| Author |
Message |
Paul Bianco (Paulie_b)
Member
Username: Paulie_b
Post Number: 355
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 7:08 am: | |
I got this one today.....I told him he could deliver the money to me in cash! Let's see what happens.
Greetings,
I am Mr. Lucas Nzulu, the Personal assistant to Mr.J.Harry, a national of your
country,who used to work with Mitsubishi Corporation Company in
South-Africa(mcc). On the 21st of April 2000,my boss,his wife And their three
children were involved in a ghastly auto accident along Johannesburg Express
Road. Unfortunately they All lost their lives in the event of the accident.Since
then I have made several enquiries to your Embassy to locate any of my boss
extended relatives , but this has proved unsuccessful.Afterseveral attempts, I
decided to trace his relatives over the Internet to locate any member of his
family but to no avail, hence I contacted you. Please you are to assist in
recieving the money and property left behind by my boss before they get
confiscated or declared unserviceable by the security firm where this huge
deposits were lodged. Particularly, the security firm where my deceased boss
deposited US$8,000,000.00(Eight million United States dollars Only).
Conseqently,The security house has issued a notice to provide the next of kin or
have the deposit confiscated within the next 90 official working days. Since I
have not been succesfull in locating the the relatives for over 2 years now, I
seek your consent to present you as the next of kin of the deceased since you
are from the same country, and share similar surname so that the proceeds of
this deposit valued at $8 million U.S dollars can be paid to you and then you
and me can share the money. 55% to me and 40% to you,while 5% should be for
expenses or tax as your government may require.I have all necessary documents
that can be used to back up any claim we may make . All I require is your honest
cooperation to enable us see this deal through. I guarantee that this will be
executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of
the law.please get in touch with me by my email through this address:
[email protected] to enable us discuss further.
Yours Faithfully,
MR. LUCAS NZULU.
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P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member
Username: Ferrari_fanatic
Post Number: 424
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 2:50 pm: | |
Richard, yeah that would make sense. You deposit bad funds you get nothing for that deposit.
Further exasperating the situation is: you write a check back to the Buyer with your good funds and your original money is gone.
As long as it is your signature on the check to the buyer, the bank has no liability.
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Richard DeVincentis (Nirogatto)
New member
Username: Nirogatto
Post Number: 7
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 2:14 pm: | |
there was a front page article in the delaware paper two weeks ago on the origional comment in this thread. the worst thing is the credit union that the seller person deposited the bogus check into from the bogus buyer is holding the depositor responsible for the lost funds. the depositor had enouph money to cover the check for the imaginary difference written back to the bogus buyer. then the credit union invalidated the bogus bank check after the bogus buyer cashed the so called "refunded difference" check. check out the article on delawareonline.com |
Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member
Username: Artherd
Post Number: 456
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 12:22 pm: | |
Here's a recent one sent to me. At least two big 4-alarm fires here.
1) He's in Italy. Last time I checked, cargo boats could not do 120+kts it would take to get here in 4 days.
2) Western Union. STAY THE F&*% AWAY from Western Union! I have never actually delt with them for any honest transaction. Only the Thieves (esp Intl) seem to use it. (he wanted me to make a $1k deposit.)
3) price $13k is too good to be true.
Hello,
The car is a USA model. I will come to US when I will have a buyer there.
So, if you decide that you want my car I will come to US as soon as you make the deposit of $1000. I will bring the car by boat. I will arrive in US in 3, max 4 days. Then I will come to your address with the car. You will inspect the car (using professional help, if neccesary) and you will decide if you keep it or not. If you'll keep it, then we will make the papers and you will pay me the rest of the money.
Then you will be the happy owner of a great BMW.
Let me know if this is acceptable for you.
I sent you the pictures again!
Regards!
Alex Botati
HELLO,
YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT ME AND THE CAR ARE LOCATED IN ITALY AT THIS MOMENT, BUT THE CAR IS REGISTRED IN US. THE PAPERS AND TRANSACTIONS WILL BE DONE IN THE COUNTRY YOU LIVE IN, WHATEVER THAT WOULD BE. IF WE WILL CLOSE THIS DEAL, I WILL PERSONALY TAKE THE CAR TO YOUR HOME AND THEN WILL START THE PROCEDURE OF THE TRANSACTION.
