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Am I about to get scammed? (kinda long)

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Old May 8, 2005 | 02:57 PM
  #1  
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Default Am I about to get scammed? (kinda long)

Ok guys, so here's the deal:

Earlier today, I was browsing craigslist.com and I stumbled on a 1999 R6 for $2,800. I thought that it sounded too good to be true, or that the owner had wrecked the crap out of it. But I emailed him anyways, and this is what we've talked about so far: (this is all in the span of 5-6 hours, the guy must live on his computer, or he's trying to sell me a stolen motorcycle)

Originally Posted by me
Hello,

I saw your bike on craigslist.com, and I very
interested in buying it. I have a couple of questions
if you wouldnt mind.

-Why is it so cheap! (Not a bad thing though!)
-Does the bike have a clear title?
-Was it involved in any kind of accident(s)?
-Are there any modifications done to the bike?
-Are there any problems that I should know about?
-Where are you located? I am in Philly.
-How can I pay for this? I can give you straight-up
cash in a week or so.

Thanks for your time, like I said, I am very
interested in buying this bike. Please get back to me
asap so we can work something out. Thanks!

Cheers,
W.Hall
And he replied with this

Originally Posted by him
Hi.

Where are you located ? I live in Andalusia, AL and my last price for
the bike is $2,800.
The bike is from 1999 and I'm the second owner. It's in perfectly
conditions, like new, you'll love it ! It have a clean title and
16,000 miles. If you realy want to buy it, we can sort the deal
quikly. I can call you if you want, just tell me if you are realy
interested.

Please reply quikly.
^^ Seems kinda "hurried" to get rid of it... Kinda makes me wonder...

Then I replied with this:

Originally Posted by me
Hello again,

I would love to buy the bike, however I am located in
Philadelphia, PA! I don't know how we could arrange
the deal.

I would still love to buy the bike. If we can work
out something with shipping or whatever, I am going to
need the bike's VIN number and some pictures.

Let me know if you have any ideas as far as shipping
is concerned. I can drive a certain distance, but I
cant drive all the way to Alabama!

Cheers.
And then he hits me back with this:

Originally Posted by him
Hi there.
The bike is here with me in Alabama. We can arrange the deal if you
want. I can come to meet you somewhere on the halfway or I can shipp
it to your address. Tell me what way do you agree ?
Shipping is more simple. I'll shipp by Forward Air and you'll receive
it in 48 hours. It will coast $320 but I'll cover 50% from the fees.
So you'll have to pay me only $2,960. You'll have to wire the money by
a money order. Or I have another solution. I'm affiliated at
http://www.buysafe.com .I have a a purchase protection account for 25,000$
and I assume you know what this means.
The financial part of this deal will be manage by them. They are
acting like a third party in this deal. Also, I have to let you know
that I want a proof that you have all the money available for this
deal as I will ship it in the same day or next day morning ,after you
prove to me that you are the real buyer.
Since this deal will be made using a THIRD PARTY to help us closing
this deal, I prefer honest buyers. Anyway, if you want more details
about this deal, please reply with the following information's:
-Your full name;
-Your shipping address;
After I'll receive your message with your FULL NAME and your COMPLETE
SHIPPING ADDRESS I'll inform them to start the transaction. I will
look for your email, so that we can move forward with this deal!
Regards!

This is where I'm sort of confused. What is buysafe.com and have any of you guys used or heard about it?
Second, should I give this guy my full name and address? We just started talking about the bike not even 10 hours ago. He just seems really anxious to get rid of the bike....Any thoughts fellas?


P.S.- Should I opt for meeting him half-way and take the bike from there, or should I have him send it to me (and consequentially use buysafe.com)?

Sorry for the length.
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Old May 8, 2005 | 03:01 PM
  #2  
Mag00n's Avatar
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From: UPSTATE 518
Default Re: Am I about to get scammed? (Your Epitaph.)

Doesnt sound like a scam man. Scammers would NEVER suggest meeting up with you in person. Im not saying to go ahead and send him your money....Im just saying its not the typical internet scam that we see everyday. If you want the bike bad enough, then meet him half way. Thatd be my advice.
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Old May 8, 2005 | 03:12 PM
  #3  
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Default

Honestly, unless ur comfortable with it, sounds like u arent. Take a damn road trip with a friend with a vehicle with a hitch (rent a trailer for 2-3 days under $100.) But first, run the vin in carfax etc. Ask for a scan of the clean title. Then take the drive. ITs prob 10-13 hours, but well worth not losing 2800.
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Old May 8, 2005 | 03:14 PM
  #4  
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Default Re: Am I about to get scammed? (Mag00n)

i dont know about that, it seems really sketch. if it is a scam its not the same as all the others, but still seems out of the ordinary with some of the stuff this guy says. lets see what others have to say.
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Old May 8, 2005 | 04:08 PM
  #5  
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If you think it is a scam, or don't feel right about this, my suggestion would be not to do it. Better to go with your own gut and make choices than counting on someone else when it comes to this sort of stuff. Good luck in buying a bike.
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Old May 8, 2005 | 04:40 PM
  #6  
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Default Re: (Racer_XX)

Great insight guys.

