New Scam??

[Heimie]

So I have my 2024 Matryx for sale, FB Marketplace and Kijiji. I'm aware of most scams, asking for vehicle reports or whatever, but today I had an interesting message on FB, wondering if anyone has had this yet? A lady was interested in my sled, asked a few questions, when I was available, etc. and her FB profile seems legit with employment around Edmonton, been on FB since 2015, etc.

But here's the weird part: She asked for my address, and then a picture of the sled, with my name written on a piece of paper attached to the machine, because she's been scammed before and wanted to make sure I had the sled in my possession. We went back and forth a little, but she was asking again for my address and the picture of the sled with my name on a piece of paper attached to the machine, and that her husband could come tomorrow.

So I politely said the area I am in, not my address, and then proceeded to mention that I am not a scammer, and have not asked for a deposit or any sort of commitment from her, and just to come look at the sled if she is really interested. I also said i would give my address when they have confirmed they were on their way or close by. I have not received a response, and also as I am typing this, it does sound very fishy.

Anyone else experience this? Am I being over cautious? Thanks.

 

[Heimie]

Got this message just before midnight......

 

[greenthumb]

You did post a video of a Polaris staring on the first pull. I’d be sceptical too.

 

[S.W.A.T.]

No one gets my address

 

[lilduke]

Ya i dont meet random people at my house.

 

[snopro]

Meet them in a parking lot or even better a police parking lot. No scammer will go for that

 

[Caper11]

You have to be careful posting on Kijii as well, if you make your ad wrong it will have the location of your residence embedded in the ad.

It sounds to me the other person interested in your sled is also trying to be cautious. Just meet on mutual ground.

 

[zal]

I get the engine running with a date stamp.
As for home address, I don’t think so. Can meet at a parking lot.
PS, Allie kinda looks cute hahaha.

 

[Ghfalls]

Sounds like someone wants to buy your sled. Let them come to your house and have the sled on your driveway with the door closed. It’s how it’s been done for decades.

 

[kenvb]

yesterday was ad for 2 Ski doos in Grand prairie. prices were way to low.so i asked seller for adress..she gave it, i asked a buddy in GP to check it out..he said address was close and we went, turned out to a a empty home without a garage for sale by realtor?i searched her name on GP buy and sell.. turned out to have posted many fake ads, are people that bored they have to do this, i was scammed few yrs ago out of $10,000 got a certified cheque ,deposited it,,bank said it was ok so i released my Gold Wing w sidecar to a Calgary deck truck? looked proper.polite driver.. 3 months later bank manager came in person to my gas station in Barrhead and said the certified cheque was fake and he took the money back out of my account, lucky i had it to take..so i tryed suing the Credit Union, without a lawyer..Judge said in Alberta a Depositer is responsible for his deposits..so it was thrown out.. the judge complimented me on my legal skills. i said i watch Matlock...so i put a mechnics lien on the bike and reported it stolen.. still out the bike and $10,000 plus court costs $1500 ,i have never taken a cheque since then..Beware Gang..there out to get us.

 

[drew562]

yesterday was ad for 2 Ski doos in Grand prairie. prices were way to low.so i asked seller for adress..she gave it, i asked a buddy in GP to check it out..he said address was close and we went, turned out to a a empty home without a garage for sale by realtor?i searched her name on GP buy and sell.. turned out to have posted many fake ads, are people that bored they have to do this, i was scammed few yrs ago out of $10,000 got a certified cheque ,deposited it,,bank said it was ok so i released my Gold Wing w sidecar to a Calgary deck truck? looked proper.polite driver.. 3 months later bank manager came in person to my gas station in Barrhead and said the certified cheque was fake and he took the money back out of my account, lucky i had it to take..so i tryed suing the Credit Union, without a lawyer..Judge said in Alberta a Depositer is responsible for his deposits..so it was thrown out.. the judge complimented me on my legal skills. i said i watch Matlock...so i put a mechnics lien on the bike and reported it stolen.. still out the bike and $10,000 plus court costs $1500 ,i have never taken a cheque since then..Beware Gang..there out to get us.

Wow. This is exactly why I’m Cash only. I could care less if one rides around to 20 banks just to get me money. That’s the deal. If ya Don’t bring cash I’ll keep it.

 

[snochuk]

Yup, people are cautious.
Was like that when I sold my boat.
Said they would be at my house in 4 hours from Grande Prarie to north Edmonton
Said her husband was a fast driver. I thought scammer.
Told them I'm not waiting up till 11PM.
10AM next morning I gave my address when he said he was a half hour out of Edmonton.
Did the deal in driveway, and yes garage doir closed.
If you are selling stuff you have to put yourself out there a bit.
Use what ever caution makes you comfortable.
Have a friend come over at time of sale.

