| These new-age scammers. They prey on | | | | the extra money.- Seller deposits the buyer's |
| unsuspecting folks who are trying to sell used | | | | "certified" check or money order in his bank |
| cars (or other items) through Internet classified | | | | account. The bank adds funds into the seller's |
| ads or an "autotrader" web site.Even though this | | | | account, even though the check has not cleared.- |
| scam has been around for a few years and has | | | | Seller withdraws funds out of his account for |
| been publicized in many news stories, there are | | | | certified check or money order to send (via |
| still people who haven't heard about it -- and are | | | | express mail) to "shipper."- A few days later, the |
| at-risk to be victimized by it.Here's how the scam | | | | seller's bank reports that the "certified" check or |
| works. Note that the details can be different, but | | | | money order is counterfeit and removes all the |
| the general scheme is always the same. | | | | original funds previously deposited to the seller's |
| - The used-car seller receives a long, polite email | | | | account.- By this time,the seller's check or money |
| from a potential buyer who lives/works/travels in | | | | order has been cashed, funds debited from his |
| Africa/Europe/Asia and is interested in buying the | | | | account, and he realizes he's been duped. His |
| advertised car, sight-unseen, at the asking price.- | | | | account may be overdrawn. There is no way to |
| The email sender says that he has a client/agent | | | | contact the "buyer" or his agent to recover the |
| partner in the U.S. who will handle pickup and | | | | money. The bank declares no responsibility.- The |
| shipping of the vehicle.- The sender says that he | | | | "buyer" moves on to the next victim. The seller |
| will send a certified cashiers check or money | | | | still has his car along with a seriously damaged |
| order for the car and asks for the seller's name | | | | bank account. |
| and mailing address.- The check or money order | | | | Now you know. Don't get caught in this |
| arrives but the amount is greater than the cost | | | | increasingly common scam.+++Al Hearn is owner |
| of the car, puportedly to cover shipping costs. | | | | and operator of Used Car Advisor, a web site for |
| Seller is asked to send a cashiers check or | | | | automotive consumers who want to be smart |
| money order to the "shipper" for the amount of | | | | about used car buying and selling. |