Here is another car scam to watch for. Its basically another variation of what is called The Nigerian 419 Scam.

If I remember correctly, the term The 419 Nigerian Scam, 419 Scam, or the Nigerian Scam was coined by the FBI about 10 years ago. The reason they use the country Nigeria is because that was where these type of scams originated.

However, these kind of scams are coming from several other countries now too.

Instead of explaining it all to you, here is the email I got from Randy – followed by the scam email he got – followed by my reply to Randy…

Steve,

Just wondering if you see these scams in your area? I’ve replied to a few ads that seem a little too good to be true and often end up with this whole eBay explanation. Just curious.

Randy

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This is the scam email Randy got after inquiring about the used car for sale ad he saw…

—- Forwarded Message —-

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in buying my car. My 2002 Honda Civic LX is in great shape, no engine problems, damages or hidden defects.The price is $3,100.00.We will use eBay`s protection program for our safety. If you’re interested to purchase just email me your : Full Name and Shipping Address, So I can notify eBay that you are selected as my buyer and they will contact you to explain the entire procedure.(with no further obligation or fees).If you are still interested please contact me at michael.castlee@hotmail.com

Details about the car: 109km, Engine: 4 Cylinder 1.7L SOHC 16-valve I4, Transmission: Automatic, Fuel Type: Gasoline, Options: AM/FM Stereo, A/C, Passenger Air Bag, Driver Air Bag, Child Safety Locks,

Have a nice day!

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Here is my reply to Randy…

Hi Randy,

Posting ads on kijiji.com, backpage.com and craigslist.org with a link to your eBay listing is a great free way to call attention to your auction. The part where this turns full-on scammy is when he says he will “notify eBay that you are the selected buyer and they will contact you to explain the entire procedure.” THAT is totally bogus because anyone thats done a listing on eBay knows that you can’t select or appoint someone as your buyer and there is no way eBay is going to contact any of your prospects to “explain the entire procedure.” Yeah, its a scam and probably based out of Nigeria. I would hit the flag button next time you see one of these. I haven’t seen that one before so thanks for alerting me to this.

I still have a few things left to finish on the new edition of ‘The Lazy Way‘ and might add this to it and will probably do a blog post about it too.

Thanks again.  :-)

Steve Hobbs