Just got hit by the "head gasket scam"

Yep. No games.

$_______ OBO.
I wasn't clear in the original post, but my ad did have a listed price. The "buyer" was trying to get me to lower the price without him giving a counter offer - the "ok, but what's the lowest you would take" game.
 
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I have nearly been scammed before. I knew better but still came close. This was way back around 2005 just before I found my last on-line Chevelle. That deal went great and I owned it happily for near 15 years.

So I spotted an amazing 100% redone 1968 Chevelle SS396 on EBay. Inside and outside looked show room new. I noticed it was a fresh, non-GM blue paint job that many would not notice. Plus you can not just assume they are selling a true SS car. The aftermarket offers so many replacement parts. So there are tons of clones out there for sale of just about every classic someone would want to buy.

Deep down I knew the price was much too low but I took the bait. I had hit the "buy it now" fast for fear someone else would scoop it up. (Big mistake every time) The idea of "before someone else buys it" is usually what leads to a sorry buyer.
What hooked me was the sad story that came with the car. (Phantom car after all) The fact my own Dad had just lost his ten years of dealing with cancer may have blinded me for a bit. Supposedly this youngish woman (probably not even real) said it was her dad's life long car. He was dying with cancer after just finishing the resto before getting sick. Now it seemed they needed the money to pay on his medical bills. RIGHT. YET I still fell for it. Here is where they messed up and I escaped unscathed... well just bruised a bit.

So as soon as I did the "buy it now," I got an email telling me I must send a $1,000 deposit thru WellsFargo within next 12 hours. Right away the semi-pro type email with the too many automotive details no longer felt right. At least not like from a sad or a true "one time seller" daughter. The WellsFargo bit woke me up. I recalled that I had read about scammers who do that (WellsFargo) deposit thing. Internet story had mentioned money sent thru WellsFargo could not be traced? Not sure if true or still that way?

I called up EBay and asked them to look into the sale offer and please check into the seller etc.... EBay did a great job and told me right away it was a sure thing scam. Supposedly the seller had been kicked off EBay more than once and kept using different / fake names + accounts. They killed his account and told me how lucky I was to have checked him out first.

According to EBay he was one of several phantom car sellers who kept trying to con folks and they were trying to work to have him caught by authorities. Not sure why it seemed so much trouble to catch him if he was a regular they were on to.
 
I have nearly been scammed before. I knew better but still came close. This was way back around 2005 just before I found my last on-line Chevelle. That deal went great and I owned it happily for near 15 years.

So I spotted an amazing 100% redone 1968 Chevelle SS396 on EBay. Inside and outside looked show room new. I noticed it was a fresh, non-GM blue paint job that many would not notice. Plus you can not just assume they are selling a true SS car. The aftermarket offers so many replacement parts. So there are tons of clones out there for sale of just about every classic someone would want to buy.

Deep down I knew the price was much too low but I took the bait. I had hit the "buy it now" fast for fear someone else would scoop it up. (Big mistake every time) The idea of "before someone else buys it" is usually what leads to a sorry buyer.
What hooked me was the sad story that came with the car. (Phantom car after all) The fact my own Dad had just lost his ten years of dealing with cancer may have blinded me for a bit. Supposedly this youngish woman (probably not even real) said it was her dad's life long car. He was dying with cancer after just finishing the resto before getting sick. Now it seemed they needed the money to pay on his medical bills. RIGHT. YET I still fell for it. Here is where they messed up and I escaped unscathed... well just bruised a bit.

So as soon as I did the "buy it now," I got an email telling me I must send a $1,000 deposit thru WellsFargo within next 12 hours. Right away the semi-pro type email with the too many automotive details no longer felt right. At least not like from a sad or a true "one time seller" daughter. The WellsFargo bit woke me up. I recalled that I had read about scammers who do that (WellsFargo) deposit thing. Internet story had mentioned money sent thru WellsFargo could not be traced? Not sure if true or still that way?

I called up EBay and asked them to look into the sale offer and please check into the seller etc.... EBay did a great job and told me right away it was a sure thing scam. Supposedly the seller had been kicked off EBay more than once and kept using different / fake names + accounts. They killed his account and told me how lucky I was to have checked him out first.

According to EBay he was one of several phantom car sellers who kept trying to con folks and they were trying to work to have him caught by authorities. Not sure why it seemed so much trouble to catch him if he was a regular they were on to.
You might be thinking Western Union. Not that I'm inclined to ever stand up for Wells Fargo -- worst bank EVAR.

I bought my first SnapOn box under similar circumstances on ebay. Drove to St George UT from SW CO to pick it up and was sitting in a dirt lot next to a gas station waiting for the seller thinking maybe this was all a big scam. Fortunately it worked out.
 
You might be thinking Western Union. Not that I'm inclined to ever stand up for Wells Fargo -- worst bank EVAR.

I bought my first SnapOn box under similar circumstances on ebay. Drove to St George UT from SW CO to pick it up and was sitting in a dirt lot next to a gas station waiting for the seller thinking maybe this was all a big scam. Fortunately it worked out.
I think you are correct. This was quite a while back. LoL I must be watching too many western tv movies from Hollywoods golden era with the WellsFargo bank boxes! Too much Steve McQueen and Randolph Scott.
 
Sorry this happened to you.

Thanks for posting about this- something I was not aware of. Seems like multiple steps/ actions may be required to be protected from this scam/con. Some actions may include pictures prior to arrival and uploaded to email, sealing/ tamper tapes over coolant reservoir, oil cap, etc.
Lot of work for a 250k minivan. Easier to have the van shoveled out and keep an eye on things. It’s easy to be too trusting.
 