THERE IS ALSO A THING THAT WE SHOULD DISCUSS: DUE THE MANY PEOPLE THAT HAD EXPRESS THEIR INTRESS IN THIS CAR, I WILL REQUIRE A SAFETY DEPOSIT OF $1000 BEFORE THE CAR WILL BE TAKEN TO YOUR ADDRESS. THAT WILL SHOW ME THAT YOU REALLY WANT TO BUY MY CAR AND I DON'T BRING IT TO YOUR HOME FOR NOTHING. THIS DEPOSIT SHOULD BE DONE BY WESTERN UNION MONEY ORDER ON MY NAME.
I SENT YOU SOME PICTURES OF THE CAR AS ATTACHMENT TO THIS MAIL. IF YOU HAVE SOME OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT MY BMW PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY REPLY ASAP.
BEST REGARDS,
ALEX BOTATI
his email; "ALEX BOTATI" <[email protected]>
The roadfly listing: http://www.roadfly.org/bmw/classifieds/cars/detview.php?view=14013
The VIN: WBAGH8347YDP14679
STAY AWAY!!!
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Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member
Username: Miami348ts
Post Number: 4845
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 8:38 am: | |
Tyson,
LOL I got the same e-mail from that guy.
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Justyn (Justynb)
New member
Username: Justynb
Post Number: 20
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 5:48 am: | |
I recently bought a 348 Spider ( I live in the UK) for �38,000 GBP
The seller suggested I transfer the money into his account and then collect the car once the transfer had gone through. I told him "no offence" but I wasn't prepared to transfer that amount of cash into someone else's bank account in case I didn't get the car.
I suggested I took him a Bankers Cheque (as good as cash over here) but he said "no offence" but it could be a forgery.
In the end he came to the bank with me to collect the bankers cheque so he knew it was 100% genuine then we went back to his house and I drove home a happy man in the car.
If you were buying a car or bike would you transfer 10k to someone you didn't even know, living in a different country, for a vehicle you hadn't even seen and then trust them to send back some of it?
If it sounds fishy then insist on doing it a way that you are happy with and if you can't agree on that then walk away!
Justyn. |
nickm........ (Nickm)
Junior Member
Username: Nickm
Post Number: 234
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 12:41 am: | |
Faisal,
I am guessing, since I told my bank to NEVER transfer money out of my account unless I personally come to the bank to fill out the proper paperwork for the transfer, that the bank will not transfer ANY money out of my account. Also, the majority of people know me at my bank. I'd think a thief might run into a brick wall. But, ya never know... someone bent on thieving from you, may find a way. Buy a car from me Faisal, I'd trust you to wire money into my account. :-) |
Erik R. K. Jonsson (Gamester)
Member
Username: Gamester
Post Number: 344
Registered: 11-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 9:33 pm: | |
I had a gal try to con me on a "hand me down" yellow 360 for $1000!
Write me a check, I have to go deal with my parents estate... here is the key for the storage building it is in.
LOL. |
Warren L. (Warren)
Junior Member
Username: Warren
Post Number: 239
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 5:32 pm: | |
In some ways I think Scammers are worse than muggers. There's something so cowardly about it, it pisses me off so much. errr... |
Tyson Hall (Trhall)
Junior Member
Username: Trhall
Post Number: 55
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 4:58 pm: | |
Here is a response I got from someone selling a 360 Modena on yahoo autos.
Hi,
The car is US model.
No problems of any kind. the car is new.
I have to relocate in Europe so that's why I'm selling the car.
I have many inquires at the moment, so I will have to ask you to go a step further and prove you are really interested in buying and you are reliable.
I am sorely disappointed with many clients that didn't really have the financial ability to buy the car.
Also, I had my last car nearly stolen two years ago when I met with a customer based solely on our discussions.
So please make the security deposit with safeautotrader as I have explained. This will not only prove your serious intentions but places us both in financial security.
I am sure you understand any inspection or test of the vehicle is impossible until the deposit will be confirmed.
Best regards
Peter
When I looked up the Escrow service it was listed as fraudulent. I could not find any way to report this on the Yahoo website. Beware of online escrow services |
Modified348ts (Modman)
Member
Username: Modman
Post Number: 642
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 11:24 pm: | |
Hey Pete Greenwald that sounds like a place in Ft. Lauderdale, I was dealing with a guy employed there doing the same thing but they also do non refundable deposits also. This business goes under a few different business names but the first one that started it all is Exotic cars wholesale, most definately stay away from them, a few members here have experienced the same thing like I have. |
Faisal Khan (Tvrfreak)
Junior Member
Username: Tvrfreak
Post Number: 231
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 10:58 pm: | |
Nick, it's extremely naive to think that they can't transfer money out of your account. Just think, what info do you provide if you request a wire transfer out over the phone. I would think SS#, birthdate, account info, and address? You might also have to fax a signed request in to the bank and possibly receive a call at your current number to confirm it. Many times, people request wire transfers over the phone if they're out of town, and this is a useful pretext for a conman to stay out of reach while he does his mischief.
