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Amazing network of scam sites


Hodgepodge

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Price: $100
Location: USA


Description:

Just tripped over another impressive scam web site...actually a whole network of a dozen or more scam sites.  Listings include a mix of legit cars from other sites, plus several hook cars (I guess they would be hookcars...).   I never cease to be amazed at how elaborate these sites can get. The 2002 listings are simply ridiculous.  They have a 2002 Turbo listed for $22,000!  Riiiiiight....   Want a tii for $12k? They have a couple.   Want a nice looking, clean 3.0CSI for less then $15k?  This site lists about 10.   How about a 1988 E28 M5 for less than $9k. They list 3.  Unfortunately, they are the same car with 3 different prices but hey, they have 3!   Or how about a '73 Alfa Romeo GTV for $5,900?   I recognize images of cars I've seen for sale over the past couple of years.  I was actually expecting to see one of my own cars listed!  

 

If you are curious about how good a scam site can look, here it is.  oodle.com  

 

 https://cars.oodle.com/bmw-3.0_csi/for-sale/

 

Go ahead, search for your dream car...  Im sure you will find one that looks too good to be true....you know...because it is.  

 

Apparently, ALL of the related sites, which include such catchy names as dealslister.com, autoexplosion.com, Yupyi.com, Autoadbuilder.com and cardealfinder.com are also scams or at least condone scamming.  There are a few legit cars that I recognize as curently for sale listed, too, like cars from Beverly Hills Car Club and a few private sellers.  But mostly it is cars that don't exist on sites you've never heard of.   

 

And it doesn't stop there.  For each car listing, they also suggest you apply for a loan, get an insurance quote, check your credit and get a shipping estimate.  A few of the links go to legit sites but some end up asking for personal or credit card information.  Yep, more scam sites.  

 

I'm the kind of guy who presses 2 when I get one of those illegal "Hi, this is Judy from the credit card company" calls just so I can see how long I can keep the idiot trying to get me to sign up for something on the phone.  So of course, I inquired about a couple of cars.  This should be fun!   

 

Be careful out there.  

 

 

 

    

Edited by Hodgepodge
  • Like 4

Current: '74 2002,75 2002, 88 E28 M5(2), 92 E34 M5, 02 E39 M5, 01 E39T M5, 08 E93 328i, 08 E61 535i, 09 E93 335i, 09 E91 328ix, 12 E70 3.5i  '67 Alfa Romeo Spider; '69 Alfa Romeo Spider, '08 Dodge 1500 SLT. Past BMWs: '74 2002tii, '74 2002, '76 E12 530i, '78 E12 528i, '85 E28 535is, '93 E34 528iT, '94 E34 528i, '99 E36 328ic (2) '99 E39 528iT, '03 E46 330i convt., '07 E90 328i

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Here is the letter I got back on one of my car inquiries using this site along with some of the 20 or so images.  As always, the seller is in a hurry and already has a shipper that also acts as a holder of funds.  Riiiiight.   I'm trying to figure out the best way to keep this scammer engaged and will post whatever else I get.  

Also, my name is not Tammy.   And lastly, the guy is a drilling engineer.  How funny! 

------------------------------------------- 

Hello Tammy,

this is Paul Latowski and I'm responding to your message regarding the 1971 BMW.
More photos are attached so you can see the condition of the car.
I'd like to sell this one asap as I already purchased another vehicle so my asking price is $12,900
Currently the car is in Miami, FL. If you can't pick it up in Miami no worries, I already have shipping arrangements in place. The shipping company is also acting as a trusted third-party that only disperses funds when both buyer and seller are satisfied.

Text or email works best for me.

--

Sincerely yours,
Paul Latowski
Drilling Engineer

©2018 TRANSOCEAN LTD.
rig

Cell: +1 (786) 765-0152
 

1.thumb.jpg.d073dbed66e57aad333e5d5862a09dd1.jpg12.thumb.jpg.b25a72bea518a897f73eb623cf48bfb7.jpg19.thumb.jpg.b1237b7eb9d72b6f0566a55c26da82dc.jpg

 

 

Current: '74 2002,75 2002, 88 E28 M5(2), 92 E34 M5, 02 E39 M5, 01 E39T M5, 08 E93 328i, 08 E61 535i, 09 E93 335i, 09 E91 328ix, 12 E70 3.5i  '67 Alfa Romeo Spider; '69 Alfa Romeo Spider, '08 Dodge 1500 SLT. Past BMWs: '74 2002tii, '74 2002, '76 E12 530i, '78 E12 528i, '85 E28 535is, '93 E34 528iT, '94 E34 528i, '99 E36 328ic (2) '99 E39 528iT, '03 E46 330i convt., '07 E90 328i

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Got a response back directing me to a transport site web site that is less than a month old so I can "start the process" of getting ripped off.   The linked site is a fairly legitimate looking international shipping company, but it does not exist.   I tolkd the guy I would be in Miami tomorrow for a week and asked him for the VIN of the car and where I can go to see it.  Usually, what follows is some kind of story about how the car is already in a shipping container and I can see it when it is delivered and if I don't like it, I can get myu money back. 