As of right now, I think the safest bet would be to rent a trailer (like Phaze2 Mike said) and meet him halfway.

I don't really feel comforatable giving him my home address, and I'm really sure about why he even brought up buysafe.com, but 2.8K for a '99 R6 sounds really tempting.

TTT for other ideas.

Thanks fellas.
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Old May 8, 2005 | 05:33 PM
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Default Re: (Your Epitaph.)

I received the same exact initial email from someone selling a gixxer on craigslist. It's definately a scam...
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Old May 8, 2005 | 05:49 PM
  #8  
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Default Re: (Nims)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Nims &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I received the same exact initial email from someone selling a gixxer on craigslist. It's definately a scam...</TD></TR></TABLE>

Are you freakin' kidding me?

You wouldn't happen to have a copy of the email, would you? Not that I don't believe you, it's just that I dont want to give up on the bike that easy.

Can anyone else confirm this?
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Old May 8, 2005 | 05:53 PM
  #9  
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Default Re: (Nims)

Watch out for ads that want you to use those third-party things. Never heard of "buysafe," but every time I responded to something really cheap on Cycletrader or something (like 4100 for a mint 954RR or 3500 for a 2004 Gixxer600), they wanted to use some kind of third-party. They give you a link and everything that says "Seller XXX has opened up a transaction for you in XXX amount."

I'd stay away, unless he's willing to meet up in person and take cash or money order. Sounds like a scam.
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Old May 8, 2005 | 05:58 PM
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Default Re: (Ross R)

I checked for the email, but unfortunately I empty my inbox often. I would NEVER send any cash at all for a bike unless I had seen it in person, but that's just me. There are enough good deals out there that it's not worth it.
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Old May 8, 2005 | 06:42 PM
  #11  
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Default Re: (Nims)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Watch out for ads that want you to use those third-party things. Never heard of "buysafe," but every time I responded to something really cheap on Cycletrader or something (like 4100 for a mint 954RR or 3500 for a 2004 Gixxer600), they wanted to use some kind of third-party. They give you a link and everything that says "Seller XXX has opened up a transaction for you in XXX amount."

I'd stay away, unless he's willing to meet up in person and take cash or money order. Sounds like a scam.</TD></TR></TABLE>

But see, that's the funny thing; he is willing to meet me to complete the transaction. Why does he have to be in freakin' Alabama?

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Nims &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I checked for the email, but unfortunately I empty my inbox often. I would NEVER send any cash at all for a bike unless I had seen it in person, but that's just me. There are enough good deals out there that it's not worth it.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's cool man, don't worry about it. Like I said above, he is willing to meet me, which what makes me think that he's not a scammer, just a pawn of buysafe.com.

Edit: Not sure if it matters, but he is using a Gmail account to converse with me. Which also makes me think he is just some pawn of buysafe.
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Old May 8, 2005 | 06:53 PM
  #12  
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Default Re: (Nims)

i think youre a big giant *****.
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Old May 8, 2005 | 06:59 PM
  #13  
.Ash's Avatar
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Default Re: (Your Epitaph.)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Your Epitaph. &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Are you freakin' kidding me?

You wouldn't happen to have a copy of the email, would you? Not that I don't believe you, it's just that I dont want to give up on the bike that easy.

Can anyone else confirm this? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Scam. Do not trust anything unless you can show up without much hassle to yourself and pickup & pay in cash. Moreover, Nims would not b.s. you.
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Old May 9, 2005 | 04:24 AM
  #14  
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Default Re: (usdmPC3)

yeah, call this dude up, tell him were gonna pick it up in two weeks and hes gonna meet us halfway. if hes not cool with that, forget it.
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Old May 9, 2005 | 04:25 AM
  #15  
Your Epitaph.'s Avatar
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Default Re: (usdmPC3)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by usdmPC3 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Scam. Do not trust anything unless you can show up without much hassle to yourself and pickup & pay in cash. Moreover, Nims would not b.s. you.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I know, i know. You're right about the hassle issue. But the damn bike is so sexy.

I sent him this late last night"

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by me &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Mr. Dereck,

I'd really rather not fool around with the third-party
agencies. I have had some unpleasent experiences with
them in the past.

I would really prefer to meet you half-way, so I can
give you the money face-to-face. It would make me
most comforatable, I hope this won't cause any
problems.

I am still very interested in the bike. So the sooner
I get the VIN # and a few pictures, the faster we can
get this transaction completed!

