From Reader:
The Craigslist posting only had a picture & email (no description or phone #). When I inquired via email, his reply was addressed "Hello" even though I had given him my name. The price is too good. The condition is too perfect. His email did not include a phone #. He's "in a hurry" because of a "family emergency" and "needs to sell by 6/25". The email is too articulate. The boat description reads like a brochure. Includes a link to website with what appear to be professional pics of the boat. Everything looks brand new. He offers "delivery to your home address". Who offers that? He specifically rules out trades, payments & financing. First boat ad I've seen who's worried about that. Signs "SSgt.". Military connection makes people feel more trusting and can be used as an excuse for any number of what would otherwise seem to be unreasonable requests on a buyer or excuses by a seller.From Scammer
Hello,
Thanks for replying to my ad. I'm in a hurry to find a buyer because I have a family emergency and I need to sell the boat before June 25th. I'm the original owner. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained.I do have the title, clear, under my name.
It is rust free, (see pics).
This 2002 Bass Tracker PRO TEAM with a 2003 Mercury 40hp 2 stroke outboard motor & Tracker Trailer. It features tons of storage, divided livewell, on board charger, 2 batteries (almost new), a swing tongue on the trailer (will fit in any garage), fish finder, brand new cd player/speakers, power tilt and trim at the bow, throttle and on the motor, transom saver, adjustable driver's seat.Boat used only on lakes and always stored inside when not in use. Boat has been used very little, motor has approximately 40 hours on it.Length (feet): 17.5
Pics: http://s1157.photobucket.com/albums/p589/basstracker1/
It is still available for sale if interested, my last price is $2,350, including delivery to your home address.
So if you decide to buy this boat or need further information please get back to me as soon as possible.
*NOTE* I am not available for trades, monthly payments or financing!
I look forward hearing from you,
SSgt. Kevin Willis
4 comments:
Its a scam. Ive had someone contact me about a truck i was interested in like that. They were a ssgt. as well. but they lived in alaska and said they would get it flown down through their military connections. DONT bother with it unless you want to lose your money.
I just received a similar letter from the same person:
Hello,
Thanks for replying to my ad. I'm in a hurry to find a buyer because I have a family emergency and I need to sell the car before September 5th. I'm the original owner. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do have the title, clear, under my name. Non-smoker. It is rust free, salt free and has a clean undercarriage (see pics).
This 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Roadster Convertible with 50,641 miles, 4 Speed Automatic , Air Conditioning, Drive Type 2 wheel drive - rear, Engine 8 Cylinder Gasoline .
Pics: http://s1155.photobucket.com/albums/p551/1994Mercedes-BenzSL500/
It is still available for sale if interested, my last price is $2,090, including delivery to your home address.
So if you decide to buy this car or need further information please get back to me as soon as possible.
*NOTE* I am not available for trades, monthly payments or financing!
I look forward hearing from you,
SSgt. Kevin Willis
So glad I came across this blog...
I replied to Craiglist ad for a 1998 Jeep that was to good to be true so I decided to Google SSG Kevin Willis.
Anyway, here's the response from SSGT Kevin Willis.
Re: *-*-* 1998 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA *-*-* - $1948
Hello,
Thanks for replying to my ad. I'm in a hurry to find a buyer because I have a family emergency and I need to sell the car before October 22th. I'm the original owner. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do have the title, clear, under my name. Non-smoker. It is rust free, salt free and has a clean undercarriage (see pics).
This 1998 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 Sahara with 46,739 miles, engine 4.0L 6 Cylinder, automatic, gasoline.
Pics: http://s1014.photobucket.com/albums/af267/jeepsahara1998/
It is still available for sale if interested, my last price is $1,948, including delivery to your home address.
So if you decide to buy this car or need further information please get back to me as soon as possible.
*NOTE* I am not available for trades, monthly payments or financing!
I look forward hearing from you,
SSgt. Kevin Willis
Just got another email from SSG Kevin Willis.
Definitely a SCAM. He even included a number which I called. It was obviously not his number. The poor guy who answered said he gets a ton of calls from fake Craiglist ads.
__________________________
Hi again,
Sorry for not providing my phone# I usually do business by talking directly to the other party but since I am in the middle of a special exercise with my squadron we are not allowed to use outside communication, though you can text me at: (XXX) XXX-2461 and I will get back to you ASAP! The reason I'm selling this vehicle way below market value, is because I would like to help ease the burden of my sisters medical expenses, which she has acquired due to a serious illness. The car is with me in Hawaii at Hickam Air Force Base where I am currently deployed.
The shipping will take 3 to 5 days and it’s not a problem because I will have the vehicle shipped by an Air Force cargo plane so there won't be any additional shipping costs. Also I will arrange for a car to transport the vehicle to your home address. You will receive it along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, 2 set of keys, full service records and more. Because it is a large transaction, we will complete the deal only using an authorized third part like eBay because I already prearranged the whole process with them. The vehicle is sealed and ready for delivery. The money must be sent first to an eBay attorney and will be kept safe until the buyer receives and inspects the vehicle. Please take into consideration that I will get paid only after you receive the vehicle and make sure everything is as agreed. You will have 5 days to test the vehicle and if you are not satisfied you can reject it and I will take it back.
If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info to eBay and they will notify you about our deal. They will let you know what you have to do for the payment. Like this you'll be able to talk directly with them and ask all you want to know.
I will appreciate an answer as soon as possible.
Regards,
SSgt. Kevin Willis
Post a Comment