We’ve received several calls from readers alerting us to a scam being sent to some of our sellers. It involves an unsolicited message from someone who seems to be responding to an ad. The response is convoluted, with poor English. The sender mentions a private courier and asks for a Pay Pal e-mail address. It is a scam give out your credit card info.
We wanted you to know we were aware of it, and to warn everyone to always use caution and good judgment when conducting any sort of financial transaction online. Always double check, and be wary if anyone mentions an “agent”, a “courier”, a “broker” or “transporter.”
Here are some tips to protect yourself from online fraud and scams:
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your judgment and your knowledge of the market for vehicles and parts. Compare prices.
- Be cautious and thoroughly investigate the seller.
- If the listing is too good to be true, it most likely is.
- Use an inspection service to inspect and report on the cars condition. Vehicle Inspection can be a great resource as scammers typically don't even own the vehicle let alone have it sitting nearby for an inspection!
- Never wire money or agree to refund or cash a check for an unknown individual. Be cautious and do not wire or transfer money to a foreign bank or foreign account!
- Ask for references and/or some type of proof that the person or business and vehicle or item being sold is legitimate.
- Speak one-on-one over the phone, especially about funds and important details and information.
- DO NOT ship or release interest in your merchandise until you are confident that the funds have cleared or you are holding the money in cash.
Thank you to our vigilant readers for letting us know so everyone could be more alert!