After listing my car on Craig's list, I received a phone call telling me that this company had four buyers in my area looking for a car just like the one I was selling. They told me that they would sell the car for me for a nominal fee.
I returned the call, asked the person who had left a message, and was told he was not available, so I would have to deal with the person who answered. She explained the program, and told me there was a money back guarantee if my car did not sell within 90 days OR if I sold it myself without their service during that time. (You can read the guarantee here: http://www.amsvehiclesales-support.com/guarantee.Asp? Tcsi=16E8FC6D-83F4-4A48-B137-2764F72A4259&WI=)
I told them I wanted to discuss it with my wife, and I would call them back. I did, and we decided that, since there was a guarantee AND since I was using a credit card to pay, I would be fully protected. I was wrong on both counts.
When I called them back, they explained that there were two "packages" I could purchase. One was $249, and that was the one with the money back guarantee. The other, which would cost $149, was only offered because they had so many potential buyers already interested in a car just like mine. The discounted one, however, had no money back guarantee.
Thinking I still had protection through my credit card, I went ahead and opted for the cheaper "non-guaranteed" package. They asked about the options on my car, and asked if I wanted to raise the price. I couldn't figure out why they would make that suggestion, and told them I REALLY wanted to sell the car and was afraid raising the price would hurt my chances.
I signed up with the company and was sent an email with instructions on how to edit the ad and upload pictures. I did that, and they gave me a link to three "websites" where my car was listed. Come to find out, all three belonged to them, and they provide no access to outside sources.
I have never heard from even one of the supposed "many buyers in my area" who were so ready and willing to buy a car like mine that I was given $100 off the ad "package." I decided then (to my dismay) to see if I could find out anything about the company. (I know, I should have done this FIRST, but I didn't.) That is when I found the very many reports from others who had been taken in by this scam.
I don't have a claim against my credit card because they DID provide a service (they listed the car, although it was on their own website). Therefore, it seems I have no recourse.
Do not make the mistake I did. Don't waste your time OR your money. This is a total scam, and these people should be prosecuted.
0 comments