Scammers are everywhere! Be ever so cautious.

[Becca9800]

DH posted an ad to sell his Harley. Received a text, "willing to pay full price for your bike. I am in the Army and deployed to Fort Huachuca in AZ. I may not be able to see the motorcycle personally, are you sure it is in mint condition? I can't speak w you bc phone calls are currently restricted. I can send funds via PayPal, do you have a PayPal account? I will have a mover pick up bike after funds clear your account, he will handle title for me." Our alarms were sounding loudly, so many things wrong with his offer. I asked, "what is your rank? What unit are you assigned to? Who is your commanding officer? I have a grandson serving in the Army who said the offer could be legit and if it is they'll be no problem providing us w the requested info. We then could call the base to ensure it was legit. We never received a response from the would be buyer.

Can you point out all the wrongs with the buyer's story?

[Two Bills]

The PayPal payment will reach your account.
Then you part with the bike.
Shortly after, scammer will inform PayPal that he has not received his purchase.
PayPal will refund him as you will not have proof of postage or receipt of goods.
All the signed paper work for the bike is useless, without proof of post and delivery.
This scam is used a lot as well with eBay, when goods are available for collection.
Whenever you get any offer like this where goods will be picked up by a representative of the buyer, tell them to send cash with the collector.
PayPal protects the buyer, not the seller, unless seller adheres to ALL the term and conditions of sale.

[Two Bills]

A usefull site of PayPal scams.

403 Forbidden (https://www.scam-detector.com/paypal-scams/)

[retiredguy123]

I would like to know how the Army could possibly prevent a soldier from using their cell phone.

[Becca9800]

I would like to know how the Army could possibly prevent a soldier from using their cell phone.

Grandson said phone restrictions are possible if the soldier was in a special training program. I found it interesting that this "soldier" could send texts but not make calls.
The whole thing stunk.

[vintageogauge]

The PayPal payment will reach your account.
Then you part with the bike.
Shortly after, scammer will inform PayPal that he has not received his purchase.
PayPal will refund him as you will not have proof of postage or receipt of goods.
All the signed paper work for the bike is useless, without proof of post and delivery.
This scam is used a lot as well with eBay, when goods are available for collection.
Whenever you get any offer like this where goods will be picked up by a representative of the buyer, tell them to send cash with the collector.
PayPal protects the buyer, not the seller, unless seller adheres to ALL the term and conditions of sale.

No worries if he pays Friends and Family, no buyer/seller involved.

[Tmarkwald]

yep, there is also the 'Certified Check' scam.

Anybody buying anything sight unseen is generally a scam, especially if it s motor vehicle.

[J1ceasar]

Would you buy anything sight unseen? I used to get these all the time, and have you even gotten a few checks via FedEx. Even if it's certified all it takes is a rubber stamp for 10 bucks made on Amazon. When I did get these checks I would call the so-called Bank and they would always tell me there's no account or there are no funds in the account or simply say you should rip it up. By the way I've reported this to the FBI and the postal service and never had any action taken

[banjobob]

SCAM. SCAM tell them cash only , scammers look for higher priced items for sale and use the mostly that same story. Cash or NO sale period.

[rlsjks1987@gmail.com]

No more discussion needed!!! This is a scam!! End of story!!!

[Girlcopper]

No more discussion needed!!! This is a scam!! End of story!!!

I know! Its a scam like 9000 others out there. It. was an obvious scam from the first contact with him. Besides, even if it was legit, he has the option of not selling to him if hes uncomfortable with the situation. I wouldnt waste my time asking 50 questions that you know you wont get an answer to.

[mark100]

Tell the guy, Cash, Face to Face Deal only. It is a scam. Not worth the price of your Harley. I always include that statement on anything I am selling. I have treceived a similar offer from a potential buyer.

No sir. Cash, Face to Face sale only.

[Shutterbug]

DH posted an ad to sell his Harley. Received a text, "willing to pay full price for your bike. I am in the Army and deployed to Fort Huachuca in AZ. I may not be able to see the motorcycle personally, are you sure it is in mint condition? I can't speak w you bc phone calls are currently restricted. I can send funds via PayPal, do you have a PayPal account? I will have a mover pick up bike after funds clear your account, he will handle title for me." Our alarms were sounding loudly, so many things wrong with his offer. I asked, "what is your rank? What unit are you assigned to? Who is your commanding officer? I have a grandson serving in the Army who said the offer could be legit and if it is they'll be no problem providing us w the requested info. We then could call the base to ensure it was legit. We never received a response from the would be buyer.

Can you point out all the wrongs with the buyer's story?

I had a similar thing happen for an item advertised on Next Door here in TV.

[Joe C.]

I advertised a Spyder (motorcycle) online, and got an offer from a guy in Tucson, Arizona. We communicated by phone and email. I told him that I was wary of his offer being a scam. He gave me references (which I didn't bother to check), sent me a healthy deposit (which I cashed), and he arranged shipping and put me in contact with the shipper. He sent me the balance and the shipper picked up the Spyder a few weeks later, and all was well. When he received the Spyder, he emailed me. He was happy, and so was I.
I was leery at first, but when the deposit cleared, I felt better.
But you have to be careful. Due diligence is required.

