Beware of car BUYING scams as well as selling scams - I was almost trapped

[JaguarXJ6]

When I was in the mind to sell my '76 XJ12L late summer '02, I had someone from Florida contact me on someone else's behalf. He would send a check for near asking price after haggling, except, they wanted it perfect before shipping. As it needs a few thousand worth of minor odds and ends work to make it absolutely perfect, they would send me a check with plenty of extra to cover it. The remainder would be forwarded back once the costs were nailed down exactly instead of rough estimates and work began.

I received a cashier's check, but in a different name. I had my bank check it out and a couple days later, it was determined a forgery.

The buyer insisted that the work begin and the remainder be sent back, and I informed them it was a fake cashier's check. The guy in Florida was shocked and would notify his client.

I never heard from either of them again.

Someone wanted to "buy" my car to launder several thousand in cash, fake cash, in hopes I would pay them out of my own funds and face the legal consequences.

So, be careful when selling as well as buying!

I've decided to keep my '76 and modify it after I've acquired an NSX. My '76 will eventually be a real sleeper with a supercharged 6.0 litre V12 (up from 5.3 litre normally aspirated) under the hood.

Sunny

 

[PHOEN$X]

Well since we're talking 'bout scams, here goes mine:

A guy wanted to buy my Mustang recently, only he didn't have the funds at the time. Claimed he was expecting a "large inheritance" in a month, and couldn't get a loan due to poor credit or some other excuse. Anyhow, he proposed to draw up a notarized contract and take the vehicle, then pay me once the inheritance was received.

Needless to say I was rather skeptical and told him I wanted some time to research it. He said he had talked to his lawyers and it was perfectly legit, and that he had another seller lined up who was willing to do the contract deal so I had to act quickly. Of course that raised my suspicions immediately, and I promptly blew him off.

Just goes to show you people will try anything these days...