Classified Ad Scams: buy a car on CraigsList
Scams and scammers using these names: Ruben Campos, Ulyssess, Kansas
Nightengalemit@aol.com
" he was in the army and was in and out of town because of it."
Are you looking to buy a car on CraigsList?
Did "Ruben Campos" claiming to be from Ulyssess, Kansas contact you? Note that he says: " he was in the army and was in and out of town because of it.".
That's a clue to a scam right there!
Here are the clues that this is a scam?
- First, you will notice the syntax and grammar. Often, is it
not pathetically bad, it's just plain strange. It looks like it was written by
someone who is not a native English-speaker, and writes very rarely in
English. This is very typical of scammers, who largely are in Nigeria and
have little formal education and probably none in English.
- Next, he wants to write a check in excess of the required amount. Why?
That makes no sense at all. If he hasn't got a bank account, he could always
pay in cash or get a money order.
- Then, he wants the "excess" from the check sent BACK to him or
to other individuals, often in many different locations, and always by Western
Union or Money Gram! Alarm bells should be going off by now. Western Union
wires and Moneygrams are not only untraceable, they're irretrievable. Once the
recipient picks them up (which can be done at ANY Western Union office in
the world), the money is gone, gone, gone!
- And then there are the little clues; signs like the strange name and
location changes.
Maybe, first he's "David Rapheal", then he's suddenly Shawn Nickolas, supposedly in
England, yet the first name has an American spelling and the last name is
spelled more like an Eastern European or Germanic origin.
- The scammers typically ramble on about issues (" he was in the army and was in and out of town because of it.") that are irrelevant
to such a sale or rental; such as, how they are doing this for charity, or
recently moved to the UK, or are traveling in Africa right now. You as
a seller / landlord, don't and shouldn't care about these issues: you are
trying to find a legitimate buyer or renter for your item at a fair market
price. The scammer knows this and is merely trying to cloud the issue
and provide excuses for not complying with the basic requirements of a sale.
He's also trying to engender trust; one of the key elements of any con game.
- Scammers frequently refer to "trust", "faith" and God; in ways that no
rational person in western Society would ever do in a business transaction,
as in, "I know I can trust you", or "my faith in God tells me to enter this
agreement with you".
- Look for the huge number of misspellings, weird use of capital letters, poor punctuation and made-up
words. Again, this is typical of the scammer filth
who live and operate in Nigeria.
An actual email that illustrate this type of CraigsList scam:
Any highlighted passages below
are to draw your attention to typical scam clues:
Email 1 - from the victim:
Ok so I found this listing on craigs list. its a
site people post to sell things. The guy was selling a 2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4
for $5000.
I received an email back from him stating the car
would be mine.
We had a few discussions over email and he stated
that he was def and I couldn't call him. (bell #1 ringing in my head)
he had already told me he was in the army and was in
and out of town because of it.
he said his name was Ruben Campos and he lived in
Ulyssess, Kansas at 1107 W Nebraska Rd.
i asked him how he became def and he said he was in
a car accicent (not in the neon)
so we talked a few more times and i asked him if i
could just come out there and meet him. this whole time he wanted me to give
him my full name and address and he would just allow worldpay to process the
transaction.
well he responded or the "bot" reposnded that he
couldnt meet in person and that he was def and in and out of town at a clinc
and that he became def from an accident (but not in the fairlane)
DING DING DING
I had been talking to a bot the whole time. This
realyl bothers me because i was in teh process of making this happen. I was
looking to buy his Neon not a fairlane!
I want to report this and i want this guy brought
down surely you can do something i am very scared about this becaue i did
give him my name and my address during our convo about shipping..
he went by the email of :
Nightengalemit@aol.com
Email 2 - from the scammer:
Read from the bottom up (reverse order)
The car is at my brother in law because he
work for DAS and he will help me with shipping The car is in a a warehouse
of DAS, ready for delivery.So i prefer to use worldpay and shipping process
because I'm not in town,I had an accident and I lost my hearing. I go every
day to do treatment here at a clinic. Don't worry the accident wasn't in the
Fairlane.My keyboard is my friend so please ask me all the questions that
you might have and i will try answer everyone of them..So if you want to buy
my car I will need your info and I will start the deal.If we will have a
deal you will have one week for inspection and after this week we will close
the deal.
Thanks
Brad Pitt wrote: No not at all I was just wondering. I'm
sorry. What would you think about me actually
coming out there and handing you cash this weekend?
