TheSamba.com :: View topic - 21-Window Scam

Tue Sep 22, 2009 4:35 pm

So today Mike from DVG posted a link to a Craigslist add for a bus in New York for $4900 bucks so I figured lets see what's what?
Here's the link and the list of emails we exchanged during the day, mind you we still havent finalized the transaction because I was doing all this through my outlook account at work and I have no access to it at home.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/cto/1386388801.html

Full sunroof and roof windows. New Turkis /Blue white paint inside and outside. Before paint all the rubber and moldings were taken off and replaced with new everything. The paint word and finish is excellent. Floors are incredible and rust free. Undercarriage is also rust free and has been undercoated. Complete new interior including new white perforated headliner, Como green seat covers, Como green/Phosphor door panels, German square weave rear carpet, etc. Has all new mechanics. Newly rebuilt 1600cc engine. It has been converted to 12 volt and is using a alternator. Has plenty of power for the freeways. All engine sheet metal has been powder coated. The muffler system is stainless steel.

Accessories are :
Car cover
Washer bottle
Flower base
Dr Pepper cooler
Old suitcase with cleaning products
VW Mud flaps
Aluminum beauty wheel rings
Blaupunkt radio
Front roof rack
Rear roof rack
Brear claws for jack holes

aperantly I'm a master negotiator. I'm gonna keep adding more to this as I get more e-mails
manny: I I'm interest on your bus callme at 516 851

seller:Hi,
I am selling this bus because my platoon has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before Sept 27. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident.I do have the title , clear, under my name.The bus has 32,550 miles, year 1964.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4900. The bus is in Great Falls, MT, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.
Regards,
Christine Robinson

Manny: how do I go about getting the money to you? and is the shipping price included in the 4900?

seller: Hi,
As I've told you at this moment I am in in Great Falls, MT in a military base getting ready for Afghanistan. This means that I do a special training program and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I want.The shipping won't be a problem because I can do it at no cost for you. You will receive the vehicle along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, full service records and more .Because it is a large transaction we will complete the deal only using an authorized third party like eBay, using their Business Purchase Protection Program.The payment will be handling by eBay and you will benefit of 5 days inspection time period (test drive) and the option to accept or reject the vehicle on my expense. If you are still interested just send me your full name
and shipping address. I will forward your info and they will notify you about our deal.
Thanks,
Christine Robinson

manny: thanks for your quick response, I like the idea of ebay handling the transaction to protect us both, do you have any more pictures of the car? is this a metal moonroof or is it glass sunroof? I cant really tell from the two pictures you posted on craigslist, are the roof racks the ones with the wooden slots or are they solid metal. how old is the paint job on this bus?
thank you look forward to your response

Seller: Hi,
the bus has been repainted two years ago.
For more pictures please use the link below:
http://s698.photobucket.com/albums/vv341/alexstam33/

Manny: I know this might be a little off base for me to ask, but would you work on the price with me? maybe lower it a little bit, I really like those pictures you sent me. I still cant tell if it's a metal sliding sunroof or a glass sunroof from the pictures, I'd really lovefor it to be the glass sunroof, I had one of those when I was younger.
by the way thanks for the great service you're doing for our country.

manny: I'm sorry if I insulted you by asking you to lower the price, I really am interested on the bus and I just want to make sure i can get it for the best price possible. my adress is 287-B north Merick Rd, Apt Z, Freeport NY 11530, my name is Carlos Mata

seller:Hi,
I can sell you the bus for $4,500.It is a glass sunroof.Please let me know if you want to continue.
Thanks!

seller Hi,

Thanks for your e-mail.I wasn't insulted,don't worry. I will have eBay send you an email with the payment instructions.Please let me know when you receive it so we can make the final arrangements.
Regards !

manny absolutely tihs is really great, I was hoping you would lower it to about $3.900, can we meet half way on the price at $4.000, I already emailed you my adress, please give me instructions on payment so I can review them please.

seller OK,we have a deal.

manny awesome. I look forward to your payment instructions from ebay so I can review them and make sure everything is in proper order.

So then I took the name alexstam33 and did a quick google search and BINGO!!
it took me straight to this samba thread
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/archive/index.php/o-t--t-358052--.html

Tue Sep 22, 2009 4:52 pm

Damn this guy is still at it i talked to him via e mail. I even went as far as calling a friend of mine who is the service ,he said that the base he said he is at does not have any record of this guy . Also he said that due to what platoon he is in an his training he can not make any phone calls . This guy is full of B.S. i have flagged his ad twice when i have seen it an posted my own bout it being a scam dont buy send or give this guy anything . I think it is shameful he is using the U.S. air force as part of his scam.

Tue Sep 22, 2009 4:56 pm

Scammers Suck. Flagged

Tue Sep 22, 2009 4:57 pm

I think is funny that he thinks anyone is gonna fall for a fully restored bus for 4900 bucks.

Tue Sep 22, 2009 5:01 pm

KC49ford wrote: Damn this guy is still at it i talked to him via e mail. I even went as far as calling a friend of mine who is the service ,he said that the base he said he is at does not have any record of this guy . Also he said that due to what platoon he is in an his training he can not make any phone calls . This guy is full of B.S. i have flagged his ad twice when i have seen it an posted my own bout it being a scam dont buy send or give this guy anything . I think it is shameful he is using the U.S. air force as part of his scam.

Maybe it's a secret USAF mission that you and your buddy don't know anything about. Maybe the airman is working on a project to raise money for some secret black operation that will result in the overthrow of a hostile foreign government.

Tue Sep 22, 2009 5:12 pm

I saw his ad in the LA C.L. hit him up and said was $4900 a typo? He said no and that his platoon...blah blah blah. I was thinking, dude I am driving to MT.

Then I decided to google the dudes name from the email. Seems as he is busy around the net, his name came up on a boat forum, seems he was selling a boat for $4900 when the real price should have been $20k or more.

I am sure he is trying to stay under the federal limit of $5000 for grand theft, what a jerk to use our troops as a cover, he is lowest of low scum.

Tue Sep 22, 2009 5:13 pm

Quote: I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I want.

I wouldn't be at all suprised if this dude is in currently in jail and running this on his spare time from inside.

Tue Sep 22, 2009 5:23 pm

Major Woody wrote: KC49ford wrote: Damn this guy is still at it i talked to him via e mail. I even went as far as calling a friend of mine who is the service ,he said that the base he said he is at does not have any record of this guy . Also he said that due to what platoon he is in an his training he can not make any phone calls . This guy is full of B.S. i have flagged his ad twice when i have seen it an posted my own bout it being a scam dont buy send or give this guy anything . I think it is shameful he is using the U.S. air force as part of his scam.

Maybe it's a secret USAF mission that you and your buddy don't know anything about. Maybe the airman is working on a project to raise money for some secret black operation that will result in the overthrow of a hostile foreign government. Yeah an maybe monkey will fly out his ass, or maybe your working with him woody . Be honest man what your cut 50/50 or maybe 60/40 ?

Tue Sep 22, 2009 5:52 pm

I have seen this ad a million times and each time I email, I get the same answer just a different name.

Wonk, wonk, wonk. I told him to drown himself in his kiddie pool outside of his double-wide.

Tue Sep 22, 2009 5:54 pm

It's on craigslist every week somewhere in the USA.

Please use
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=150711
because it's gets posted there all the time.