SCAM - A Bogus Pittsburgh Area Car Buyer - 412 206 1984

[Tom D.]

I'm selling a car on Hemmings.com. (Print version not yet published.) Got a text message from a scammer at 412 206 1984.

1. Asked just one question about the car, then quickly said condition and price were ok and "I am buying the car".

2. Asked if I had paypal, and would I please share my paypal account. Said he could not buy unless we could use paypal.

I did NOT provide any such details. He stopped texting. All this was far too automatic. His texts were popping up on my phone quickly and obviously not entered by a real person.

Hemmings web site says to fill out a complaint with the FBI. Anybody ever done that?

Thanks

[Mark E.]

Re: SCAM - A Bogus Pittsburgh Area Car Buyer - 412 206 1984

I can't help you with the FBI but if you're selling a Corvette have you listed on this site?

It's definitely read by potential buyers, plus I believe only members can access it so there's less chance of a scam.

[Joe L.]

Re: SCAM - A Bogus Pittsburgh Area Car Buyer - 412 206 1984

I'm selling a car on Hemmings.com. (Print version not yet published.) Got a text message from a scammer at 412 206 1984.

1. Asked just one question about the car, then quickly said condition and price were ok and "I am buying the car".

2. Asked if I had paypal, and would I please share my paypal account. Said he could not buy unless we could use paypal.

I did NOT provide any such details. He stopped texting. All this was far too automatic. His texts were popping up on my phone quickly and obviously not entered by a real person.

Hemmings web site says to fill out a complaint with the FBI. Anybody ever done that?

Thanks

Tom------


The PayPal account information needed to send money is usually just your e-mail address. Didn't they already have that?

[Joe R.]

Re: SCAM - A Bogus Pittsburgh Area Car Buyer - 412 206 1984

Tom, Any transaction on Paypal that equals more than $2500.00 in a 7 day period would be held from you for 30 days. That applies to any keyed in transaction but not a transaction swiped via credit card.
That is why the person only needed your address used for your account and NOT your password.
You can call the FBI in your city or the FBI in the capitol of your state.
That guy needs to be turned in!!!!!

JR

[Frank D.]

Re: SCAM - A Bogus Pittsburgh Area Car Buyer - 412 206 1984

If all the guy wanted was your email address and not your password (which is how ANYbody) sends you money via paypal what are you going to tell the Feds, "...I almost sold my car but decided not to because the buyer didn't ask enough questions?"

Personally, I wouldn't waste any more time on it...

[Dan D.]

Re: SCAM - A Bogus Pittsburgh Area Car Buyer - 412 206 1984

I agree with Frank. Just be glad you picked up on it and move on. Long story short..I had a situation where someone charged my Viza...Not only did I track down the purchaser...get a delivery intercept, so they didn't get the merchandise...provided a name and address...a satellite photo of the house, including their red Plymouth mini van parked in the driveway...only to be told by the Pennsylvania State Police and the local Stroudsburg, PA police that I shouldn't worry about it because I wouldn't have to pay for it anyway. Bottom line - nobody really cares

[Philip A.]

Re: SCAM - A Bogus Pittsburgh Area Car Buyer - 412 206 1984

I'm selling a car on Hemmings.com. (Print version not yet published.) Got a text message from a scammer at 412 206 1984.

1. Asked just one question about the car, then quickly said condition and price were ok and "I am buying the car".

2. Asked if I had paypal, and would I please share my paypal account. Said he could not buy unless we could use paypal.

I did NOT provide any such details. He stopped texting. All this was far too automatic. His texts were popping up on my phone quickly and obviously not entered by a real person.

Hemmings web site says to fill out a complaint with the FBI. Anybody ever done that?

Thanks

What was the attempted crime here? He blindly trusted your vehicle description and answer to a single question; not a crime. He asked for your PayPal account; not a crime. Made it a condition of his purchase; also not a crime. I fully understand there may have been criminal intent; but I do not believe anything you describe merits FBI involvement or their interest. As a seller, I do not care what the buyers terms are; the car is sold under my terms; and it appears you acted same.

[John D.]

Re: SCAM - A Bogus Pittsburgh Area Car Buyer - 412 206 1984

Since I am chairman of the Pittsburgh Tri-State Chapter I can assure you that number does not belong to one of our members.