I know when a price is unbelievable, it is usually too good to be true, so I am wanting ya'lls opinion. Found a very nice car that I really want, so I sent an email about the ad to the seller and here is our email correspondence. I just have that feeling that it's a scam. Maybe some military guys in chime in as well abou the phone call issue while on base, before deploying. Thanks for ya'lls help!

First email he responded with is at the bottom.

VIN: 1FACP42XXXXXXXXXX
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



> From: XXXXXXXXX@yahoo.com
> Subject: Re: XXXXX for Sale
> Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2011 12:40:08 -0500
> To: XXXXXXX@msn.com
>
>
> Thanks for response! I am very interested. Do you have a phone number I can call you at? Could you send me the VIN so I can run a carfax? I have cash in hand for it, just want to make sure it's all legit. Sorry for the mistrust, but I don't know you and there are alot of scams out there. I am located in midland, tx.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jul 6, 2011, at 10:53 AM, wrote:
>
> > Hello,
> > I am selling this car because my unit has been sent to Afghanistan. I will not be able to drive it all this time and I sure don't want to get old in garage. The price it's low because I need to sale it in 1 week. I am after a fast transaction, with no delays. That is why I decided to lower the price, to avoid wasting time with negotiations and find a buyer as soon as possible.
> > The car has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It's in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident. I do have the title , clear, under my name. The car has 97844 miles , year.
> > If you are interested last price it's $XXXX.
> > The car is in XXXX, XX, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping.
> > Let me know if you are interested.
> >

 

Scam!!!!!

 

super shady

 

That screams scam to me.

If you really want to find out. Tell him you decided you want to fly there and pick it up in person (and pay cash). I bet things get interesting.

 

just google their supposed name - there's about a dozen or so that they'll use. Its always the same story, "I'm stationed out at BFE, about to deploy, so thats why I'm selling so cheap..."

 

Screams scam to me too. Most people wouldn't be that generous with the shipping and the offer for you to reject it and send it back on their dime. It is a feasible story with him shipping out and needing to unload it quick though

 

as already stated, its a twist on an old scam....

 

Ask him/her what unit they are in....

 

Good scam! It works because military people often sell their cars cheap when they are being deployed. Used to see crazy prices posted on the bulletin board on GFAFB when I used to go on base with my dad.

 

It's a scam - been used for nearly a decade

 

If you can't se this is a scam, you have bigger issues that buying a car...

 

Tell him the real soldiers are honing in on him and he has 5 mins to live.

 

 

Maybe, but grammar isn't one of them. Thanks for the heads up though!

I actually did some research on the email address and guy's name before posting. Guy's name is legit, serves as a sergeant in the Marine Corp and returned from Afghanistan last June. Found a local news story from last June matching alot of the info and stating the guy was set to deploy back overseas in about 14 months, which matches the current timeline. Alot of info seemed legit but that feeling of a scam is there. This scammer has definitely done some homework and research. Pics showed a IL plate, but car is elsewhere.

 

Way to do your homework, props on the research. But like you stated maybe he did his as well. Maybe you could get on the military service part of this board and find someone that is stationed with him or actually knows him and see if its really him selling it and is legit or someone using his name. That or you could always use Facebook, I don't mess with facebook so I don't know how you would do it but I'm sure you could somehow. After all it is a small world.

 

For a sergent in the military his email is kind of broken english don't you think? Everything is worded as though it would be spoken with a foreign accent. Just from that point I would be suspicious. Just be careful and do what others said and maybe try to find someone on base. Another note to add is that he can use email but can't use the phone? .... Internet connection these days is practically the same as a phone call so I don't think that makes much sense, but I'm not in the military so i'm not sure. Just shady situation all around ..

 

Scamola. As someone mentioned before, I always tell them I will come to where the car is with cash and drive it back. Never heard back from anyone on these kinds of deals after that.

 

Great Falls, MT = Malmstrom AFB = operation/maintenance of ICBM fleet = the guys that are ready to push the big red button if **** hits the fan.

Wonder what Marines are doing training there?

 

I thought if your unit deployed, you went too.....

+2 on asking what unit, this sounds like a scam.

 

I was wondering the same things, that is why I was wanting a military person to chime in.