Almost too close

**MilDoc** · 02-25-2008, 11:46 PM

First, the language in the reply from "george Smith" is lousy English. Possible I guess.

Second, Google "Auto Safe Trade" (with quotes) and see what you get.

Sounds like a scam to me.

**BobSch** · 02-26-2008, 06:34 AM

My first warning flag went up when I saw the car was in New Orleans. The hurricane-induced flooding around there left a lot of 'floaters'. The unscroupulous have been doing just enough in repairs to make the car look good.

**rnelson0** · 02-26-2008, 07:48 AM

Your first clue should be the grammar. Maybe I'm just a bit of an elite ******* about grammar, but if you want to sell me your items through Craigslist, not only do I have to understand you but you have to use some basics, like spaces after periods. But really, phrases like "Let me explain you the process" and "If you register to website" wouldn't even be constructed by most foreigners, much less anyone with an actual grasp on the language. Last, there is no mention of how the tags or insurance would transfer to you during the 3 day "trial". Since there's no plan for that, there's obviously no plan to ship it to you.

The mileage is also a kicker. Typically you get 12k mileage in a year, so since 2000 that car should have at least 84k miles on it for a typical driver. 64k sounds like granny drove it, but that's definitely not granny emailing you. If nothing else, you're going through a middleman with poor english, stiff demands, and trying to sell in another state - not only does it look too good to be true, but you've got to be able to find a deal that's closer to you. That's the point of Craigslist, isn't it?

Side note, I really hate when someone lists an item located in New York on the Richmond, VA site - I'd use ebay if I wanted to worry about shipping! Thanks, buddy!

**lebomike** · 02-26-2008, 08:03 AM

First clue, do you know how much it will cost him to send that car to California? I have sold a car through a very reputable site and checked with them. It would be $2500.00 to ship across the states today. So the price is way off and I woud be very concerend with any vehicle out of New Orleans. I would definately look for a vehicle closer to you, and tell this guy GOOD BUY.

**Wandere** · 02-26-2008, 08:25 AM

Run away from this:

www.auto-safe-trade.com is made from a standard template package

It was created in late Feb 2008.

And...it's just a car, plenty of decent ones closer to you out there.

-Rob

**Ed62** · 02-26-2008, 09:15 AM

I glad you not buy. I have better for you. I explain process. You send money. I send car.

Ed

**Mrs. Wallnut** · 02-26-2008, 09:47 AM

Years ago my parents got burned by a similar type internet scam. My mom was trying to sell her old 54 Oldsmobile and she had it listed on an internet site for selling cars. She got and email from a person saying she was from Norway or something and any ways you all know the end of it...they sent her a check that she had to cash and then send some money back, etc. etc. etc., so my parents lost some money on that deal because the check wasn't legit or something. I don't ask them too much about it anymore because its a sore subject for them.

Now they are very careful when dealing with the internet and buying things and selling things on it.

**jgrobler** · 02-26-2008, 01:14 PM

Originally posted by Wandere

Run away from this:

www.auto-safe-trade.com is made from a standard template package

It was created in late Feb 2008.
-Rob

Rob, some of the sites I found when I started researching (suspecting) them looked identical to that site, cookie cutter, just name difference, but is there a way you can tell who the owner of a site is, where it is hosted, how long it's been (really) in business?

Originally posted by Ed62

I glad you not buy. I have better for you. I explain process. You send money. I send car.

Ed

Thanks Ed, where do I send my money?

Little bit more seriously, English is my second language, so I don't always see grammar mistakes, and in this area we have a lot of people who aren't fluent in English, but still honest, sincere people, so my red flags don't go up just for poor grammar. But in the email I mentioned, and some other follow-ups from "george" there was enough so cause concern, plus he was getting way too pushy.

Johan

**rnelson0** · 02-26-2008, 02:37 PM

plus he was getting way too pushy.

I'd guess a buck that you haven't been in to buy a new car anytime recently

We are looking at a Prius (probably close on it tonight) and this guy just won't stop. He finally explained it the other day when we started to tell him we were going to buy - we're his first sale, ever. I know that could be a tactic, but I believe it - he reaks of desperation.

I may get ripped off by the new car dealer, but on the other hand at least I'll have a car to drive!

**Wandere** · 02-26-2008, 05:28 PM

Sure Johan,

1) google it, if nothing comes up except itself, suspect it. These sorts of services get mentioned and reviewed all the time on forums, etc.

2) Take the addy and look it up via whois : http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/index.jsp

This will give you a lot of info

3) Take a name you find on whois, and do a BBB search to see if they're repeat scammers...you know, just for fun.

Hope that helps somebody, good job on passing this one up.

-Rob

**jgrobler** · 02-26-2008, 10:38 PM

Thanks Rob, yeah, my first suspicion was when I googled the address nothing (not even the site itself) came up. Even now, the only link that comes up is this post - go figure, but didn't know about the whois. Great stuff, thanks!

Doesn't help the registered name is William Dickey, probably not even his real name, just a fan of.

Johan

Almost too close

Almost too close

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