Scammers have been actively working the internet for some time now, trying to take advantage of uninformed truck/auto/boat/RV classified ad advertisers.

Here is an email that was sent to me recently that illustrates what method the scammers are using.

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> hello
> my name joseph am international dealer based in west africa,i am
interested in buying your 1982 C20 which the price [$2,000] .so let me know
the present condition,in order to contact my client owing me in US to
prepare a certified cashier cheque drawn from US bank .if this is okay by
you ,kindly send the name and adress with which you will receive the check.
> waiting for your immediate response
> Best regards
> joseph.......

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If you receive an email response like the one above to your placing a classified ad, you should know that in all likelyhood it is a scam.

The certified bank checks are counterfeit, but are good enough that it takes a week or two for your bank to discover that. Once they do, the banks take back their money from you. In the end, you lose both your vehicle and the purchase price.

MP

[ 09-07-2003, 01:14 PM: Message edited by: More Power ]