I've been recently looking for a car and replied to an ad on craigslist for a 2002 Honda Civic for $2100 thinking it was too good to be true. Guess what sob story the seller made up? Copied directly from my e-mail:
Is still available and has 62,760 miles, 4-cyl. 1.7L engine and automatic transmission. My 2002 Honda Civic EX is excellent in every way, has no accidents reports, with no need for additional repairs and clear title. Anyway, thank you for your interest in buying the car. I am selling it at this final price $2,100 because my husband died 2 months ago (he had a heart attack) and brings me bad memories and that's the reason I want to sell it asap. I along with my daughter decided to sell the house and we moved to my sister in Cleveland, OH trying to start a new life. I already have tones of emails so I hope you understand that I need to sort them out. Also, I take in consideration only those buyers who are really interested in buying the car, to be sure that I don't waste my time with endless discussions. This way, I shall be assured of the serious intentions. So if you are interested please email me for more details and pictures.
Best Regards! Elisabeth
Further e-mails revealed: "Before leaving I had prearranged the deal with eBay Motors so my presence isn't necessary. They will not give me any money until you receive and test the car. The car is at the shipping company, ready to be delivered. The shipping cost is included in the total price of the car! You have 5 days to test it and inspect the car."
When I asked if the car was in my state, I never got an answer. She wanted me to send the money via Money Gram to and "eBay agent" by the name of Derek Duff from (Personal Info Removed)
I found her IP address from the e-mail and found out that the address is from Mountain View, CA, not OH
from her sob story.
Such a well crafted scam, if I had been a beginner internet user, I would've been scammed.
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