 

[lilduke]

I sell ch!t at an industrial bay in the city.

Some times ill even leave the door open lol

 

[greenthumb]

So I have my 2024 Matryx for sale, FB Marketplace and Kijiji. I'm aware of most scams, asking for vehicle reports or whatever, but today I had an interesting message on FB, wondering if anyone has had this yet? A lady was interested in my sled, asked a few questions, when I was available, etc. and her FB profile seems legit with employment around Edmonton, been on FB since 2015, etc.

But here's the weird part: She asked for my address, and then a picture of the sled, with my name written on a piece of paper attached to the machine, because she's been scammed before and wanted to make sure I had the sled in my possession. We went back and forth a little, but she was asking again for my address and the picture of the sled with my name on a piece of paper attached to the machine, and that her husband could come tomorrow.

So I politely said the area I am in, not my address, and then proceeded to mention that I am not a scammer, and have not asked for a deposit or any sort of commitment from her, and just to come look at the sled if she is really interested. I also said i would give my address when they have confirmed they were on their way or close by. I have not received a response, and also as I am typing this, it does sound very fishy.

Anyone else experience this? Am I being over cautious? Thanks.

All joking aside, I don't think any of her requests is unreasonable or fishy. Unusual, maybe. I actually think it's rather clever on her behalf to request that photo.

From my perspective as a potential buyer;
Your add is worded differently than typical private ads (IMO). The $999 pricing is odd for private sales. Most of all, your photos are old since they are clearly taken in the summer. It has a bit of a dealer or scammy feel to it.
Also, your ad is inviting people to come take it for a test drive, but then don't want to give an address? You won't verify possession of the unit either. These are red flags to me as a potential buyer.

That said, you're pretty easy to track down and reasonably verify on social media. The photos on you ads appear to be original and legitimate. If I was buyer, I'd would still pursue your unit, but with caution, just as she is.

 

[Heimie]

All joking aside, I don't think any of her requests is unreasonable or fishy. Unusual, maybe. I actually think it's rather clever on her behalf to request that photo.

From my perspective as a potential buyer;
Your add is worded differently than typical private ads (IMO). The $999 pricing is odd for private sales. Most of all, your photos are old since they are clearly taken in the summer. It has a bit of a dealer or scammy feel to it.
Also, your ad is inviting people to come take it for a test drive, but then don't want to give an address? You won't verify possession of the unit either. These are red flags to me as a potential buyer.

That said, you're pretty easy to track down and reasonably verify on social media. The photos on you ads appear to be original and legitimate. If I was buyer, I'd would still pursue your unit, but with caution, just as she is.

Well, that was actually very helpful! Thank you.

Pictures were from the summer, and I kept using them because the sun made the sled look so good, but I get that old pics may be odd. Also, I did the 999 at the end of the pricing if someone was filtering for just under 16k, so I never thought it being an issue, but you’re right about the private sale. And being in a rural area, I’m cautious about strangers in my yard, but I never thought of the unwillingness to give my address from the “come for a test ride” aspect.

Again, thanks for the feedback! It was very helpful! I am in talks with another fella about the sled, and if he decides not to take it, I will update the ad.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[greenthumb]

Glad I could help.
As a seller, the only risk you're really taking is getting paid. Cash effectively eliminates that issue.
However, as a buyer of a rather big ticket item, you're taking many chances. Is it stolen, have a lien, concealed damage, unauthorized seller, etc? If someone is trying to conceal their identity as seller, it's a huge red flag. I think it's completely reasonable for buyers to be sceptical. For those that say they would never give out their address, it's on the paperwork ffs. Anyone driving down the street can see your address and the $100k of junk sitting in the driveway. It's not a secret. Would you buy a $20k item from a stranger in a parking lot? I'd want to see some ID. As @Ghfalls said, it's been done like this for decades.
Most of the marketplace scams involve fake ads. They recycle the ad or photos and post in many locations. A reverse image search, or keyword search exposes these pretty quick. Another obvious thing is the background of the photos not matching the sellers location. Unreasonably low prices, overly enthusiastic descriptions, or cut and pastes are common on scam ads as well.
Shipping containers, trailers and garden sheds are all rampant with fake ads. I bet you could find several in your area right now.

 

[lilduke]

All true. Thats why dealing with the "stealerships" is the best way to go..

 

[mclean]

Well. Did she come? (Hehe)

 

[Heimie]

Well. Did she come? (Hehe)

Said she's coming out tomorrow. I'll update how it goes. Thanks for everyone's feedback.

 

[zal]

Good luck on the sale.