[Don5154]

DH posted an ad to sell his Harley. Received a text, "willing to pay full price for your bike. I am in the Army and deployed to Fort Huachuca in AZ. I may not be able to see the motorcycle personally, are you sure it is in mint condition? I can't speak w you bc phone calls are currently restricted. I can send funds via PayPal, do you have a PayPal account? I will have a mover pick up bike after funds clear your account, he will handle title for me." Our alarms were sounding loudly, so many things wrong with his offer. I asked, "what is your rank? What unit are you assigned to? Who is your commanding officer? I have a grandson serving in the Army who said the offer could be legit and if it is they'll be no problem providing us w the requested info. We then could call the base to ensure it was legit. We never received a response from the would be buyer.

Can you point out all the wrongs with the buyer's story?

“Deployed to Ft Huachuca”.........that’s the first red flag. Never saw anyone get deployed to a Ft in the US. 🤦:1rotfl:

[Yamos from Vegas]

We received two letters that sound identical to yours several years ago about an auto for sale. Same letter from same place but two different soldiers’ names. Sloppy scammer!

[msilagy]

I once sold a Chrysler Gem to a guy in the panhandle who was working as a manager in Las Vegas at a hotel. I checked his employment there and they even paged him to speak to me. I would not take a money transfer or a certified check and he couldn't give me cash as he was not picking it up.
I spoke with Chase where I bank and found out they have a special account they receive money in for situations just like this one and then Chase transfers to my account. So I gave this guy that routing number and he sent the money - after I received it in my account from Chase and I verified that transaction he was able to send a transport to pick it up.

[MrFlorida]

It's a scam, get cash and be worry free.

[Marty94]

“Ineligible items and transactions

The following items or transactions are not eligible for PayPal’s Seller Protection program:

Vehicles, including, but not limited to, motor vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, aircraft and boats, except for personally portable light vehicles used for recreational purposes like bicycles and wheeled hoverboards.”

You have no protection as a seller.

[Luckytwo]

I got same scam when we place an ad on Craigslist.

[hal195z]

I advertised a Spyder (motorcycle) online, and got an offer from a guy in Tucson, Arizona. We communicated by phone and email. I told him that I was wary of his offer being a scam. He gave me references (which I didn't bother to check), sent me a healthy deposit (which I cashed), and he arranged shipping and put me in contact with the shipper. He sent me the balance and the shipper picked up the Spyder a few weeks later, and all was well. When he received the Spyder, he emailed me. He was happy, and so was I.
I was leery at first, but when the deposit cleared, I felt better.
But you have to be careful. Due diligence is required.
Just because their check, money order, etc clears your bank does not mean it is any good. Banks are required to make the funds from a check etc. available to you after 3 days. It may take another week or two for the "check" to actually continue through the system and then be found to be a fraud. Then the bank comes to you for return of the funds. Bottom line, you lose.

[toeser]

I have bought and sold at least 50 things on Craigslist including cars (bought and sold). Virtually EVERY attempt to sell something brought scammers. It's just part of the territory. Expect it. Take cash only, and if you have any doubts about the buyer, meet at a neutral and populated area. Obviously, that does not work with a sofa, but something like that is not usually a scammer's target.

[Gigi3000]

I know! Its a scam like 9000 others out there. It. was an obvious scam from the first contact with him. Besides, even if it was legit, he has the option of not selling to him if hes uncomfortable with the situation. I wouldnt waste my time asking 50 questions that you know you wont get an answer to.

It's good to discuss these things for the older generation. We aren't used to these new payment methods.

[Joe C.]

Just because their check, money order, etc clears your bank does not mean it is any good. Banks are required to make the funds from a check etc. available to you after 3 days. It may take another week or two for the "check" to actually continue through the system and then be found to be a fraud. Then the bank comes to you for return of the funds. Bottom line, you lose.

Bottom line is that I didn't lose. It was a successful sale, and that was 4 years ago. Nobody took my money back.....

[Mewatt2@gmail.com]

I've gotten the same story many
times. I hope it was long ago the other guy sold his bike. They can still come back & steal your money & have the bike. Like listed here by someone.

[nevjudbaker]

DH posted an ad to sell his Harley. Received a text, "willing to pay full price for your bike. I am in the Army and deployed to Fort Huachuca in AZ. I may not be able to see the motorcycle personally, are you sure it is in mint condition? I can't speak w you bc phone calls are currently restricted. I can send funds via PayPal, do you have a PayPal account? I will have a mover pick up bike after funds clear your account, he will handle title for me." Our alarms were sounding loudly, so many things wrong with his offer. I asked, "what is your rank? What unit are you assigned to? Who is your commanding officer? I have a grandson serving in the Army who said the offer could be legit and if it is they'll be no problem providing us w the requested info. We then could call the base to ensure it was legit. We never received a response from the would be buyer.

