Is this a con?

Top_Banana_2

I put my car up for sale on Exchange and Mart, and received the following email from a 'punter':

Hello, My Name is Mr SMITH.
I am interested in your advert for the sale of your car and i would like to ask some details concerning it before proceeding with the payment. Since you are private , you should be able to clarified this few question for me so that i will be able to determine the condition of the car.
1. How long have you owned it?
2. Have you owned it from new? If not how many previous owner?
3. Why are you selling it?
4. In your opnion, what sort of condition is it?
5. Any available photo?
6. Last Price?
Preffered method of payment is United Kingdom Bank Draft cheque ?? which would CLEAR in your bank account within 1 to 2 working days , don't bother about the shippment the shipping cost will be my own responsibility.
Urgent response is needed for procedure of payment I'll be expecting your mail soonest.Send pics if also available.i would be very glad if you can get it sold to me. Kindly email me back , if it's still for sale
Thanks +447024028549


This message is sent on behalf of: simth

I'm guessing it is a rip off merchant? All the info' he asks for is in my advet, along with the pics.

BillScarab

sounds like it to me. I'd steer well clear.

Casey1709

Almost certainly a con.

Probably along the lines of paying you more than the asking price which they'll ask you to refund them the difference. You'll then find their cheque bounces a couple of weeks later after you've given the the car & cash.

Reggie_Rebel

Either that or it disappears over nights

Conor_3

Telephone number is a UK mobile so they're in this country at the very least.

Tell them you'll oblige them but you require that they BACS the money into your account.

benjus

"Mr Smith" is also trying to buy a car from someone in Spain who isn't actually advertising a car (they are offering to sort driving licence paperwork): http://www.anunciosenred.com/anuncio/94026 and this one from Slovakia: http://www.worldusedcar.com/fr/boardPlus.php?PostID=54966

Obviously gets around a bit.

benjus

Conor wrote: »

Telephone number is a UK mobile so they're in this country at the very least.

Tell them you'll oblige them but you require that they BACS the money into your account.

No, it's a UK personal number (070). These are readily available on the Internet and can be set up to forward internationally (or perhaps work as a VoIP line with appropriate software), so the person could be anywhere in the world.

Even a UK landline is not much of a guarantee, as VoIP companies are giving away UK landline numbers for use with VoIP software.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

070 - the same prefix used on those calls that hang up after 1 ring, and which you call back, and pay a small charge for the privilege.

albionrovers

Nigerian scammer. Western Union bank transfer. Avoid.