-----Original Message-----
From: Nightengalemit@aol.com [mailto:Nightengalemit@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 11:00 AM
To: Brad Pitt
Subject: Re: SRT
Because i don't want to post it on
forums.I'm obligate to post it on forums????
> Brad Pitt wrote:
I'm nervous about this man. I am not
going to lie to you. Why didn't
you post it on the SRTforums?
My bank called.. I have the money in my
account.
-----Original Message-----
From: Nightengalemit@aol.com [mailto:Nightengalemit@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 10:46 AM
To: Brad Pitt
Subject: Re: SRT
Well I have post it nation wide so it
appears in local searches too
Brad Pitt wrote:
Why did you have it posted on daytons
craiglist? And why did you have it posted on Washington DC
craiglist?
-----Original Message-----
From: Nightengalemit@aol.com [mailto:Nightengalemit@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 10:37 AM
To: Brad Pitt
Subject: Re: SRT
Yes the shipping will be free all I
need to start the deal is your full name and shipping address.thanks.
Brad Pitt wrote: I am sorry to hear about your
accident. It must be tough working for the army not being able to hear. I
have much respect for those who are part
of
the military. One of my best friends
Tim Leonard is def and he is one of
the greatest guys I have ever met.
I am still working the details out on
my end. It's a done deal so don't worry, I'm just getting my ducks
in a row.
I contacted Worldpay and CarFax and
ran a report to check you out. $5,000
is a lot of money to deal over the
interent. I am a little paranoid about
it.
I have also contacted my bank so I can
get the money set up which it will
be
and they should be calling me soon.
I was wondering how you are getting
away with free shipping? And you said the car was in a warehouse, do you
have the address for it?
Please get back to me ASAP, as I
should have this money ready to go
shortly! Thanks man this really is a life
changing thing for me!
-----Original Message-----
From: Nightengalemit@aol.com [mailto:Nightengalemit@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 10:28
AM
To: Brad Pitt
Subject: Re: SRT
I had an accident and I lost my
hearing . I go every day to do treatment here at a clinic. Don't worry the
accident wasn't in the Neon.So my keyboard is my friend so please ask me
all the questions that you might have and i will try answer
everyone of them.So if you want to buy my car I will need your info and I will start
the deal.Thanks
Brad Pitt wrote:
You got a number I can call you on?
Looks like you have a nice house.
Which school is it you live by
-----Original Message-----
From: Nightengalemit@aol.com [mailto:Nightengalemit@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 9:58
AM
To: Brad Pitt
Subject: Re: SRT
Power related goodies:-AGP 60-1 /76 trim t31 Turbo kit-Tial 38mm Black Wastegate-AGP 3" Silver powdercoated intake
(stock airbox/hose/filter available) -Spearco HUGE Fmic
-Exhaust Depot Hard Intercooler Pipes -Greddy TypeR Bov -Race Ported
cylinder head -Oversized Ferrea valves -Eagle Connecting Rods
-Wiseco (8:8:1 standard bore) Pistons -Lorenzo 60mm Throttle Body
and Adapter -Maxxfab modded (w/manual dump) 3" catless downpipe
(stock downpipe/cat available) -MSD Ignition Wires -NGK spark plugs
Electronics/gauges:-Greddy Profec A Electronic Boost
Controller -Greddy Turbo Timer -Autometer Pro-comp -30 30psi boost
gauge (stock boost gauge available)
Fuel:-Apexi S-AFCII--tuned with pump gas
map and race gas map -Walbro 255 Fuel pump -RC 750cc Injectors
-Aeromotive rising rate fuel pressure regulator -Braided Fuel
Return line -Non regulated stock filter installed
Suspension/stiffness:-PsiFi black Motor mounts(stock mounts available)-Eibach Pro Kit springs-SSR Competition 17x7.5" Silver
lightweight wheels -BFG KDWII-225/45/17" tires
Stereo/Others:-Alpine CD Player-8ga power/ground cables-MTX 2-channel amp bridged for sub
-12" Boston Acoustics Pro Subwoofer in box -6.5" Boston
Acoustics Pro front speakers -Silver Powdercoated Intake Manifold -Silver
Powdercoated Valve Cover-letters in clear
Current best dyno: 446whp, 423wtq at
23psi.
Best 1/4 mile: 11.73@ 120mph--before
built motor
MODS:
Performance:
-Stock ECU(ditched Stg 1)
-3" Maxxfab catless downpipe with
manual dump plate
-Greddy Profec A
-Exhaust Depot hard IC pipes/ greddy
type R bov
-AGP 3" cold air intake
-PSIFI dogbone motor mounts
-AGP 60-1 turbo kit
-RC 750cc injectors
-Walbro 255 fuel pump
-SAFC II
-Aeromotive FPR, return line setup.
