To put it bluntly, there are all kinds of rip-offs on Craigslist, companies that survive on scamming off the unwary. That said, recently I saw a deal for a 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid with only 40k miles on it in excellent condition for just $2850! Needless to say I was surprised, considering the KBB is around 11K for such a vehicle.
But, I figured I'd check it out just in case. I did not purchase the car, so this consumer complaints cannot be claimed as actual evidence in the courts; however, you can judge for yourself based upon the series of e-mails to follow. My opinion is express succinctly at the end; however for those who don't want to read, just know that I give my strongest recommendation to STAY AWAY from these types of claims, and to put Click and Buy (and potentially DAS an auto shipping company) on your blacklist.
The initial e-mail was a request for more information (side note, I found this on the LA craigslist, the car was being shown as a local buy).
Forwarded message
From: Christopher Mealer
Date: Mon, Jun 22 at 10:08 AM
Subject: Re: 2005 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID
Hello,
If you are interested in my 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, I must mention that it is in perfect condition, has no scratches, dings, special marks whatsoever. It has 39,985 miles and the VIN # is: JHMES96615S004777. It has a clear title ready to be signed and notarized on your name.
I have the pictures hosted on the net and you can see them at: http://s692. Photobucket.com/albums/vv281Hybrid/
The car is located in West Chester, PA.
The price is $2,580 and there are no other costs regarding this transaction. I am selling the car because I am in the army and my unit will be deployed to Afghanistan next month. I will buy a new one when I'll be back home so this car needs to go.
The transaction will be closed only through a 3rd party because this way we will both be protected. My time is limited due to my job in the army so I decided to use a service from ClickandBuy which will serve as our 3rd escrow party in this transaction. To begin the transaction I'll need your full name and shipping address, I will forward the details of our transaction to ClickandBuy and then you will receive an invoice from them. The car will be shipped insured to your location with DAS and you will have 5 days for inspection, I will pay for shipping.
Thank you,
Christopher Mealer
From: Gabriel
To: chris (REDACATED FOR SECURITY PURPOSES)
Sent: Tuesday, June 23 8:34: 12 AM
Subject: Re: 2005 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID
Hey Chris,
Nice to hear from you on this remarkable deal. While I'd be delighted to purchase such a quality car at a low price, two things blatantly stand out in your e-mail. The first, the syntax of your comments seem remarkably cookie-cutter, as if you've just copy and pasted a pre-made reply. Second, ClickandBuy is riddled with a heritage of scams, so I'd like to do this with a different third party, say Pay Pal? Lastly, I have some family that live pretty close to West Chester that could double check on the car; what would you say to dropping the price to 2500, I'd buy it through pay pal, and I'd take care of the shipping (which should save you a good $800)?
Thanks,
Gabriel
From: Christopher Mealer
To: Gabriel
Sent: Tuesday, June 23 10:14: 29 AM
Subject: Re: 2005 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID
Hello again,
Unfortunately the transaction must be finalized only through ClickandBuy. Like I said, my current job doesn't allow me to do otherwise. I don't have enough free time to accept home visits. If you are no longer interested let me know as I have several other potential buyers.
Thank you,
Christopher Mealer
From: Gabriel
To: Christopher Mealer
Sent: Tuesday, June 23 10:22: 26 AM
Subject: Re: 2005 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID
Chris,
I believe your recent comments confirmed my suspicions, this is indeed a scam. I have several family members and friends in the military, and I don't care how robust your schedule currently is, I know that you could make time for a five minute check in on the car, especially considering the fact that I'd be saving you a load of money and effort with the shipping.
Best of luck swindling your next customer, I'll be sure to keep your name, e-mail, and send a letter to the BBB regarding Click and Buy's (and now DAS's) obviously fraudulent claims.
I would quit before the company comes down on you.
Sincerely,
Gabriel
I have received no further replies.
Gabriel
Agoura Hills, California
U.S.A.
0 comments