Can you point out all the wrongs with the buyer's story?

I advertised &!got the same message

[Gpsma]

Some people must have lived under a rock for decades to think we need to be cautioned about scams

[Thaxxx]

So funny.
He can get on the internet and look at classified ads, but he's not allowed to use his phone.

[Becca9800]

yep, there is also the 'Certified Check' scam.

Anybody buying anything sight unseen is generally a scam, especially if it s motor vehicle.

Haha!!! We bought our TV home sight unseen!

[Becca9800]

I know! Its a scam like 9000 others out there. It. was an obvious scam from the first contact with him. Besides, even if it was legit, he has the option of not selling to him if hes uncomfortable with the situation. I wouldnt waste my time asking 50 questions that you know you wont get an answer to.
So many scammers out there, absolutely mind-boggling. We asked 3 questions on the advice of a real military man bc we wanted to sell the bike. Needed to pay for the bougie golf cart DH bought in TV. And bc we were uncomfortable, we asked those 3 questions. Did we know we wouldn't get honest answers? Nope. Hence the questions. Maybe @Girlcopper has mind-reading abilities, ours are called good ol' fashioned intelligent due diligence.

[Becca9800]

Would you buy anything sight unseen? I used to get these all the time, and have you even gotten a few checks via FedEx. Even if it's certified all it takes is a rubber stamp for 10 bucks made on Amazon. When I did get these checks I would call the so-called Bank and they would always tell me there's no account or there are no funds in the account or simply say you should rip it up. By the way I've reported this to the FBI and the postal service and never had any action taken
Haha! Yes indeedy! We bought our TV CYV sight unseen. Had to. I watched them hit the market and sell likety-split. There was absolutely NO opportunity to identify a prospective property, book a flight, and arrive before that same property was sold. It was either sight unseen or go without. We wanted. So.....sometimes the benefit is worth the risk. And we weren't disappointed. Our world is moving fast, keep up or get left in its dust.

[Becca9800]

Tell the guy, Cash, Face to Face Deal only. It is a scam. Not worth the price of your Harley. I always include that statement on anything I am selling. I have treceived a similar offer from a potential buyer.

No sir. Cash, Face to Face sale only.
We actually went one step further. We said cash and meet me at MY bank where that "cash" will be accepted and deposited into my account. The counterfeit bills out there should never fool you. Let the bank be fooled, then its on the bank.

[Becca9800]

I advertised a Spyder (motorcycle) online, and got an offer from a guy in Tucson, Arizona. We communicated by phone and email. I told him that I was wary of his offer being a scam. He gave me references (which I didn't bother to check), sent me a healthy deposit (which I cashed), and he arranged shipping and put me in contact with the shipper. He sent me the balance and the shipper picked up the Spyder a few weeks later, and all was well. When he received the Spyder, he emailed me. He was happy, and so was I.
I was leery at first, but when the deposit cleared, I felt better.
But you have to be careful. Due diligence is required.
Yes! Absolutely! Not every one is a scammer. And every one should not immediately be filed away as a scam. Glad it all worked out for you. My Army grandson is currently stationed in Hawaii. The dipsh!t bought a motorcycle while there. From the Mainland. So not all such offers are bogus.

[Becca9800]

“Deployed to Ft Huachuca”.........that’s the first red flag. Never saw anyone get deployed to a Ft in the US. 🤦:1rotfl:

My exact thought!

[Becca9800]

I once sold a Chrysler Gem to a guy in the panhandle who was working as a manager in Las Vegas at a hotel. I checked his employment there and they even paged him to speak to me. I would not take a money transfer or a certified check and he couldn't give me cash as he was not picking it up.
I spoke with Chase where I bank and found out they have a special account they receive money in for situations just like this one and then Chase transfers to my account. So I gave this guy that routing number and he sent the money - after I received it in my account from Chase and I verified that transaction he was able to send a transport to pick it up.

See here, we weren't the only careful ones!

[Becca9800]

It's a scam, get cash and be worry free.

Cash can be counterfeit. And you or I won't be able to detect. Now what?

[ohiosbestus]

We should forward all emails to sheriffs office that looks like spam.

[Becca9800]

Just because their check, money order, etc clears your bank does not mean it is any good. Banks are required to make the funds from a check etc. available to you after 3 days. It may take another week or two for the "check" to actually continue through the system and then be found to be a fraud. Then the bank comes to you for return of the funds. Bottom line, you lose.

True story. 2 ways you can be scammed via PayPal: 1. the "buyer" taps into someone else's bank account for the funds to purchase your items. The legit owner of those funds files an objection w PayPal. PayPal requires YOU reimburse the funds. Now you're out your goods AND the funds to purchase your goods. 2. The "buyer"accepts the goods at your door and then claims "I never received the goods". PayPal's TOS requires you ship the product via the authorized avenue. If you release direct to the buyer you get NO protection from PayPal. Moral of story: avoid PayPal?

[Becca9800]

Some people must have lived under a rock for decades to think we need to be cautioned about scams

Really? So happy that you're so hip. Great for you.