You're probably thinking, "How could someone else get their hands on your info?" Here's one basic scenario which doesn't even require them to steal your mail or look over someone's shoulder at some printed or online info:
SS# - available from numerous agencies
B'date - same as above - DMV is the best bet, just pretend to be a police officer and call the state headquarters
Account info - provided by you, thinking it's safe
address - yellow pages, or you, wanting them to come see the car you are selling
etc. etc.
Now, how easily can someone else pretend to be you and provide this info to the bank to "authorize" a transfer (after a balance check, of course)? And they could provide their own telephone and fax number in Tallahassee or Timbuktu to confirm everything, pretending to be you on vacation. Or, they could be really brazen and give your voicemail number, and manipulate you into being elsewhere so you can't receive the call, while they intercept it. Who wouldn't respond to a panicky call asking that they report to their kids' school? Would you call back to check it out or would you race over? Meanwhile, your phone back at the office rings...
An accomplished "social engineer" can easily ferret sensitive information out of you, your family members, and numerous other sources until he has your complete profile and the ability to empty your IRA (something you don't check everyday) or your brokerage account, or your regular bank account(s).
Do take precautions, and keep strangers away from your permanent account numbers.
Here's hoping your identity never gets compromised. It's sheer hell for those who have been through it, I assure you.
I do some security consulting, and I attended a couple of seminars given by ex-cons. Real eye-openers. Going to another one by Frank W. Abagnale this week (his life was the subject of the movie "Catch Me If You Can"). |
nickm........ (Nickm)
Junior Member
Username: Nickm
Post Number: 233
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 9:39 pm: | |
What could they do with your account, knowing your account number, and bank routing number? They can't take $$ out of your account. |
P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member
Username: Ferrari_fanatic
Post Number: 421
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 9:31 pm: | |
Hiding your routing number and account is useless. Have you EVER written a check to anyone? ALL of the info is right on your check for everyone to see. Once the wired funds hit your account they are yours. The other party can not "pull" from your account.
If the potential were there, think of your exposure everytime you write a check or happen to leave a deposit slip for someone else to view.
Do what you feel comfortable with, that is probably overkill.
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911 Fan (911fan)
New member
Username: 911fan
Post Number: 10
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 9:03 pm: | |
Doody,
You would transfer funds out of the temporary account only if you received wired funds in the correct amount (ie, for a legitimate transaction).
The only reason for opening the temporary account is to avoid revealing info about one of your "real" accounts to a potential scammer who says he's going to wire you money.
When I did this, I simply explained to the bank official that I was suspicious of the overseas "buyer" and was opening the account just to be safe. It turned out to be a wise decision.
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Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member
Username: Doody
Post Number: 1243
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 8:46 pm: | |
911fan - you can't really do that - opening and closing accounts - unless you know some way to do it totally anonymously. if you received funds as a result of an illegal act (a bad check, a bad wire, etc.) i don't think you can just keep them - regardless of how many times you transferred them around or whatnot. even if you withdrew the cash i assume they'd come after you.
doody. |
911 Fan (911fan)
New member
Username: 911fan
Post Number: 9
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 8:37 pm: | |
If you're expecting a wire transfer from a "buyer", it would be prudent to open a new account just to receive the wire transfer. If the funds actually get wired, you can tranfer them to one of your pre-existing accounts and then close the temporary wire transfer account.
If it turns out to be a scam, then you haven't disclosed any info about a "real" account to a crook who's trying to steal your money.
And, as others have already pointed out, if you've been told to expect a wire transfer and a check arrives instead, chances are you're being scammed - WATCH OUT!
This happened to me recently. Fortunately, I had grown suspicious and had alerted my bank branch manager. When a check arrived at the bank via FedEx, they verified it immediately and discovered it was counterfeit.
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Pete Greenwald (Ferrari4pete)
New member
Username: Ferrari4pete
Post Number: 5
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 7:58 pm: | |
Another potential scam I was nearly involved in included my FERRARI DEALER sales rep. who quit dealership and announced that he could find me 360 Modena at an incredible price. Dealer called me to tell me what he was up to and apparently he is pocketing the $30k "deposits" for the cars he claims he can locate and paying off gambling debts. Not sure who to believe, I am steering clear of "great deals" on Ferrari's.