============================================== 

 

Hi Scott,

I apologize for the typo.

Here you can read how the process works: http://rokastrans.com/howitworks.php

You just need to create an account on the website and when you are ready I will start the necessary procedures.
Then they will contact you and provide all the info you need for completing the transaction (including  the bill of sale and purchase contract).

 

 

Sincerely yours,
Paul Latowski
Drilling Engineer

©2018 TRANSOCEAN LTD.
rig

Cell: +1 (786) 765-0152


This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying or the taking of any action in reliance on the information herein is prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. TRANSOCEAN LTD. is not responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.

On 7/21/2018 11:14 AM, Scott Hodges wrote:

Hello Paul, 

 

OK, what’s next?  

 

Thanks,

 

Scott (not Tammy)

 

==================================================================================

 

I'll add another note if/when he responds.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Hodgepodge
  • Like 1

Current: '74 2002,75 2002, 88 E28 M5(2), 92 E34 M5, 02 E39 M5, 01 E39T M5, 08 E93 328i, 08 E61 535i, 09 E93 335i, 09 E91 328ix, 12 E70 3.5i  '67 Alfa Romeo Spider; '69 Alfa Romeo Spider, '08 Dodge 1500 SLT. Past BMWs: '74 2002tii, '74 2002, '76 E12 530i, '78 E12 528i, '85 E28 535is, '93 E34 528iT, '94 E34 528i, '99 E36 328ic (2) '99 E39 528iT, '03 E46 330i convt., '07 E90 328i

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Sucks that these things exist. It'd be nice if there was a way to catch them but its nearly impossible and they usually don't live in the US so it makes it really impossible. Probably just someone in an internet cafe in Timbuktu.

 

At least they are getting wise to the first tip off. The fact they misspell everything -  "Sorry for the typo"

Edited by theNomad
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Nomad, I've tried several times reporting them to the FBI but the FBI doesn't care unless somebody can actually demonstrate that they were ripped off.  I tried ICANN to get the sites pulled from domain servers but they are not set up to deal with crime issues.  And finally, there is an internet crime group at Interpol, but they also don't care unless money changes hands.  

 

I often envision the Internet as something similar to the wild, wild west as (incorrectly) depicted on TV and in movies.  Eventually, some sherrif will show up.  Let's just hope it isn't Ajit Pai.   

Current: '74 2002,75 2002, 88 E28 M5(2), 92 E34 M5, 02 E39 M5, 01 E39T M5, 08 E93 328i, 08 E61 535i, 09 E93 335i, 09 E91 328ix, 12 E70 3.5i  '67 Alfa Romeo Spider; '69 Alfa Romeo Spider, '08 Dodge 1500 SLT. Past BMWs: '74 2002tii, '74 2002, '76 E12 530i, '78 E12 528i, '85 E28 535is, '93 E34 528iT, '94 E34 528i, '99 E36 328ic (2) '99 E39 528iT, '03 E46 330i convt., '07 E90 328i

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If the shipper is a trusted third party, then why not have the car shipped COD?  You could even do the transaction at the local PD- ours has a spot just for CL transactions that has a camera and everything.

  • Like 1

Dave.

'76, totally stock. Completely.

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12 hours ago, Hodgepodge said:

Currently the car is in Miami, FL. If you can't pick it up in Miami no worries, I already have shipping arrangements in place.

I can pretty well guarantee that the Malaga CS coupe pictured ain't pictured in Miami.  No trees there that large or that variety, and the architecture of the houses is all wrong for Miami (I grew up down there).  As the Tappet Brothers would say, "booooooooooooogus!"

 

Keep us posted on your playing them, Tammy...

 

mike

  • Like 1

'69 Nevada sunroof-Wolfgang-bought new
'73 Sahara sunroof-Ludwig-since '78
'91 Brillantrot 318is sunroof-Georg Friederich 
Fiat Topolini (Benito & Luigi), Renault 4CVs (Anatole, Lucky Pierre, Brigette) & Kermit, the Bugeye Sprite

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tzei, other images show that they are all California plates.  Usually, these guys say the car is in Wyoming or Kansas or someplace where it is very unlikely a potential buyer will be in a position to go.  I told this scamming seller I was going to be in Miami and he went dark. 

 

I think the point is that there are are HUNDREDS of these scam cars on sites set up specifically by scammers for this purpose.  

