Want CAR, but need help to identify if its a fraud.

[webafly]

Hi all,

Just want to make sure its not a fraud. Ive already paid a deposit of $1500 via http://online-consultant.atspace.com/ through Western Union.

Sellers email is natacole32@yahoo.com
Her name is Natalie Cole.
Shes provided me with her address in Leeds, UK.
I am situated in Australia. She advised previously living in Australia but relocated back to UK. Works with an airline will come back to meet me and hand over the car.

We have been sending emails for the past two weeks and with all the news about car scammers lately Ive been getting worried because Ive already put the deposit down.

What do you think?

[lightfair]

Yes, it's a scam. The $1500 are gone. You'll probably be asked to pay more now to fulfill some sort of "legal requirement"; don't do it. File a police report ASAP.

[webafly]

What can the police do about it ???
Im in Australia and if shes really in UK could they do anything?

Am I able to get my money back??

Thanks.

[lightfair]

What can the police do about it ???

Right now they can do (probably) very little, but that's not the point. More about this in a second.

Im in Australia and if shes really in UK could they do anything?

"She" (I really doubt this person is female) is very likely not in the UK but accomplices of "her" probably are.

You need to keep the following in mind: This is international organized crime. The main perpetrators are probably from Romania, however accomplices of them are operating all over the world - some of them cashing the Western Union transfers in various countries and so on.

Am I able to get my money back??

Admittedly right now there is little chance that you'll see that money again. But that should not keep you from filing a police report, for various reasons:

1. An unreported crime basically didn't happen. Police will not even start any investigation without a report. This in turn means that those scammers are free to continue their operation. If they ever get caught (and a number of them have been caught over the years) you will not be on the list of victims.

2. If Western Union came ever under investigation (again) it would be nice to have something to back up one's claim. A police report is a good example for this.

3. Lastly if you have lost money due to a fraud you migth be able to file this as "unexpected expenses" (or whatever it is called on your tax forms) when filing for the income tax.

Frankly, in my eyes the first point is the most important. I know that many people feel embarassed to have fallen for such a scam and hence don't want to go to the police. That's only playing into the hands of the scammers. There needs to be an increasing amount of pressure on law enforcement to start such investigations, simply to uncover the whole scope. Frankly, I don't blame law enforcement much here - if out of ten victims only one or two go to the police it looks to them as if this is not a large problem - and hence fewer ressources will be allocated to deal with it.
So, regardless if this will bring you the money back - you need to file a police report simply to make the life for the scammers hopefully a bit more difficult.

[lightfair]

Please take a screenshot of the site; I'm probably going to aks the hoster to take down http://online-consultant.atspace.com in the next 12 hours.

[boberroo]

Looks like our buddy is still going at it... here's something I found too good to be true and after some research led me to these forums:

From: raymond01vanzant@aol.com
Sent: Mon, Apr 12, 2010 6:32 pm
Subject: 2007 Mazda 5
link: http://www.autocatch.com/used-cars/2007 ... 344829.htm

Hi,

Thank you for your interest in buying my car.
Let me tell you a few words about the car.
It's a Mazda 5, in perfect condition, with no need for additional repairs, no scratches, dings, special marks whatsoever, never been involved in any accidents.
The interior looks great (NO SMOKING).
It has a clear title ready to be signed and notarized on your name.
The price is not negotiable , $6,200.00 US is my last price.
I sell the car at this price because I cannot enjoy it due to my job(I work as a dealer on a cruise ship) and I'm single and I have nobody close who can use it.
All documents, including owner's manual, clear title and a bill of sale on your name will be provided along with the car.Also about payment and shipping I will use only eBay vehicle protection program so we can both be protected.
I just need your full name and address ans phone number so i can open a case.(with no further obligation or fees).

Raymond

[kisgen1984]

I got the same scam, only this was for a boat. Here is my first message. And then my second message.

Hi,
I am selling this boat because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and I don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before June 10th. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects and was serviced two weeks ago. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained. I do have the title, clear, under my name. The Sea Ray has 139 hours fresh water on it, HIN# SERR1834J506 and also comes with triple axle aluminium ACE with dual axle surge disc brakes trailer (also clear title) included on the boat price. It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $8,800. The boat is in Seattle WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email me back. Below are the boat details and also a link with more photos, if the link doesn't work, copy and paste it into a new browser page.

