Who called from 8018767481

I received a SMS text message from this number (801-876-7481) after I placed an ad in Cars.com this morning:

Hello is your car advert on cars.com still available ? Please reply me with your final price on ( [email protected] ).cheers

I got the same message via text from the same guy and phone number.  And then he emailed for the following stupid story, and I quote,

"Thanks a lot for the email. Am buying it for my son who just graduated ontop of his class in National University in California, he studied Business Law and Professional Ethics Minor and am so proud of him . I want it as a surprise package to appreciate him towards his achievement and to be delivered before my arrival Wyoming as my family lives in Wyoming .


I work with Animal Planet (Call Of The Wild Man  and we are presently offshore in US. We do not have access to phone at the moment,its 15days off and 15days on,which is why I contacted you with internet messaging facility. Where is it located at the moment?Does it have any history I  should be aware of? and why are you selling if you don't mind my asking.I am already in talks with the courier that will handle
the pick-up and delivery it in Wyoming.


As regards the payment, I can pay you through direct bank deposit,using ppal instant bank wire transfer service, I will need your bank details.If you are not comfortable with that, you can set up a paypal account proper at www.paypal.com and I will make the payment through paypal, this way, all I will need is your paypal email address.


Cheers!! "

I received the same SMS message from Paul shortly after listing my car on Cars.com. I'm so glad there are forums like this out there! People need to do their research before doing business with anyone like this.

This is a well-known scam in which the scammer claims that paypal is holding his money until the seller wires money via Western Union.  The scammer doesn't actually use paypal, but sends the seller a fake email claiming to be from paypal.

More details here:

https://www.paypal-community.com/t5/Sending-a ... .language=en-gb

http://www.scamwarners.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=59616#p164295

I just wanted to quickly get the scammer's phone number, email address and name in 800notes so other people would find it if they searched on it.  :)

I had the same exact thing happen to me with the exact same text message, except for referring to an add I placed on KSL.com for a vehicle. When I emailed [email protected], he sent me the same message you were sent. Thanks for posting your message, confirming ths as a scam for me and others.