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Craigslist Scam - Listed as an item in my town but wasn't - 4 wheeler for sale

I am posting this in hopes that I can let people know of these names of people that are part of a scam trying to sell items on craigslist.  I hope this info helps save some people from losing money.

This guy named Michael Beck posted a 4 wheeler on Craigslist in Amarillo.  The 4 wheeler was listed at about half the book price.  I sent a message to him that I was interested.  He sent me a message back that he was in the military and the 4 wheeler was at a shipping company in Montana ready to be shipped.  He said that we was training and could not call or be called (even though he could email me several times).  He went into many details to make this apear legit, including the miles, VIN#, warranty information and was nice enough to not charge me shipping.

From his first message, I knew it was a scam but decided to see how far he would go with the scam.  
I told him that I was interested and wanted to know how to purchase.  He replied with an email that I would be receiving an email from Ebay-Motors with directions on how to purchase.  I received an email that appeared pretty legitimate.  It had ebay-motors logo and other graphics that looked good even though I never committed to any purchase on any website before I received the email.

The email stated that my transaction was insured up to $20,000 and I could reject the transaction after I test drove the 4 wheeler.  The email instructed me to send the payment via wire transfer through Western Union (MoneyGram) to a (eBay Agen) named Ronnie Welch, 18025 NW Seventh Ct, Miami FL 33169.  The seller's info was Michael Beck, 2254 2nd Avenue, Great Falls MT 59401.

This is not the way ebay motors does business so be carefull if someone tries to sell you something with the same steps.

Craigslist Scam - Listed as an item Amarillo but wasn't - 4 wheeler for sale

I am emailing this guy in the same scam.  I know it is not legit but am curious how he is operating.  He has all of the pieces of the puzzle scattered through the US and even listed the 4 wheeler in Modesto CA and in New York state at the same time.

He wants the money to be Western Unioned to an 'eBay Agent'.  Good bye money....

Karlyle

KNOWN SCAM

FBI Warns of Online Car-Sales Scam
Scam artists pose as military personnel about to be deployed



March 9, 2009

Scam artists are now posing as members of the United States military in a new ruse to dupe consumers buying vehicles on the Internet, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warns.
These scammers claim they’ve either been sent overseas to improve military relations or need to sell their vehicles “quickly and cheaply” because of upcoming deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan, FBI officials say.
This is a new twist to an old scam that continues to rip-off unsuspecting consumers buying cars and other vehicles on the Internet, the FBI says.
“Victims find attractively priced vehicles advertised at different Internet classified ad sites,” the agency warns. “Most of the scams include some type of third-party vehicle protection program to ensure a safe transaction.”
After consumers receive what the FBI calls “convincing e-mails from the phony vehicle protection program,” they are told to send either the full payment -- or a percentage of the payment -- to the third-party agent using a wire payment service.
“No vehicles are delivered to the victims,” the FBI said.
Consumers can protect themselves from getting taken in one of these schemes by doing their homework before buying any vehicles on the Internet, the FBI said. Consumers should also know and follow the rules used by the Internet sites they visit. If someone asks you to break those rules, the FBI warns, that person is likely trying to rip you off.


Read more: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03 ... l#ixzz0d5HXPwZU

This story sounds very familiar, this is what has transpired in last two days for us!  Different names but same address same bogus information.  We didn't send no money, sounded too good to be true and then a coworker sound your website.  No phone number was ever passed by him.  My husband give him his cell ph # but he replied with some answer that he was in special training and was not at liberty to call when he wanted.  I replied to him asking him to use pay pal instead of money gram never heard anything back from the supposed "phillip".  Husband & I were not sure about the whole deal from beginning maybe just hoping.  Thanks for putting your information and this website to help and assist others.  Hope they have friends like ours!

Mr Phillip, obviously hasn't read my last email inviting him down so that we could give him a "going away" party!  I get this just seconds ago!

Philip Morgan [philip_morgan45@msn.com]
Hi,
I am sorry but we can not use PayPal for this transaction due to the large amount.You will have to send the payment using the Money Gram servie to the eBay representative.As soon as I receive the payment confirmation I will start shipping.

To locate the nearest Wal-Mart MoneyGram Office please use the link below:
http://www.moneygram.com/eFindUs/findUs.do?countryCode=US&languageCode=en

THIS GUY IS PERSISTENT!!!  what a way to make a living........ Folks beware! tell your friends.  Wish I could contact Craigs list!  Just ain't right!

I found the same thing regarding Goldwing Trikes. (2x). I really wish there was some way to get these people. I was told to fax the reciept to this number on the "eBay confirmation".

