OK Guys. Here's the scoop as best I can determine thus far.
A guy (we'll call him Keith Walker, that's what he always used as a name [though it's fake]) collected significant information on a number of cars. He then emailed an ebay member asking her to construct an online website to post these and place them on ebay for advertisement (which he would then reimburse her). She used the information to construct a webpage on Ebiz. He then used a fake business name at a fake address; however, he used a valid phone number for which he was available to discuss the details of the cars. He even was able to get additional detailed photos of specific parts when I requested them. We came to an agreement on price. I wired him funds as a deposit (20% of the agreed upon price). The Ebay auction was ended. He informed me that he received them. After a few days after the car was not received, several calls were made. I haven't been able to reach this guy since. I have contacted the authorities, several days later, there are at least 4 other people that have been scammed by this guy to the tune of over $50,000. The bank has tried to recall funds. The money is gone. The account is drained. They have not yet found him, and even if they do, the chances of getting any $ back are poor. Autoforum does have the car. They obviously did not receive any funds, and although sympathetic, do not feel financially responsible.
So, point of this: don't be too trusting. Never give someone money for a car until it is in your driveway, keys in your hands and title signed and given to you.
More frustrated than you all can imagine,
Ben