2006 SEA RAY 260 SUNDANCER CRUISER
Boat title: Clear
Body type: CRUISER
Engine: MercCruiser 6.2L MPI 325HP
Exterior color: Gray
Fuel type: Gasoline/100 Gallons
Lenght: 28.0 feet
Beam: 8.6 feet

You can find more pics at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lisa200scott/SEARAY##

LCDR James R Malone

2ND Message

Hi again,

As I told you, at this moment I am in WA in a military base, getting ready for Afghanistan (I hope for the last time). I do a special training program each day and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or make calls whenever I want. The shipping will take 3 to 5 days depending on your location and it’s not a problem because I have a considerable discount from eBay and I can do it at no cost for you. As long as I'm dealing with eBay and they can ship the boat anywhere in the US. I listed the boat in several states because it increases my chances to get it sold much faster. I want to mention that the boat was inspected by eBay and fulfils the standards from all the 50 states so it wouldn't be a problem for you to register it in your state. You will receive the boat along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, 2 set of keys, full service records and more. Because it is a large transaction, we will complete the deal only using an authorized third part like eBay by sending and advance of 50% of the total amount and the rest after the shipping has been made and the boat gets transfered on your name. I already prearranged the whole process with them, using their escrow Safe Pay Program for products that are not listed on their website. The boat is located at their warehouse in WA (ready for delivery). I asked them to allow viewers to go there and inspect it but their reply was: "We are not a showroom!" In this case, I will offer a 5-day period to inspect the boat from the moment you receive it, before I'll have your money. I think this is more than fair for both of us.
The payment will be handled by eBay Escrow, and you will benefit of 5 days inspection time period (test drive) and the option to accept or reject it on my expense. If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info to eBay and they will notify you about our deal. Like this you'll be able to talk directly with them and ask all you want to know.

[gmatotwo]

I got one today and I sent my name and address. No money or financial info. Do you think there are any precautions I should take? I am very worried now. I received the Afghanastan one.

Here is his email: james.malone34@gmail.com

I started questioning the validity of this because first I have dealt with eBay and I questioned that and secondly, why would someone trust you with a vehicle for five days with no financial commitment...?

Thank you for the awareness.

[willette_danielle]

We need to stand together and get this person caught. this person needs to go to jail and pay people back. I received the same type of messages from "jessica palmer" and a man "named" "james". whom ever this is....they are commiting a federal crime. i have done everything i can to contact western union, eBay, and the internet fraud companies. lets stand together and try to get this "man" caught. because no man could do such a thing without feeling bad!!! this person is twisted.

[cindyfarler1]

I believe this is the same person. Almost got us too. Started researching online and found this website!!! Thank you!!!


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From: zgfgffrrzz@gmail.com [mailto:zgfgffrrzz@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Hans & Hanne Schneider [USA]



Hi,

I would like to give you some information about my situation. I want to sell the boat because I can no longer use it on a regular basis. I am german in origin but live in the U.S. I am currently involved in a project and i will not be able to return to U.S for some time so there is no point in keeping it. I need to sell it quickly before July the 8th because our son will also come to Germany and his flight is on 8th. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, very well maintained...My son has the title so there should be no problems signing the bill of sale. The Cobalt has 61 hours fresh water on it, HIN# FGE23102J708 and also comes with double axle aluminium trailer included on the boat price. It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $19,500. The boat is in Lakewood WA, at my house. I listed it in many locations on Craigslist to increase the chances to get it sold quickly. Let me know if you are interested, just email back. Below are the boat details, also link with more photos. If the link doesn't work, copy and paste it into a new browser page. That seems to work just fine for me.
Regards!!!

2008 COBALT 232
Boat title: Clear
Body type: Bowrider
Engine: VOLVO PENTA 5.7L GXI 320HP
Exterior color: Black
Fuel type: Gasoline/90 Gallons
Lenght: 24.0
Beam: 8.5 feet
You can find more pics at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/1059315172 ... 3EnIDIuQE#

Hans Schneider


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