Mark Hineline <hineline@HELIX.UCSD.EDU> writes:

> How does the scam work? I'm watching Craig's List for Vanagons, and
> I'm worried about this.

It's not specific to Vanagons at all.  The scammer finds some photos of
a nice-looking vehicle.  He posts an ad on Craigslist with a low price
(this is often givaway #1: the price is simply too good to be true).

Giveaway #2 is often no phone number.  This is more of a clue than a
giveaway, as legitimate sellers may prefer not to put their phone number
on an internet ad.  But a scammer will not want to use a phone number
that can be traced.

So you respond to the ad, and you'll get some kind of story like "I'm
selling it cheap because my job is being relocated next week and I have
to sell it" You will be asked to wire money to an "escrow service".  Or
send a deposit via Western Union.  Or some other unusal twist that
involves you sending money before you get the car.  This is the real
giveaway.  You'll lose your money and the seller will vanish leaving
only his throwaway email address behind.

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL