Oct 19, I received from this phone number the same slightly under asking price offer, with the significantly larger cashiers check. This happened within a couple of days of posting it on AutoTrader. No doubt in my mind that that is where they got my phone number. The precious detail here is that when looking at the AutoTrader ad statistics, the ad was viewed 7 times an NO ONE had asked for the phone number.
Unsolicited SMS stated the following: "Am interested in your Honda Civic will offer $6300 if still in good condition". This text message is not taken real seriously since the area code is from NYC and not a local area code.
Similar text message from this number stating an offer to buy my car for an amount just below the asking price.
This was followed up with a few questions about the condition of the car.
Finally an offer to buy it for an amount way over the selling price (7 times!) using a cashier's check.
The offer is to send me the large cashier check and then for me to keep my portion for the car and return the rest to the agent who will pick up my car. I just need to provide my name and address.
Definitely a scam.
Same game here too - offering just under the price by cashier check but kick back "$1650 to the pick up agent to secure shipping space. Then your balance ... I will pay in cash and in person on the day of pick up". So why don't you pay the agent?!?
Because that's the scam. The check is a fake. It will take 2 weeks or more for the bank to tell you. The extra money? You will be asked to send that by "Western Union", or some other form of wire transfer. It is cash, untraceable cash. So, then the check bounces, guess who's out money, & in trouble with the law for depositing a bad check? For those selling something, local only, no text, in person, cash only.