So we all stand around waiting for someone to talk first? LOL
The adage "whoever speaks first loses" in negotiation suggests that the first person to speak may give away too much information or reveal their weakness.

Whoever speaks first, loses—The power of silence in negotiation for business leaders​


Reading time: 3 M 12 S

How often have you felt the palpable tension of a silent room after a significant statement? When it comes to persuasion, we often hear about the importance of speech, but rarely do we hear about the loudness of silence.

Louis XIV, the famed king of France, wielded silence as a tool of persuasion and authority. Instead of debating with his courtiers, he would listen to them intently without showing any hint of his thoughts. Once they finished, he’d respond with a simple “Je verrai,” or “I shall see,” leaving them in suspense1. His strategic silence maintained an air of mystery and authority, ensuring he always controlled the narrative.

But the strategic use of silence isn’t confined to ancient monarchs—it applies to modern-day business as well. More recently, business leaders such as Tim Cook, Richard Branson, Elon Musk and the late Steve Jobs have all used silence effectively in their communication. Let’s dive in.

 
The adage "whoever speaks first loses" in negotiation suggests that the first person to speak may give away too much information or reveal their weakness.

Whoever speaks first, loses—The power of silence in negotiation for business leaders​


Reading time: 3 M 12 S

How often have you felt the palpable tension of a silent room after a significant statement? When it comes to persuasion, we often hear about the importance of speech, but rarely do we hear about the loudness of silence.

Louis XIV, the famed king of France, wielded silence as a tool of persuasion and authority. Instead of debating with his courtiers, he would listen to them intently without showing any hint of his thoughts. Once they finished, he’d respond with a simple “Je verrai,” or “I shall see,” leaving them in suspense1. His strategic silence maintained an air of mystery and authority, ensuring he always controlled the narrative.

But the strategic use of silence isn’t confined to ancient monarchs—it applies to modern-day business as well. More recently, business leaders such as Tim Cook, Richard Branson, Elon Musk and the late Steve Jobs have all used silence effectively in their communication. Let’s dive in.

Yes, everyone thinks there Victor Lustig at used car negotiation, even though they flip burgers as there day job. :ROFLMAO:

This is why people trade or just sell to Carvana. Which is unfortunate. A win-win scenario is possible, if not probably, if people aren't jerks.
 
The lowest hassle, best deals I got for any used beast?

Firstly - I don't care for the next fiddy $, so know that. I most likely to sell to someone with a kid or to a kid who is just starting to drive. I want them to not go broke, and yes some kids will just offer to pay asking - time to go all @GON about negotiating on them and they learn at the same time.

Anywho - most areas of size have a used car auto row street. Make that puppy shine and out, engine spotless. Then start at one end and see what they will give you. Take notes one the $ and keep moving. Some guys will even get jumpy when you are moving on to the next lot. Good. If that number meets your needs, you are done. Do the paperwork, get your $. Once the guy even drove me home! I think some lots like it that they don't have add any elbow grease. The best part, no advertising and meeting up or 3 ruffians coming to your abode.
 
The adage "whoever speaks first loses" in negotiation suggests that the first person to speak may give away too much information or reveal their weakness.

Whoever speaks first, loses—The power of silence in negotiation for business leaders​


Reading time: 3 M 12 S

How often have you felt the palpable tension of a silent room after a significant statement? When it comes to persuasion, we often hear about the importance of speech, but rarely do we hear about the loudness of silence.

Louis XIV, the famed king of France, wielded silence as a tool of persuasion and authority. Instead of debating with his courtiers, he would listen to them intently without showing any hint of his thoughts. Once they finished, he’d respond with a simple “Je verrai,” or “I shall see,” leaving them in suspense1. His strategic silence maintained an air of mystery and authority, ensuring he always controlled the narrative.

But the strategic use of silence isn’t confined to ancient monarchs—it applies to modern-day business as well. More recently, business leaders such as Tim Cook, Richard Branson, Elon Musk and the late Steve Jobs have all used silence effectively in their communication. Let’s dive in.

I worked for one of the largest petroleum co. in world. We were taught that the party with the most outrageous ask usually comes out on top eventually. Seems counterintuitive
 
I worked for one of the largest petroleum co. in world. We were taught that the party with the most outrageous ask usually comes out on top eventually. Seems counterintuitive
Everyone has their own art of the deal. But in the end its all about leverage and knowledge.

Do you need to buy a used car today to get to work, or are you just kicking tires. Do you need to sell the used car because you need the money, or are you just tired of it sitting in the driveway. Easier to find a job when you already have a job.

Or possibly do you know something the other party does not know. In this case they attempted to create a falsehood to show the seller their car was defective, for example. The seller knew better so sent them packing. They still need a car presumably.

How much time your willing to spend on the effort comes into play as well. Do you value your time - or not.
 
I worked for one of the largest petroleum co. in world. We were taught that the party with the most outrageous ask usually comes out on top eventually. Seems counterintuitive
30 years Industrial sales person here (now retired). Have negotiated $250,000 deals. The art of negotiation (as I was professionally taught) is to never negotiate down to a single point-such as price. But group points/concerns together. May not be possible always-such as a private sale on a used vehicle-but that's the way "professional negotiations" work well.
 
No kidding. A couple guys, maybe but even then. NOT at my house. No way.
What’s more dangerous is taking her to look. My buddy said “they” were going to look at campers to pull with a nice QX. I said take her and you will own a new F150 Platinum to pull it …
I was wrong - F250 King Ranch 😵‍💫
 
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