I’ve been looking for a new car lately and came across an ‘06 Lexus IS 350 with low miles and it was pretty much loaded. This car should be worth around $30,000, but the car was listed for $9,900. Obviously it was a scam, but I decided to e-mail the guy to mess with him. Here is the transcript:

Scammer: Hello,
The car is in excellent condition. It has never been involved in an accident and it has a clear title. I recently relocated to U.K but the car is in the states. If you proove to be a serious buyer it will be no problem for me to fly there and show you the car. Please email me for any other questions you may have.
I will attach the details and pictures.

Me: Fly over here I have cash in hand right now.

Scammer: Hello,
The price is $9,900.

Me: OK will you fly over here for the payment?

Scammer: Hello,
I can arrange to meet you this Sunday or next week if you decide to buy it. My only request is that you make a safe deposit for the car before I get there. I need a guarantee that I won’t loose my time. We can use an auto escrow company for you to make a safe deposit. I belive $1500 is enough to convince me that I won’t keep the car for nothing. In case you won’t like the car, but I think you will love it, you will get your amount back from the escrow company. I am waiting your email.

Me: I just put the money in escrow.com

I researched the escrow scams and found a reputable site, escrow.com. I’m sure the guy’s next message will be to put it in some other escrow company that is on a fraud list.

I’ll keep you guys updated, and hopefully this helps some of you out if you come across a situation like this! Who knows, maybe I’ll get some rich guy who doesn’t need the money?! I wish…