Possible Scam on TheSamba.com?

Question

I have a '73 beetle listed for sale on thesamba. Today I just changed my ad, so it went to the top of the listings again and I got this email....

From: joy adams ( snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com) Ad : '73 Standard exc. mechanical needs paint

Dear Sir,

I am Joy Adams from Belgium, I am interested in the above subject item and will like to

purchase it, if available for pick up.

Therefore, kindly supply the following informtion regarding it :

Brief Discription of its present condition with picture(s) if available.

Bottom Line Cost of it without shipping cost.

Thanks for your co-operation, while awaiting for your quick response.

Thanks, Joy

Seem fishy to you guys? I checked out the scam examples on thesamba, and this doesn't seem to match. But I have a brief description of the car and 9 pictures of it on the samba. Why would "Joy" be asking for those? Should I continue with this one? Obviously, I'm not going to send money to anyone. But the whole Belgium thing makes me nervous...

~Anthony

Ben Boyle · Accepted Answer

That's interesting. Nigeria, not Belgium, has been the home base for thesescams. The variance of this person not sayingthey "owe money to a business associate" or something similar goes against theusual scam of sending a check for morethan you are asking for the car. Here's what I'm saying, they asked for pics andother information. I would at least seewhere it goes, but insist on a form of payment that is secure. Such as wiring itto you through like Western Union,PayPal, or something else that isn't as easy to forge like the infamous fakecashiers checks.

jjs · Answer

Have 'em send cold, hard cash by registered mail.

-=A=- · Answer

I recieved an almost identical email about a motorcycle I'm selling.Different name of course, and they were a little more lengthy in words, butsame basic reply.-=A=-

Michael Cecil · Answer

Do you mean gold or diamonds?

John Willis · Answer

On Thu, 17 Feb 2005 08:01:59 -0600, Michael Cecil scribbled this interesting note:Either would do.--John Willis(Remove the Primes before e-mailing me)

John Willis · Answer

On 16 Feb 2005 21:17:51 -0800, "Anthony"  scribbledthis interesting note:It is a scam. Don't bother. --John Willis(Remove the Primes before e-mailing me)

Anthony · Answer

Figured as much. Since there is a plain description and pictures right on the ad, I see no reason to send "joy" any info. Damnit! I need someone real to be interested in this car! Anybody here want a '73 std? It's in good mechanical shape.

Here's the ad

formatting link

Anthony W · Answer

It looks like a nice car for the money.  I'm broke or I'd be interested.Tony

Possible Scam on TheSamba.com?

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