Bill,
Sounds like the typical scam. It won't hurt to get his check, but beware.
Here is how the scam works. The check you receive will be for MORE than the
purchase price. The remitter will indicate the check amount was in error
and request you send him reimbursement of the difference after his check
clears. Your bank will indicate his check has cleared. They do this on
TIME not confirmation. The check you received from the remitter will be a
counterfeit cashiers check, and ultimately it will be returned to your bank.
If you sent the remitter the check he requested, you'll be out that money.
If you actually send him the car also, the cheat will have your money and
your car.
If you get his check, you can deposit it and wait, wait, and wait. It will
be returned to you as a counterfeit. You may also call the bank that the
cashiers check is drawn on to see what they say.
Good luck and beware.
Larry Hoy
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-mgs@autox.team.net
> [mailto:owner-mgs@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Bill Snyder
> Sent: Monday, December 08, 2003 8:05 AM
> To: mgs@autox.team.net
> Subject: UK Scam??
>
>
> I posted a car for sale on the MG Enthusiast's site on
> Saturday to be distributed in the US and Canada. Yesterday, I
> received a request for more info and a photo, followed by an
> offer to buy from a gent in the UK. I wrote back voicing my
> skepticism and fear of scams from perspective overseas buyers
> and stated that my terms would be cash or cashiers check for
> the exact anount with adequate time for the check to clear
> the bank before the car would be released. He has now
> requested my address so that his secretary can immediately
> send me the cashiers's check.
>
> The fellow gives his name as Cap. Mark and he has a UK email address.
> >From the way he writes gramatically, I suspect that he is
> not a native
> Englishman.
>
> I want to sell my car, but I also want to make sure that I
> don't get conned in some way. Does anyone have knowledge of
> car buying scams originating from the UK? Has anyone ever
> heard of this chap or had any dealings with him? Any further
> advice on how to avoid getting beaten?
>
> Thanks as always for your input.
>
> Bill Snyder
> Waynesville, NC
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