This is what the craigslist ad looks like:
Xenon headlights, rear side window shades, Bluetooth, leather seats, power lift gate, entry lighting, wave wood trim, power seat, universal garage door opener, folding mirrors, auto start/stop function, tinted glass, cruise control, power windows, rear window defroster, fog lights, run flat tires, alloy wheels etc. CARFAX report upon request. scheduled maintenance. Always garaged, Excellent condition, Fully loaded with all the goodies, Looks & drives great, Must see, One owner, Very clean interior. CARFAX report upon request.
….This is what the initial email looks like:
Hi ,
Sorry for delay,my name is Diane,happy to see you are interested in my 2004 Toyota Rav4 .Let me give you a few details about it. Really good shape, never had any problems with it, no scratches or dents, Non-smoker,84k Mileage, automatic transmission,6 Cylinder V6 FWD, the title is clear in my name.
The price was reduced at $1,500.Photos available if you want.
I’m selling it so low due the fact that my medical team will deploy back over sea on December 14th for 1 year contract and its not worth keeping insurance and paying storage fees for 1 year so there’s no use on keeping it,therefore I need a fast and reliable buyer.If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Sincerely,
Senior Medic Sgt. Diane Howard
….Second email:
Hi again ,
I will do my best to walk you through the process. The deal is handled by eBay. I’m working with eBay and it is the best option for me. The car is in their possession in Carson City, Nevada , ready to be delivered. We placed the ad on several states to find a buyer now, not next week or later.The car will be arrive at your address in 2 to 3 days. It will come with all the necessary paperwork (clear title, bill of sale, user’s manual etc). You will receive all the original documents. Title is clean, insurance and shipping are included in the price. You will have 5 days to try out and if the car is not like described, you can ask for refund and I will pay the shipping back but I know what I’m selling.
If you are ready to buy it, please give me your full name, a full shipping address and phone # so I can register the transaction with eBay and they will contact you with more details and information about this transaction.
Here is the link with all photo of my car: http://imgur.com/a/DKeiR
Thank you , Sgt. Diane Howard from Nevada Army National Guard
…. after asking to speak with her over the phone I get this:
I have briefly described the eBay transaction steps below:
1. Buyer, seller reach an agreement (price and delivery conditions)
2. Buyer sends money to eBay.
3. eBay confirms to seller that the amount has been received.
4. Seller performs the required services (shipping, insurance).
5. Buyer accepts delivery and informs eBay about the acceptance.
6. eBay releases the money to seller.
As you can see, you will receive the car BEFORE any money is released to me. You will get the chance to inspect it, test drive it and everything you like while your money is still safely held in eBay’s account. ONLY after you confirm to eBay that you agree with the vehicle, they will release the money to me.
If, for some reason, you disagree with the car (I assure you that is NOT going to happen since my car is in IMMACULATE condition inside and out) it will be shipped back to me on MY EXPENSE and eBay will send you your money back.
If you wish to proceed further, I will need your complete name and address so I can start the transaction with eBay’s Vehicle Purchase Protection Program.
….I asked a second time to speak with her, and no response.