Car posted on craigslist at almost ridiculously low price. I emailed him asking if the price was right and if anything was wrong with the car... his response is below. I'm 95% sure it's a scam... just a bit of a heads up that the scammers have infiltrated craigslist as well, hadn't really seen them their before (at least not in the car section)

Hi,
I have received your email regarding my 2004 Volvo XC90, VIN Number: yv1cz59h741061946. The car is in perfect condition, only 26225 Miles, with no scratches on it, no damage and the title is clear, no salvage. I have a good reason to sell it at this low price, only $8300, which is not negotiable.
I'm now in Athens,Greece with my son who suffered a spine surgery. I've decided to sell it at this low price hopping that I will find a buyer in a few days and to cover hospital expenses without making a loan. This offer stands for only few days because if the car is not sold in this time I will not be force to sell it no more.

The financial part of this deal will be managed by Square Trade. They are acting like a third party in this deal and they will keep the deposit until you receive and inspect the car. I require 30% advance payment immediately for reserving the car and next week you will have the car. Remaining balance will be paid after inspection and also I think to offer monthly payments but no more than 6 months. The 30% deposit is fully refundable but I’m sure you will keep the car.

Anyway, if you are still interested and you want more details about this deal, please reply with the following information: YOUR FULL NAME AND ADDRESS.

I'm sorry that I can't call everyone that is interested in my car, because are too many of them and I can't be reached on my cell either, I'm in ER beside my son. I promise to respond your emails as quick as I can from the hospital library because first of all it is my interest to sell the car immediately.

My son’s condition is improving fast and he is out of danger for now so I think to get back sooner and if the deposit clears at Square Trade I will trail the car wherever you are and finish the transaction next weekend.

I will look forward your response, so we can move forward with this deal.
Regards,
Tony


[Edited on October 18, 2005 at 7:10 AM. Reason : a]

10/18/2005 7:08:03 AM

more likely:

1. it doesnt belong to him
2. his name is mabutu kumbo
3. he is located in zimbabwe, africa

10/18/2005 7:12:06 AM

Maybe you should go ahead and give him your bank account number and social security number just to be on the safe side.

10/18/2005 7:32:44 AM

1) Flood damaged
2)

Quote :

"This offer stands for only few days because if the car is not sold in this time I will not be force to sell it no more."

Seems fishy.

In cases like these it is always best to err on the side of safety. If you even think the word scam at some point it is best to move on.

10/18/2005 8:24:11 AM

Everything about this screams "scam."

10/18/2005 8:51:10 AM

well not if the square trade shit is legit.... then you shouldnt have anything to worry about if it is a true third party... i would do research on them and if they are i dont see a reason why you shouldnt accept it. by that i mean any good third party should be able to keep the money until youve given the ok. or am i horribly mistaken on this?

10/18/2005 8:57:46 AM

Ok, how 'bout:

Quote :

"This offer stands for only few days because if the car is not sold in this time I will not be force to sell it no more I want to rush you into the deal without giving you time to do the research because if you had ample time you'd find out it was a scam."

[Edited on October 18, 2005 at 9:02 AM. Reason : ]]

10/18/2005 9:02:37 AM

it doesnt take a few days to call them up and do some basic research.... i mean theoretically couldnt you just see if third party was legit.

10/18/2005 9:31:02 AM

Not legit. It's a scam. Square Trade is like paypal. Shitty. Check out the link

http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y03/m05/i25/s03

10/18/2005 9:48:21 AM

^ yes, smells like a scam.

There are a lot of cars if you even think it might be a scam, run. There will always be another one.

10/18/2005 9:50:15 AM

Reply with this:

Dear seller,
I saw your items at CRAIGSLIST IN which i am
ready to pay an immediate payment for
....and i want you to tell me the total price..And
secondly i would like to ask if the product is in
good condition if so my method CHECK..SO ONCE YOU
CASH YOUR MONEY YOUSENDMETHE PRODUCT..
If you are interested please send me your
name,adress and phonenumber for me to make the
payment.
Sorry for the question i asked ealeir i have bought
aproduct like that
....that is not on good condition ..so i do not want
this to repeat is
self....that is why i asked the question......
THANKS

dolapo ope

10/18/2005 9:54:40 AM

Send them the money, what do you have to lose!!!!!

10/18/2005 1:29:51 PM

YEA.

NOT YAY.

10/18/2005 1:59:25 PM

lol, thats beyond obviously a scam

10/18/2005 2:05:54 PM

It is a scam..I've read about those before..anything that ask you to post your account information is going to use that info, plus "your full name and address" to drain your account..that is all you need to do online transactions with paypal and stuff like that...

If it was true..you could send the money western union without using an address or account info...
Niave [sp?] people are so funny to me..


[Edited on October 18, 2005 at 2:24 PM. Reason : addition]

10/18/2005 2:20:32 PM

Quote :

"Everything about this screams "scam.""

10/18/2005 2:26:46 PM

Yay!

-ZiP!-

10/18/2005 6:46:05 PM

if they were really looking for quick money carmax would buy it from them

10/18/2005 7:30:26 PM

gg BobbyDigital on that GREAT post

10/18/2005 7:55:29 PM