-Race ported head
-Oversized Ferrea valves
-Wiseco Pistons (8:8:1-standard bore)
-Eagle Rods
-Lorenzo 60mm throttle body and
adapter
-Spearco BIG FMIC
-NGK spark plugs
-MSD Ignition wires
OTHER:
-SSR Competition 17x7.5" wheels and
225/45/17 BFG KDW2 tires
-Eibach Pro Kit lowering springs.
-Kosei K1 Racing 15" wheels with MH
26/6/15 slicks(for track)*being
sold
seperately from car
-Greddy Turbo Timer
-Alpine CD player, JL Audio amp, 12"
Boston Pro Sub.
-Silver powdercoated Intake manifold
and Valve Cover.
Brad Pitt wrote:
Also what are the mods you had on the page
what is current on the car?
Brad Pitt
Project Manager
-----Original Message-----
From: Nightengalemit@aol.com [mailto:Nightengalemit@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 9:04
AM
To: Brad Pitt
Subject: Re: SRT
Hello,Let me explain you how the Worldpay
process works.The process works something like
this:1. You send the payment deposit to
an WorldPay representative.2. Worldpay will confirm me that you
have made the deposit.3. I will ship the car so you can
Inspect, test and make a decision if you will keep it or not.4. If you will not get exactly the
same car that you have viewed in the ad, and also a clean title you will
receive all your money back from WorldPay.5. If everything is ok Worldpay will
get the approval from you to release me the funds.If you agree with this process
please let me know your full name and address and I will forward the
details to Worldpay.
>Best regards,
Brad Pitt wrote:
My name is Brad Pitt and I am a SRT
owner. I got in a little over
my
head on the loan and having this one
would be huge for me.
I have always taken care of my SRT
I have had her for over a year now.
This is going to be life changing even
getting your SRT, as it will help me
live so much easier and better.
You have my word I will take great
care of her and if you want I will
keep you updated on any mods, ect.
I am working with my bank and my
car loan place on the details.
I for sure want this car so please
don't let anyone else snag it from
me.
I am not familiar with worldpay.
Please send me the information on
yourself and the details with
worldplay.
-----Original Message-----
From: Nightengalemit@aol.com [mailto:Nightengalemit@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 6:23
AM
To: Brad Pitt
Subject: Re: SRT
/First of all,I must apologize for
my reticence with selling my car.I love this car and it means a lot to me.I am forced by a bank loan to sell it so I need the money
and I must do that.I need to know you,even
if that means by email before i
sell you the car.Even if i seem a
little paranoid,i will not sell this car
to anyone.I took very good care of
her
and i feel very attached to her.
The price is $5000,the shipping
costs will be free anywhere in the continental US or Canada.I
don't want to offend you by anything but if
we are going to complete the sale
we are going to use worldpay which will cover the purchases up
to 20,000 USD.My time is limited due to my
job in the army so I decided to use
a service from worldpay.Before leaving I had
prearranged shipping with eBay and DAS
so my presence isn't necessary.
The car is in a warehouse of DAS, ready for
delivery.If you agree with my terms,i will need
the following details from you:
full name and addressshipping address
After I will have all this details
I will contact worldpay to inform them about our agreement and
to start the program to protect us.If
this
is ok with you and you want me to
explain how the process works,please
email me and i will do that.Some details and options:2004 DODGE NEON SRT-41B3ES66S64D619648SEDAN 4 DR2.4L L4 DOHC 16V / FRONT WHEEL
DRIVE 19870 miles Transmission:Manual Engine:Turbo
Fuel type:Gasoline Interior:Black Exterior:Silver
Standard equipment:Rear Spoiler,CLOTH SEATS,Power Door
Locks,CD,AM/FM
> Radio,Air Conditioning,Power
Windows,4DR SDN SRT-4, FRONT WHEEL DRIVE,Dual Air Bags,Turbo You can
see more pictures by click on the link below :http://www.fototime.com/users/Nightengalemit@aol.com/
Thank you and i will wait for your email.
Brad Pitt wrote:
Man I know I have been blowing
your email up but I gotta have yourride!
I’m Brad Pitt.
I have a garage to keep it in. I
will take care of that car!
Please get a hold of me! LOL
PLEASE!
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