Regards,
W.Hall</TD></TR></TABLE>

And he responded with this:

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by him &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Hi.
It's ok. Here is the VIN: JYARJ04E4XA001467. aND HERE ARE SOME PICS. http://www.buysafe.com is the solution. You'll not pay any fees at
BuySafe because I am a seal member there. You'll have to pay only
$2,960.
The bike is in a good condition. It was never been dowm, the tires and
the brakes work well. And there are no mechanical problems. It's
registered and it have a clean title. You'll have 3 days for
inspection to verify it and you'll have to inform BuySafe to wire the
money to me only after you'll decide to keep it. If you'll not
like it, you'll can send it back and I'll pay for the shipping back.
But I'm sure that you'll like it !
Soo just send me your name and your shipping address and BuySafe will
start the transaction. You'll receive the details and you'll see the
procedure with the steps.
Please reply quikly.
Thomas</TD></TR></TABLE>

So, I have the VIN number and 6 pictures, but this guy <u>still</u> insists that I use buysafe.com, even after I told him I didn't want to!

Should I kindly remind him again or discontinue the e-mails?

I don't wanna give up on this kinda deal!

P.S.- Can someone be a dear and run that VIN for me? Plleeaaassse?
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Old May 9, 2005 | 05:00 AM
  #16  
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Default Re: (Your Epitaph.)

I would remind him you don't want to go through Buysafe and you want to meet up and pay the cash. If he denies this I would just forget about it.

When a deal is too good to be true ... It usually IS too good to be true.
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Old May 9, 2005 | 05:21 AM
  #17  
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Default Re: (Wicker Man)

yeah its really starting to sound like a scam... whats his email addy .. nah but seriosly that buysafe **** sounds kinda like a scam
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Old May 9, 2005 | 06:42 AM
  #18  
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Default

[beating a dead horse]

Meet up with him or just walk away entirely

[/dead horse]
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Old May 9, 2005 | 08:11 AM
  #19  
Your Epitaph.'s Avatar
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Default Re: (bottle fed)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bottle fed &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> whats his email addy </TD></TR></TABLE>

Ha! Fat chance!

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .ptikal_blitz:. &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">[beating a dead horse]

Meet up with him or just walk away entirely

[/dead horse]</TD></TR></TABLE>

I know, and thats what my most recent e-mail says.
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Old May 9, 2005 | 08:13 AM
  #20  
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Default Re: Am I about to get scammed? (Your Epitaph.)

I wouldn't do it myself. If I were you, I would head out to Montgomeryville Cycle to see if they have any used bikes for a good price.

I dont like any interstate transactions from an individual. Just too risky with that much money.
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Old May 9, 2005 | 09:58 AM
  #21  
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Default Re: Am I about to get scammed? (2.2)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 2.2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I dont like any interstate transactions from an individual. Just too risky with that much money.</TD></TR></TABLE>

bring a rowdy friend
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Old May 9, 2005 | 10:40 AM
  #22  
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Default Re: Am I about to get scammed? (.:optikal_blitz:.)

its a scam.... hes gona make u drive half way and never show.... or hes just not gona go through with it..... my advice is don't waste your time..... save up some money and buy something u can check out in person....
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Old May 9, 2005 | 10:54 AM
  #23  
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Default Re: Am I about to get scammed? (OCStarz)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by OCStarz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">its a scam.... hes gona make u drive half way and never show.... or hes just not gona go through with it..... my advice is don't waste your time..... save up some money and buy something u can check out in person.... </TD></TR></TABLE>
Great advice......and I agree it's a scam. Check out the bike in person for any flaws. A lot of money invested into this hobby, so you don't wanna do anything you'd regret in the future.
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Old May 9, 2005 | 10:58 AM
  #24  
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Default Re: Am I about to get scammed? (Khmer_DC2)

see if hes willing to meet in Va, we can go down and check it out next weekend if hes willin to do it. and get his like phone numbers and ****...
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Old May 9, 2005 | 12:08 PM
  #25  
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Default Re: Am I about to get scammed? (scorpaznatica431)

This guy is so full of **** it makes me angry:

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by me &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Mr. Dereck,

I do not wish to use buysafe.com. I am not familiar
with the company, and I will not be giving my full
name and home address to them. I'm sorry if this
causes you any inconvenience, but I do not give out my
personal information to people and/or websites that I
do not trust.

Once I run a Carfax report on the bike, we can start
arragning the transaction. Once again, I'd really
prefer to meet you somewhere in between our two
cities. How would you like me to pay for the bike?
It will take me a couple of weeks to save the
remainder of the money that I need, will that be a
problem?

Also, does the Yamaha jacket included in the pics come
with the bike?

Thanks again,
W.Hall</TD></TR></TABLE>

I clearly tell him that I will not use the damned buysafe.com website, he fires back with this:

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by him &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
The jacket is included in prce. Now if you want to by the bike, I only use http://www.buysafe.com, I don't have time to shipp it. If you accept send name and address.</TD></TR></TABLE>

God damnit. I really wanted that bike too.

Thanks for all the help fellas. I guess this can be a Craigslist.com scam learning tool.
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