Craig's + eBay = Scam?
#1
Craig's + eBay = Scam?
So I think i'm going to end up buying a 2005 X5 or a 2005 M3. I think I'm going to get the M3, It's too sexy to leave
So, the seller wants to run it through eBay so we're both protected. Is this safe? I'm running the money through eBay, I'm not "wiring" any money, it's ALL through eBay.
I think this is Legit, what about you guys?`
So, the seller wants to run it through eBay so we're both protected. Is this safe? I'm running the money through eBay, I'm not "wiring" any money, it's ALL through eBay.
I think this is Legit, what about you guys?`
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 4
From: Toronto, NYC
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe
Since its through eBay you should be fine from a safety point of view.
Congratulations on the M3 man!! Post some pictures here once you have it.
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#8
The Craigslist /eBay Car Scam
Unfortunately the odds are decent that it is a scam.
More detailed advice here: http://www.simplysoldstore.com/wordp...ebay-car-scam/
More detailed advice here: http://www.simplysoldstore.com/wordp...ebay-car-scam/
#10
It's a scam. Without reading the great article provided I would have smelled a scam when you say $20,000 is enough protection when you buy a 2005 M3. A 2005 M3 should cost well over that.
#12
Not necessarily.
OP: Paypal, and you're fairly safe.
We do not understand what you mean buying it through ebay.
Ebay makes you pay via a variety of methods. State the method of your transaction.
#13
With private party values for coupes with average miles (65k) at about $26k and dealer retail ones at $30k it's VERY likely you're going to pay more than $20k for an 05 M3. I suppose anything is possible. But as I said, an 05 M3 should be well over $20k.
#14
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 858
Likes: 0
From: New Joisey
13 Jeep JKU Sahara w/4" lift Kit & the works,2015 Toyota Sienna XLE,2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
SCAM..............bait and switich....stay away............find some dealer listed cars on craiglist in your arear and pull the trigger............a car is too big a comoditity to buy without checking it out..........did you pull the carfax on the vin..........very very improtant even if he has a link for the carfax still pay the extra dollars and pull it yourself...........scammers might have a dummy webpages set up to show a clean carfax title or what not...........
Hope this helps.............
javvy
Hope this helps.............
javvy
#15
Well, FWIW, in the OP's original post, the seller offered to close the Craigslist sale through Ebay, not through Paypal.
The way the Craiglist/Ebay scam works, buyers are found through Craigslist and offered to close the deal through Ebay. However when the buyer is sent the "special Ebay link" to close the deal the link resolves to a non-Ebay site with no Ebay or Paypal protection.
That's the risk to the buyer.
The way the Craiglist/Ebay scam works, buyers are found through Craigslist and offered to close the deal through Ebay. However when the buyer is sent the "special Ebay link" to close the deal the link resolves to a non-Ebay site with no Ebay or Paypal protection.
That's the risk to the buyer.
#16
If they want to do it through eBay, I'm not going to give them any info. I'm going to tell them to start a buy it now auction, and I buy the car as soon as its up. <-- So it's just like buying any car off of eBay?
#18
There are a ton of cars out there. If there's even a slight chance this is a scam why be so hellbent to do it? It has SCAM written all over it from the price of the M3 to the way they want to do the auction but if you must learn the hard way...
#21
Well now think about how smart that is for the scammer. Use one of the most desirable cars in one of the most desirable color combinations. Works every time. Whether it works this time or not is up to you. If you can pay through paypal, perhaps - otherwise run away
#23
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 818
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta, GA
'02 C230 Coupe (Me) '03 SLK320 6MT (Wife)
I probably wouldn't do it. If they were willing to do this why would they have not put it up on eBay already with a buy it now price? Of course, then they would have to pay eBay their percentage, but probably have much more exposure than craigslist.
However, if you are spending 20K or more, it would definitely be worth the day and travel expenses to see the car in person. It wouldn't cost as much as being scammed. But...you make your move.
However, if you are spending 20K or more, it would definitely be worth the day and travel expenses to see the car in person. It wouldn't cost as much as being scammed. But...you make your move.
#24
Tell them you will travel to where the car is located to complete the transaction and pay for the vehicle. If they dont provide a location and want to assist with you coming there, I would say there obviously is no car to see. If they do provide you with legit info, then you have a little more assurance and they should be happy to resort back to your original deal.
#25
Bought my Benz on ebay. I did not check the car out and relied only on the pics. Don't make that mistake. Inspect it if possible.
I paid a down payment via paypal then after that it's out of ebay's/paypal's control. My bank handled the rest of the transaction though.
Make sure you get the VIN# then check carfax.
Goodluck!!!
I paid a down payment via paypal then after that it's out of ebay's/paypal's control. My bank handled the rest of the transaction though.
Make sure you get the VIN# then check carfax.
Goodluck!!!