Hi,
I am selling this trike because my unit has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it in one week. 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.The trike has 55,150 miles, year 1998.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,500. The trike is in Great Falls, MT, in case it gets sold I will take care of  shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.
Thank you,
Bruce Sanders

Hi,
I am selling this TRIKE because my platoon has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it getting old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before April 20. 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.The TRIKE has 39,000 miles, year 1995 and VIN 1hfsc2205sa700169.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the add $7500. The TRIKE is in Great Falls, MT, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.
P.S. Please do not reply if you do don't have the money.
Thank you!
Steven Williams

Hello,
I am selling this car because my unit has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it in one week. 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.The car has 37,617 miles, year 2004.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,500. The car is in Great Falls, MT, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.

Regards,
Bruce Sanders

---------------------------

Hello,
As I've told you at this moment I am in in Great Falls, MT in a military base getting ready for Afghanistan. This means that I do a special training program and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I want.The shipping won't be a problem because I can do it at no cost for you. You will receive the vehicle along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, full service records and more .Because it is a large transaction we will complete the deal only using an authorized  third party like eBay, using their Business Purchase Protection Program.The payment will be handling by eBay and you will benefit of 5 days inspection time period (test drive) and the option to accept or reject the vehicle on my expense. If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info and they will notify you about our deal.
Thanks,
Bruce Sanders

----------------------------------

Sound familiar?  Ha ha.  I really wanted that Cadillac for half KBB, too!  : )  

Glad I found this site.  Thanks guys!

I was looking to buy the same Caddy.  I have been picturing myself in it.

Thank you everyone for stopping me.

Warren

Hello,
As I've told you at this moment I am in in Great Falls, MT in a military base getting ready for Afghanistan. This means that I do a special training program and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I want.The shipping won't be a problem because I can do it at no cost for you. You will receive the vehicle along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, full service records and more .Because it is a large transaction we will complete the deal only using an authorized  third party like eBay, using their Business Purchase Protection Program.The payment will be handling by eBay and you will benefit of 5 days inspection time period (test drive) and the option to accept or reject the vehicle on my expense. If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info and they will notify you about our deal.
Thanks,
Bruce Sanders

I emailed Philip Morgan in response to a Goldwing sale on Craig's list. He was asking $4,900 for a 16,000 bike-

Hi,
I am selling this 2004 Honda Gold Wing because my unit has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it in one week. 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.The bike has 31,366 miles, year 2004.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,900. The bike is in Great Falls, MT, in case it gets sold I will take care of  shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.
Thank you,
Philip Morgan

Im getting messages from this "Philp Morgan" too about an '96 Impala SS that in coincidentally only $4500. Here are the messages he sent me. Look familiar?

Hi,
I am selling this Chevrolet Impala because my unit has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard.
The price is low because I need to sell it in one week. 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.The car has 21,500 miles, year 1996.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,500. The car is in Great Falls, MT, in case it gets sold I will take care of  shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.
Thank you,
Philip Morgan

Hi,
As I've told you at this moment I am in in Great Falls, MT in a military base getting ready for Afghanistan. This means that I do a special training program and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I want.The shipping won't be a problem because I can do it at no cost for you. You will receive the vehicle along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, full service records and more .Because it is a large transaction we will complete the deal only using an authorized  third party like eBay, using their Business Purchase Protection Program.The payment will be handling by eBay and you will benefit of 5 days inspection time period (test drive) and the option to accept or reject the vehicle on my expense. If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info and they will notify you about our deal.
Thanks,
Philip Morgan

I am selling this suv because my platoon has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before May 03. 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.The suv have 51,000 miles,4x4 year 2005 and VIN 1GKEK63U95J109094.It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4500. The suv is in Great Falls, MT, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.

I am in Great Falls, MT on a military base getting ready for Afghanistan. I do a special training program each day and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I want. The shipping wont be a problem and I will do it at no cost to you because will be made by the army. You will receive the car along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, full service records and more ...Because it is a large transaction we will complete the deal  using an authorized  third party like eBay, using their Business Purchase Protection Program .The payment will be handling by eBay and you will benefit of  the 5 day inspection time period and the option to accept or reject the car on my expense. If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address.
I will forward your info and they will notify you about our deal

2 GOOD 2 B TRUE HUH!!!!
OMG!!! GOOD THING I CONTACT EBAY CUSTOMER SUPPORT

THANKS GOD I DID MY RESEARCH

Check this out -
I knew it was a scam but I replied with the second note just to mess with him.  Maybe I should offer to pay for it with the check the guy from Nigeria sent me to cash ;-)

***********
From: Bruce Sanders [mailto:bruce_sander100@msn.com]

Subject: RE: KUBOTA L5030GST TRACTOR w LOADER EXCELLENT CONDITION - $4200 (Greenville)

Hello,
I am selling this tractor because my unit has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it in one week. 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.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $3,600.The tractor is in Great Falls, MT, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.

