Is this a scam?

niallon11 · 23-03-2022 9:23pm #1

I'm selling my can on carsireland and received an email form a hopeful buyer. The car is up for €23k so it's not a small amount. They emailed me today and something just doesn't ring true on my end. They are offering to pay with paypal or transfer so as long as the money shows up in my account is there any way that they can scam me.

.....................................................................

Hello

Thanks for getting back to me, I have seen the pictures of the car, I'm really interested in buying it, I have some questions.I hope the car is still in good condition?Does it have any fault?Do I need to fix anything from the car after buying the car?Is the price firm or negotiable?If negotiable, what's your final selling price?But i have a little problem, i work at the military base in dublin, i won't be able to come and meet with you to complete this transaction in person, due to the nature of my work, I will be hiring a freight company for the pick up/inspection. I'm buying the car for my wife as a birthday gift and I will be glad if you can make this dream come true. They will also sign all the necessary documents on my behalf. But I will be paying from here to your account with paypal or bank transfer. Kindly get back to me soon.

Kind Regards.

...............................................................................

I sent on more details and they came back to say that they would like to proceed with the purchase.

I'm not 100% happy though especially when they would buy without viewing. That is a red flag in my opinion.

what do you guys think?

Needles73 · 23-03-2022 9:25pm

Yes it’s a scam. Run a mile.

23-03-2022 9:28pm

Yeah read about that recently..A Scam alright...

StreetLight · 23-03-2022 9:30pm

Stinks to high heaven. Steer clear.

23-03-2022 9:31pm

Scam. Did you give your address ?

Damien360 · 23-03-2022 9:32pm

When have you ever heard a member of the Irish military say they work at a base without specifically naming it. Who buys a car for 23k and doesn’t view it. A freight company ? Fruit and veg truck ? Can’t imagine the driver co-signing for a purchase that large. They wasted your time, string them along for giggles. Scam all day long.

niallon11 · 23-03-2022 9:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118826273#Comment_118826273

Thanks for the reply.

You don't remember where you read about it by any chance. I was searching but couldn't find anything like this.

It doesn't sound right but if they paid by paypal or bank transfer i couldn't see where the scam comes in.

I think it's better to avoid it either way.

Damien360 · 23-03-2022 9:38pm

US link explains how some of these PayPal scams work.

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2014/11/online-sellers-stung-scammers-spoofing-paypal-brand?page=13

niallon11 · 23-03-2022 9:38pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118826301#Comment_118826301

Nope. I didn't give them anything other than my email address.

I can't see where the scam is but it doesn't sit right so i never got back to them after he said he wanted to proceed with the sale.

elperello · 23-03-2022 9:39pm

Written by someone who is not Irish and probably not a fluent English speaker.

"from car" - obviously incorrect

"military base" - not a term used by anyone attached to Irish Defence Forces.

These are red flags.

Beware.

niallon11 · 23-03-2022 9:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118826316#Comment_118826316

Thanks for the advice.

I wasn't happy with the interaction but when you want to make the sale sometimes it affects your judgement.

You want it to be true so you ignore some of the signs.

These messages all help to confirm my suspicions and made it easier to walk away.

Thanks.

wandererz · 23-03-2022 9:56pm

Oh my gawd!!

23-03-2022 10:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118826330#Comment_118826330

I saw a twitter post telling people to be careful about this scam..Its around a while,because I selling some things a few years ago,I got a reply more or less the same as that..When he said he couldnt collect,and would send someone to collect,and all the rest,I thought something is dodgy about this.I was selling on Ebay.

L1011 · 23-03-2022 10:06pm

Absolute, utter, clear scam. Don't even reply to them.

Wheety · 23-03-2022 10:11pm

Definite scam. The money will be recalled after your car is gone.

macvin · 23-03-2022 10:12pm

Scary that someone has to ask if such tripe is a scam.

Some car dealers are paying strong prices for decent cars. It might be worth a check. Zu car (Joe Duffy) are one.

glenfieldman · 23-03-2022 10:15pm

Your not obliged to sell or correspond to any potential buyer

Just ignore this

ForestFire · 23-03-2022 10:20pm

" the military base in Dublin" that he cannot leave for some reason.....😏

What kind of military are we running these days, that we are trapping personnel inside indefinitely??🤣

Maybe he actually taking part in "Ultimate Hell week"🙄

Also I think there are call Army Barracks here in ROI

23-03-2022 10:22pm

Not only is it 100% GUARANTEED DEFINITELY a scam .....its an old & not very good one....IGNORE & BLOCK

23-03-2022 10:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118826550#Comment_118826550

I would rather the OP ask on the likes of boards first though, instead of being afraid to ask and going ahead with the deal. Some people arent trained in spotting the signs or maybe are more trusting or desperate to sell.