FIRST NAME: Matthew
BEWARE!
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P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member
Username: Ferrari_fanatic
Post Number: 410
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 11:06 am: | |
Jim/Martin. The wire transfer would work fine. Before releasing the title, CALL OR GO TO your bank to confirm that the WIRE was received. The error occours on the sellers part when the buyer says he is going to wire funds, and the seller confirms that there was a deposit made (it was a cashier's check, not wire). Again, confirm it was a wire transfer and you are good to go. |
Paul Bianco (Paulie_b)
Member
Username: Paulie_b
Post Number: 329
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 9:01 am: | |
I usually get these "invitations" once per month. The FBI does not handle this. It gets investigated by the Secret Service. Refer all contact info to them at their local office. |
Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member
Username: Doody
Post Number: 1238
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 8:58 am: | |
jim - wire transfers are the safest method, with the caveat martin mentioned. don't take any form of check - it's unfortunate.
i sold a car many years back for $9K. the guy asked me how i wanted payment - i was meeting him downtown boston to do the transfer. i jokingly said "oh - cash would be fine". well, donchaknow he showed up with a wad of twenties! we met on some alley side street near the Mass Pike in Brighton. i told him to put the cash in his pocket and we'd walk to the bank down the street and deposit the funds and i'd give him the title right at the teller window. very amusing. no problems.
doody. |
TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member
Username: Tifosi
Post Number: 3856
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 8:53 am: | |
he was selling the bike for 5k and the guy was going to send a 10k check, saying the additonal money would cover the shipping and after shipping costs he was suppose to wire the remaining money back via western union. even my father in law did not think it was fishy, I could not beleive it, I said to him if you were buying something would you not want to take care of the shipping yourself - nothing like sending someone 5k and saying work the shipping out on a 5k bike, lol |
Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member
Username: Jimpo1
Post Number: 1881
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 8:50 am: | |
So what the hell do you do? You get a cashiers check, you sell the car. I've done it before. How do you protect yourself? |
TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member
Username: Tifosi
Post Number: 3855
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 8:47 am: | |
this is too funny, my future brother in law is selling his motorcycle, just yesterday I find out it is to some guy in nigeria and the bells go off, says more then one guy contacted him offering the same thing, check for extra money and wire diff back - hello??????? I did a web search this am to prove to him it was a scam. He was all set to do it. Apparently people don't realize that a bank will take the cert check and make the funds available to you but weeks later will come back and say it was bad and ask you for the money back. |
Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member
Username: Miami348ts
Post Number: 4804
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 8:41 am: | |
Of course we all kow that the Nigerian Son of the Oil Minister is really some scam to get you to either send money or make the trip there and be kidnapped. Nigieria is an outlaw run Country that the US does business with because they have oil. Pretty sad but true.
Here are some "new" scams that have cropped up in the past years.
I had this guy e-mail me that he had a guy from Egypt that was interested in my 208GT4 but he wanted to transfer more money that what I was asking and I was supposed to send the balance directly to him once I receive the cashiers check. You may have guessed it, the check was counterfeit and poorly done at that! Unsuspecting people would have probably sent him the funds before the check cleared or not for that matter.
I am getting another e-mail from a guy in East Africa asking for the same car. I am playing along to see how he wants to scam me. Just for the fun of it.
Then I have this guy that wants to wire the funds to my account. Nothing wrong with that, right? well except that he is not asking any questions about the Ferrari Spider but is more concerned with the wire instructions.
This is how that scam works: He tells me he is wiring the funds.He actually sents a counterfeit check to my bank who deposits the check and it will show as in my account if I check the funds available electronically. What it does not tell me is that the money ha a hold on it. I release the car and title and 5 days later the check bounces and the car is gone.
What I am trying to tell you is be super carefull. If it smells fishy it likely is. On a cashiers check you can always call the issuing bank and request faxed prove that this is a good check. If you get a wire make sure the money has no hold on it before you release anything of value.
This BTW is going on with all kinds of merchandise. I had 3 of such funny deals in only 2 months. I know a guy that lost $100,000 to a scam like that with computers. Go figure where else they can scam you.
BTW this is all going to the FBI. The FedEx envelope that the counterfeit check came in was sealed in a bag for fingerprinting before I deposited the check.
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