Regards,
Bruce Sanders

*****************

To: bruce_sander100@msn.com


Subject: RE: KUBOTA L5030GST TRACTOR w LOADER EXCELLENT CONDITION - $4200 (Greenville)
Hi,
Talk about coincidence! My in-laws live just off I-15 in Power.  My father-in-law can come with the cash and pick it up this afternoon after 5:00 if you are available.  Let me know where he can meet you.
Thanks


****************
From: Bruce Sanders [mailto:bruce_sander100@msn.com]

Subject: RE: KUBOTA L5030GST TRACTOR w LOADER EXCELLENT CONDITION - $4200 (Greenville)

Hello,
As I've told you at this moment I am in in Great Falls, MT in a military base getting ready for Afghanistan. This means that I do a special training program and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I want.The shipping won't be a problem because I can do it at no cost for you. You will receive the vehicle along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, full service records and more .Because it is a large transaction we will complete the deal only using an authorized  third party like eBay, using their Business Purchase Protection Program.The payment will be handling by eBay and you will benefit of 5 days inspection time period (test drive) and the option to accept or reject the vehicle on my expense. If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info and they will notify you about our deal.
Thanks,
Bruce Sanders

Yep I can say now that my husbands instincts were finally right.  This guys sent me the same bogus info & pictures on a denali for sale on craigslist.  His email address is  bruce_sander100@msn.com.....

Hello,
As I've told you at this moment I am in in Great Falls, MT in a military base getting ready for Afghanistan. This
means that I do a special training program and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I
want.The shipping won't be a problem because I can do it at no cost for you. You will receive the vehicle along
with all the documents including title, bill of sale, full service records and more .Because it is a large transaction
we will complete the deal only using an authorized  third party like eBay, using their Business Purchase
Protection Program.The payment will be handling by eBay and you will benefit of 5 days inspection time period
(test drive) and the option to accept or reject the vehicle on my expense. If you are still interested just send me
your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info and they will notify you about our deal.VIN:  1GKEK63U75J222185
Thanks,
Bruce Sanders


and he sent this one 1st.....

Hello,
I am selling this GMC because my unit has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it in one week. 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.The GMC has 37,617 miles, year 2005.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,900.The GMC is in Great Falls, MT, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.

Regards,
Bruce Sanders
 Im really glad I googled his email address on line.....  Thanks to everyone who has posted these comments...

shelly

Thanks everyone. The posting I was looking at was listed in Elko.  Had pictures of the vehicle and everything.  Even gave me the vin#.  The story is the same.  He had a GMC Yukon Denali 2005 with only 37,617 miles on it for $4900.  He emailed me back saying he was in the military training camp in Great Falls MT and couldn't call.  If interested he would cover shipping and he would send me a link to use ebay buyer protection. He said he needed the money in a week because he would be shipping out.  The name on the email is Bruce Sanders.  I thought it was to good to be true so I decided to do some digging.  I am so glad that I came upon this site. As it states on Craigs List if you can't meet in person and they just want you to send money then its probably a scam. Thanks again everyone.

Same story here on a 2005 GMC.  Exact same letter as the Cadillac above.  I also received the same messages (different story) from the same "Bruce Sanders" about 8 months ago on a different vehicle.  Not that it matters, but he will be getting a peice of my mind for impersonating a soldier!!!!

Hi, i have been took by this same guy, what can i do i sent the moneygram for $4200 to his agent last night, what can i do to get it back.

"Philip Morgan" is still at it as of May 17, 2010 on Craigslist. Listed an 09 Camry for $4700 in Jax, FL. Same story as above posing as a member of our Military. He used the email address: Philip Morgan
philip_morgan45@msn.com. Please feel free to flood this email with your thoughts about using the US Military to scam people out of their hard earned money. Luckily I did some research and found this site. I figure the more we get these names and email addresses on the net the better chance someone else will have to research this scum

The email as mentioned in the previous post:
Hi,
I am selling this Toyota Camry because my unit has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard.
The price is low because I need to sell it in one week. 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.The car has 28,000 miles, year 2009.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,700. The car is in Great Falls, MT, in case it gets sold I will take care of  shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.
Thank you,
Philip Morgan

OMG.
same thing
here is his message to us today
thank goodness for research
Watch out people and follow your GUT!~
Hi,
I am selling this Honda Gold Wing because my unit has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it in one week. 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.The motorcycle has 28,788 miles, year 1996.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,900. The motorcycle is in Great Falls, MT, in case it gets sold I will take care of  shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.
Thank you,
Philip Morgan


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