Current: '74 2002,75 2002, 88 E28 M5(2), 92 E34 M5, 02 E39 M5, 01 E39T M5, 08 E93 328i, 08 E61 535i, 09 E93 335i, 09 E91 328ix, 12 E70 3.5i  '67 Alfa Romeo Spider; '69 Alfa Romeo Spider, '08 Dodge 1500 SLT. Past BMWs: '74 2002tii, '74 2002, '76 E12 530i, '78 E12 528i, '85 E28 535is, '93 E34 528iT, '94 E34 528i, '99 E36 328ic (2) '99 E39 528iT, '03 E46 330i convt., '07 E90 328i

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Yeah. Happend to me as well... car was Texas... ready to be shipped... can't be accessed at terminal cause jadda jadda. Asked about those Colorado plates... radio silence. LOL but was fun while it lasted.

2002 -73 M2, 2002 -71 forced induction. bnr32 -91

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He responded.  Said he would check with the shipper and get back to me.   

 

I also got another response on a different car I enquired about.  The fun continues.  Interesting work email.  Totally ironic name since all of this is a shell game. 

------------------------------

 Hi Scott, how are you?
I sincerely apologize for taking so long to respond but I work 16hr shifts and I didn't saw it until now. Thank you for your patience all this while.
You inquired about my car and I hope you are still interested. This beauty is in great condition and extremely clean. It has been recently serviced and it's being sold as described, no mechanical or electrical issues, never abused, non smoker, runs and drives perfect. You can buy it for the price of $14,000.00. I work overseas for Shell plc on an oil rig and my contract ends in December. Then I have another 2 years agreement starting from January 2019 so the car is no more useful to me.
The location of the car is Seattle, WA, ready to go. I have arranged for the sale of the vehicle before leaving the states so if you want to find out more details about how we can close up this deal, do not hesitate to contact me and I will respond at my earliest convenience.

Thanks,
Craig

 

For a faster response you can use my work email craig.ibbotson@shell-global.com

-------------------------------
 

 

 

 

  • Like 1

Current: '74 2002,75 2002, 88 E28 M5(2), 92 E34 M5, 02 E39 M5, 01 E39T M5, 08 E93 328i, 08 E61 535i, 09 E93 335i, 09 E91 328ix, 12 E70 3.5i  '67 Alfa Romeo Spider; '69 Alfa Romeo Spider, '08 Dodge 1500 SLT. Past BMWs: '74 2002tii, '74 2002, '76 E12 530i, '78 E12 528i, '85 E28 535is, '93 E34 528iT, '94 E34 528i, '99 E36 328ic (2) '99 E39 528iT, '03 E46 330i convt., '07 E90 328i

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I went through this a few years back when I was looking to buy a motorcycle.  It was obviously too good to be true, but I was curious, so I emailed him.  Same "I'm not with the bike now, but send money to this trusted shipping company and we'll go from there" type of response.  I right clicked on one of the photos and did "Search Google for image," which turned up an old, legitimate ad from a few years back on another site.  I emailed him again asking what was going on, and never heard back.  Go figure.

 

A car version of this exchange would be great.

 

https://www.boredpanda.com/funny-phishing-scam-emails-dot-con-james-veitch/?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=direct

Edited by grotflo

1973 BMW 2002 (Verona)

1975 BMW R90S (Silver Smoke)

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Grotflo, I've seen that story.  Good one.  I could write one about the "Microsoft Support" guy that called my house and had me open my error log to try to sell me a maintenance agreement.  I was in IT for 20 years.....  I had him on the phone for almost an hour.    

 

I am always looking for cars to buy and have probably tripped over 30 or more of these scams, mostly on Craig's list until recently. (I just found a $16k 1968 Alfa Romeo Duetto on Craigs list. They didn't import that car in 1968... Same car for sale in two different cities. Guy asked for my email but half of the characters in his response are not english letters.)  These days, the english is usually much better but they will use some term or reference that is not American, even though they are supposed to be in the US.  Once or twice it was somebody in the military on a "secret mission" which is hilarious and a couple of times it was somebody who referenced the wrong military base.  Once it was a fairly famous country singer selling a car in Nashville...can't remember his name, he was on the road touring so I could not get the car inspected. That was a great one.  I mean, who wouldn't want to buy a car from, say, Kaanu Reeves?  I'm sure a lot of people would want to believe it was real.  

 

   

 

 

 

Current: '74 2002,75 2002, 88 E28 M5(2), 92 E34 M5, 02 E39 M5, 01 E39T M5, 08 E93 328i, 08 E61 535i, 09 E93 335i, 09 E91 328ix, 12 E70 3.5i  '67 Alfa Romeo Spider; '69 Alfa Romeo Spider, '08 Dodge 1500 SLT. Past BMWs: '74 2002tii, '74 2002, '76 E12 530i, '78 E12 528i, '85 E28 535is, '93 E34 528iT, '94 E34 528i, '99 E36 328ic (2) '99 E39 528iT, '03 E46 330i convt., '07 E90 328i

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What is the sense that they list the same car for five different price in five different locations? I'd get it if they were looking for local buyer searching by location but that's not the case. The sites look very legitimate and the language is good enough to fool many not native english speakers at least.

Edited by Tommy

Racing is Life - everything before and after is just waiting!

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