASE CONTACT ME ANYTIME AT : [Scumbag22@gmail.com](mailto:Scumbag22@gmail.com) BEFORE YOU BID FOR APPROVAL OR YOU BID WILL BE CANCELED repeated about 5 times. I swear to OG eBay should hire me to find frauds. If I am interested in the item, its a fraud.