206-557-6111

a text from several (many) states over.
"Thanks for checking out the CR-V. Chat with the seller, schedule a test drive, view CARFAX report, or buy it online: <weird URL>"
Never looked at a car, never looked at a CR-V, never checked anything out. Probably a scammer looking to get personal information.

Said they were from the power company and my power was scheduled to be shut off due to lack of payment.

Text message:
"You've been prequalified! If you have any questions on your next steps, please let us know. If not, find your next car here! https://www.autotrader.com/marketplace/buy-online/"

I never gave Autotrader my number or have any dealings with them.

Messaged me about my car on autotrader.  Total scam.

Pretending to be autotrader, wanted me to authenticate by sending a picture of my license and a selfie.

Responded to my AutoTrader ad by telling me I needed to respond to a personal email and he didn't check "relay" emails

Message via Autotrader about car I have listed.  Wanted information about the car already noted in the ad.  Turns out it was just another scammer trying to get other information about me rather than the car.

Absolutely was. This was their text. Not even subtle.

“Good,thanks for the prompt reply, Without delay I would like to pay your asking price, are you willing to accept a certified bank check as payment? After the check clears and you have your money, we can arrange for the transfer of the Title and pickup.
Thanks”

Texted about information related to a legitimate purchase from Autotrader Private Seller Exchange. I dont know how they got my information.

Listed a car on AutoTrader. Received an email from a man who wanted to purchase it sight unseen. Said he would send a certified check and once cleared and deposited he would send a mover to pick up the car. He wanted my home address. When questioned if it was legitimate he referred to the cashiers check. He wanted to continue further communication through his email and not through AutoTrader. The phone number was called and it said it was Tred(?) but was on hold and never answered.
Got a second offer from a different name -same scenario.

Craigslist, Kiiji, AutoTrader, Etc. Scam:

The scam works like this.  Communication is always by text or email for some made up reason such as they are deaf, they deployed and can't use their phone (then how did the text get out?), etc.  They think your item as described is perfect.  They might ask a few questions about it, and then will pay your asking price, sight unseen, because they are never around close by to come look at it (they use the stationed somewhere in the military a whole lot, or working overseas, or on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean, or simply fill in your own job here).  They will give you an extra $40 or $50 to hold it for them.  Then they tell you they will send a cashier’s check or money order for that amount plus extra for the “shipper”.  They count on the fact that people don’t know or realize that the funds being made available by the bank and the check actually clearing are two completely different things.  They ask you to wire that extra money by untraceable means such as Western Union or Moneygram.  The check or money order turns out to be bogus and you end up out the money you sent plus the bank fees.  Also, if the check is big enough you may end up being charged criminally.  Please note that check was probably mailed from somewhere in the US, so it is very important that you take the check and the envelope it came in to the Post Office and have them forward it to the Postal Inspectors.
In the case of them using PayPal, the same thing happens.  They send a fake email looking like it came from PayPal, get you to pay the shipper, and then find out that the e mail was fake and no money is available.

This number responded to auto trader add asking questions and bottom price i decided to check the number and read the M.O  of this person that gave me a name Darren..  good luck all

Do not fall for or be tempted to accept a cashier check from strangers that claim to buy your car on autotrader website. Do your transactions in a secure way and never give your name and address because this is what scammers want. Hope this info helps.

Quote:

never give your name and address because this is what scammers want

It would help better if you had actually detailed how the scam works.  They don't care about your "name and address".  They can't spend that anywhere.  They can spend money though.

Craigslist, Kiiji, AutoTrader, Etc. Scam:

The scam works like this.  Communication is always by text or email for some made up reason such as they are deaf, they deployed and can't use their phone (then how did the text get out?), etc.  They think your item as described is perfect.  They might ask a few questions about it, and then will pay your asking price, sight unseen, because they are never around close by to come look at it (they use the stationed somewhere in the military a whole lot, or working overseas, or on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean, or simply fill in your own job here).  They will give you an extra $40 or $50 to hold it for them.  Then they tell you they will send a cashier’s check or money order for that amount plus extra for the “shipper”.  They count on the fact that people don’t know or realize that the funds being made available by the bank and the check actually clearing are two completely different things.  They ask you to wire that extra money by untraceable means such as Western Union or Moneygram.  The check or money order turns out to be bogus and you end up out the money you sent plus the bank fees.  Also, if the check is big enough you may end up being charged criminally.  Please note that check was probably mailed from somewhere in the US, so it is very important that you take the check and the envelope it came in to the Post Office and have them forward it to the Postal Inspectors.
In the case of them using PayPal, the same thing happens.  They send a fake email looking like it came from PayPal, get you to pay the shipper, and then find out that the e mail was fake and no money is available.

Very similar to others above.  On Autotrader, a guy offered a price very close to asking.  Then said he was having trouble with the online process.  I told him to contact Autotrader and they would be helpful.  He actually did contact them and he became a Verified Buyer.  The he asked "when are you normally free"?  i told him I would speak with him after the funds were received by Autotrader.  I also asked for his full name and location.  Have not heard anything yet, and don't suspect I will.  A total waste of my time.  I am thinking of pulling my ad off of Autotrader.  Out of 14 inquiries, 12 of them have been scams.

"Russell" notified me through AutoTrader to see my vehicle. "Verified" through the system.  Asked if vehicle was an automatic.  When I answered that it was a 6 speed automatic they came back with if it is a manual shift.  With info above about the number, I don't know if I should bother with the scheduled appointment or not.

"Shawn" an Autotrader "Verified User" contacted my about my vehicle.  Seems I've joined an esteemed list of folks just wanting to simply sell a car.

"Nathan" reached out asking about my vehicle listed for sale. He said it was in a town next to mine. Asked questions about details already in the post. Scam