This is clearly not a fault of GRM, it is just a reality of the internet. I am posting to make everyone aware.
I received an email message concern my classified ad, the subject said "A grassrootsmotorsports.com message from maxwell". The message had 3 very key signs of a scam:
- Poor English and grammar
- Never mentioning the sale item specifically
- No mention of any amounts
I replied, pretty much guaranteeing that my email would now be added to some spam list, but to test if this really was a scam. My response also did not mention specifically what was for sale, which with a legitimate buyer there would still be questions needing to be answered. I didn't actually expect a response, but I am glad it came. This gave me enough information to prove this was a scam. You can "google" any of the lines or the phone number and pull up several websites that involve classifieds with the exact same language as the message I received. Messages similar to this are well known on craigslist and the like.
BE AWARE.
Here is the entire thread of messages. Please learn from my experience.
Thanks, Brad
============================
Hello,
Thanks so much for your email and quick responce,the price is okay .........i will send you a deposit and have my agent come for inspection,once the agent confirms to me that the item is in good condition,i will send out your balance to you immediately,as for the deposit i will be sending a check which can be cashed easily , to send it out i will need your full name and address and also phone number....mine is 206-337-0553,do send me the infors asap,
waiting to hear from you.....
Maxwell --- On Wed, 3/18/09, xx@xxxx.com wrote:
From: xx@xxxx.com
Subject: Re: A grassrootsmotorsports.com message from maxwell
To: maxwell_combs@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2009, 12:48 PM
Hello,
Yes it is still for sale. Asking price is $24,500. Everything is as good as advertised.
Cheers
Brad
On Mar 17, 2009 11:16am, maxwell_combs@yahoo.com wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I am contacting you about your advertisement ,i am satisfied with the conditions as advertised However i want to know if you still have it for sale ,pls do not hesitate to let me know anything you feel i should know about it and also the last asking price?email me back to maxwell_combs@yahoo.com
>
> regards
>