Another thread on buying an M3

[m3f_hawkinsmc]

Ok, I know there is a new thread like this about every day, but I really need your help. I saw this car and want it so bad I can taste it

(vin WBSBG9330XEY80881). But there are so many red flags that I think it may be a scam! Tell me what you think.



http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=158567000&dealer_id=&car_year=1999& make=BMW&distance=any&max_price=15000&model=M3&adv cd_on=n&end_year=1999&min_price=&certified=n&addre ss=92373&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=19 99&color=&cardist=2391



Red Flags

1. This car just is to good to be true.

2. Didn't get the owners name until about 3rd e-mail (signiture block says "V")

3. Owner phone # on autotrader doesn't work

4. Owner never answered any detailed questions about car.

5. Carfax info on car only tracks it to 2002

6. Owner is "in europe until march 29th"

7. Owner "signed a contract with shipping company to handle sale because he is too busy"

8. Shipping company (www.usa-vehicle.com) is not listed in the Better Business Bureau.

9. Called shipping company and they answer "how may I help you" not "USA Vehicle" or anything stating the company's name.

10. Shipping company wants a $3000 deposit wired to bank or Western Union. They will not accept credit cards because their credit card machine is "broken right now".

11. When I first checked on the car at the shipping company by the tracking number I they had no car listed. Then I e-mailed the company and they e-mailed me back, after which I checked again and the car was then listed in their tracking system.



Green flags

1. Great price

2. Offers inspection period and full refund if not satisfied (assuming I actually get the car).

3. They say they will ship the car to me.



I just want this to be a legitamate deal so bad, but as I list these red flags I just think I am probably kidding myself. Tell me what you guys think. Has anyone ever heard of or delt with this company?

[m3f_mighty-dog_11395d17be]

You're rightfully cautious. $15k would be a steal for this car. So many flags point to quite possibly a shady deal.



It's unlikely that Carfax history would begin three years after this car's model year. The two carfaxes that I've done in the last year have both begun with the importation dates which most certainly should be 98-99 for this car.



I'd personally just forget about this car.

To persist, I'd seek stronger proof that this is a real car for sale. I doubt that the transport co. will want to work with you on that. They sound fictitious anyways.



Sorry. I just would hate to think someone got scammed.

[m3f_rodH]

Chad, the other things that make me curious are the e-mails you have CC'd me from the owner, sounds like EVERYTIME you ask a few questions, he NEVER answers them. I don't know about you, but whenever I sell even a small item on e-bay, I am VERY thorough in my answers. Way to many question marks.

[m3f_rodH]

take a look at this thread on another board



http://www.my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=65054

[m3f_M3AN_5f4dc0ba80]

SCAM!!!



This is a common scam, report it and move on!!!



The European traveller/Western Union/Shipping company scam has been around for about a year now with a few people being duped.



Identical symptoms to yours. If you ask to meet him after he returns (29/03) he will not meet with you. If you ask to use escrow they will not support it. if you ask to use a credit card they will not support it.



See these links for general info:



http://www.auctionguild.com/generic65.html

http://www.netscalped.com/_disc4/00000995.htm

http://www.bikez.com/msgboard/msg.php?str_id=12241&type=topic&id=16



You have been warned!

[m3f_rodH]

SCAM!!!



This is a common scam, report it and move on!!!



The European traveller/Western Union/Shipping company scam has been around for about a year now with a few people being duped.



Identical symptoms to yours. If you ask to meet him after he returns (29/03) he will not meet with you. If you ask to use escrow they will not support it. if you ask to use a credit card they will not support it.



See these links for general info:



http://www.auctionguild.com/generic65.html

http://www.netscalped.com/_disc4/00000995.htm

http://www.bikez.com/msgboard/msg.php?str_id=12241&type=topic&id=16



You have been warned!





exactly, why does thier CC machine "just happened" to be broken, why can't you wait til the machine is fixed, why can't you wait til the traveler gets back, why don't they use an escrow service?, the list goes on, it is too bad.

[m3f_M3AN_5f4dc0ba80]

And I'd say http://www.usa-vehicle.com/ is a crock as well... certainly the pic in their contact page is dubious...



And a company that big wouldn't have a site hosted in another state by Yahoo and registered in Australia... hmm, check their whois entries, dodgy e-mail address too if you ask me!



In fact, there's a few companies sharing "Suite 200" at this address...



http://www.loanstowomen.com/contactus/regnoffice.asp?state=MN

http://www.highenergyconsulting.com/directions.html



Call one of them as ask if they know of "USA Vehicle Services"?

[m3f_hawkinsmc]

Well that is kind of what I thought. Very dissapointed but I am not willing to make a $3000 gamble with the deposit in hopes that this is a real car. Oh well, there will always be another one out there with my name on it, I'll just have to be patient.

[m3f_Edgy_592e912c16]

Hawk:



Before you walk away, report the fraud to AutoTrader.com, they are large company and may be able to do something. Also Better Business Bureau.



Bummer, but she is out there! What's your exact locale? I'd be happy to forward some listings out of The Roundel, the BMW Club mag. Always some really sweet sounding M3's listed.

[m3f_KUpolo]

It's good that you didn't fall for this.



To me, the biggest red flag is the Western Union demand. You have no recourse once you send money by Western Union. I will never pay for anything sight unseen using this method. You are just asking for trouble.

[m3f_NRG]

If you have a bad feeling about it then chances are I would definitly listen to the little voice in your head. Its usually right. Good luck

[m3f_hawkinsmc]

Hawk:



Before you walk away, report the fraud to AutoTrader.com, they are large company and may be able to do something. Also Better Business Bureau.



Bummer, but she is out there! What's your exact locale? I'd be happy to forward some listings out of The Roundel, the BMW Club mag. Always some really sweet sounding M3's listed.



I'll do that, hopefully no one actually fell for this. I am actually in Korea right now, I am a Dentist in the Army but my family is back in California where I will be returning in a few months. I am willing to have something shipped if it is a good car. My brother is brother is also helping me out, but I am limited to what I can find on line. I would like to have the car before I get back so I don't have to be carless fo a month while I search. Thanks for all the help guys.

[m3f_bmwudmCOM]

good thread



i was actually looking at the car last night

and wondering about it





sumo

[m3f_Edgy_592e912c16]

Hawk:



If by your last post you mean you do want to hear about Roundel classifieds, give me your parameters and I can easily forward to you. There are some pretty hot sounding cars in Cali.



Edgy

[m3f_rodH]

Edgy. could you forward them to me and Hawk. I am his brother, live in SoCal right now and will be doing a lot of the finding for him. I have heard that the BMW club is a great way to buy a used M3. Thank you.



oops, I forgot. I pretty much know his parameters, under $16k, any color except yellow, Coupe only, 5 speed only.