99% Someone is Trying to Scam Me on a Cummins Cruiser Once Profiled on EP.

brp

Observer
About 5 days ago I type "diesel 4x4" into Craigslist, as I often do. Up comes a familiar looking 1994 4BT Land Cruiser, for $2550. I am thinking, "99% chance this a scam, but I'll play along and see where things end up." It is was listed as for sale by a local dealer. So, I emailed the seller. Did not hear back for a few hours, so I surfed around a little. Remember, I said this thing looked familiar. Here it is, pretty sure, right here on EP/Ebay.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/veh...na-cummins-diesel-land-cruiser-80-series.html

Here is the ad, still up:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/3291347473.html

Here is a link to the pictures the seller has included:

https://skydrive.live.com/redir.asp...ACuh6szgiOx89I&Bpub=SDX.SkyDrive&Bsrc=SkyMail

I dont know who owns this now or where the pictures are from, but it is all VERY suspicious and I urge caution if you come across this or something like it. If I am missing out on the deal of a lifetime and you snag it, rub it in my face.

The emails go like this:

ME:
Hi. I would to take a look at your Cruiser. What is the mileage on it? Are you available tomorrow? Thanks.

SELLER: (bibibeerXX@gmail.com, the "XX" is not the right email, I switched it to keep it anonymous)
Hello,

This 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD runs and drives excellent and it's still for sale. It has been extremely well maintained. Engine sounds like brand new, start fast and there are no leaks and no ticks, or noises whatsoever coming from this motor. The automatic transmission shifts as it should. The air-conditioning (A/C) blows cold & the heater blows hot. The brakes are in good condition and this 1994 Toyota drives straight on the highway with no tire vibration... This Land Cruiser runs and drive like a dream, has 221,214 miles and the clear title is free of liens.
I have dropped my price to $2,550 (purchase price) since this is an Urgent Sale and I need to sell it before September 28th, when I will be deployed from Athens, Greece to Afghanistan with my platoon replacing the troops scheduled to come home.

The financial part will be managed by Google Checkout, which means that you will have a 7 days inspection period before committing to buy the Land Cruiser. In this way both, buyer and seller are 100% covered during the steps of this transaction.
If you're interested to conclude this purchase in a timely manner ( before September 28th ) please let me know and I'll be glad to explain you how the entire process works...

Hope to hear from you soon,
S. Sgt. Mattew Rogers

P.S. Here are the features on the truck and also some pictures: Cummins Turbo-Diesel Engine with Intercooler, Full-Time 4-Wheel-Drive (4WD) with Front & Rear Locking Differentials, Old Man Emu 4-inch Heavy-Duty Suspension Lift, ARB Front Bumper, Power Sunroof, Leather Seats, Eclipse Navigation & DVD System, Anti-Lock Braking System, Air-Conditioning (A/C). This Toyota Land Cruiser Cummins Turbo-Diesel 4WD SUV is a Custom Off-Road Rig that is in Great condition. New Pro-Comp Tires.

ME:
Where is the cruiser located? I would come take a look.
Thanks.

SELLER:
Please take a few moments and read my email carefully, I know it is long, but I will explain all the details the transaction and shipping.
At the moment I'm stationed in Athens, Greece making final preparations before deploying to Afghanistan. The car is already at our Military Logistic Department in Fort Lewis, Washington Army base, crated and ready to go. The Logistic Department will deliver the car to your home. The shipping is free for you. Since the car is in a military base, with no access you can not go there and take it, only the Logistic Department can deliver it, because it is in their custody. Shipping will take 3-4 business days to the destination. All documents you need for ownership, manuals and bill of sale will be provided along with the car .
You can read more about google checkout here: http://sites.google.com/site/howgcworks
For the payment I would like to use Google Checkout as a third party. They will keep your money into a protection account until you get the car and will release it to me after inspection period is over and you agree to keep it. So, this is not a blind transaction, you can see the car before committing to buy and to eliminate any concerns you will have 5 days to inspect it. If you decide not to keep it Google Checkout will refund you the money, no questions asked, and shipping back will be my concern. But I assure you won't be the case. I think this is more than fair for both of us.
To start the official procedure with Google Checkout I will need your complete name,shipping address and phone # and they will contact you about this you'll receive important guidelines + instructions from them.

PLEASE NOTE!
If the car is not how I've described it, you have the unequivocal right to refuse acceptance of the car (return postage on my expense) and you are entitled to a full and complete refund of the car 's purchase price. It will be insured during transportation and will be delivered in front of your door.
Again I want to point out that because I am going to Afghanistan. this sale is my top priority and I am looking after a fast transaction, with no delays. That is why I decided to lower the price, to avoid wasting time with negotiations and find a buyer as soon as possible.

Hope to do business with you soon!
Matt
 

haven

Expedition Leader
We should all visit the Craigslist ad and click on the "Prohibited" button. After a few people do so, the ad will be taken down.

This is typical of a Craigslist scam: Save photos and description of a desirable vehicle advertised on Craigslist. Wait a few months. Post a new ad using the old photos in another part of the country. Make some excuse as to why you can't show the vehicle right now. Accept small deposits ($100-$200) to hold the vehicle for unsuspecting buyers until a later date. Cash the checks and vanish into the night.
 

reece146

Automotive Artist
100% scam.

Grammar is non North American for starters, in fact 100% certain english is not their first language.

The other give away is how elaborate the set up for the scam sounds.
 

WagoneerSX4

Adventurer
Whenever someone plays the soldier card so prominently and signs their name "Sgt. so-in-so", you know it's a scam. Who won't want to trust someone putting their life on the line for your country right?
 

Cimarron13

New member
Same ad here in Austin as well. Got the same reply when I was asking for info. I usually play along to all the scams just to see the reply. Some of them are the same reply. Usually something along the line of "getting deployed" or "recently divorced".
There is a yellow 40 series on CL right now that is an obvious scam.
 

cruisertoy

Explorer
I'd keep playing with himjust for fun. These scams are a dime a dozen. Tell him you happen to be stationed at Fort Lewis and know the logistics deptartment manager really well. All you need to know is what the crate number is and your buddy will let you check it out.
 

60Dan

Explorer
I ran across the same kind of thing a few months back inquiring about an immaculate Toyota pickup. Got the whole soldier story and free shipping from Hawaii BS. It was a real shame too, i thought I had stumbled across a real gem
 

RobRed

Explorer
HAHAHA I love the way he makes up how Google Checkout is going to work - priceless. Are your concerns eliminated? :)

"I would like to use Google Checkout as a third party. They will keep your money into a protection account until you get the car and will release it to me after inspection period is over and you agree to keep it. So, this is not a blind transaction, you can see the car before committing to buy and to eliminate any concerns you will have 5 days to inspect it. "
 

Forum statistics

Threads
190,334
Messages
2,926,545
Members
233,712
Latest member
DanoWall
Top