I'm a Deputy in WV. A common theme is developing in a recent rash of Online thefts. It involves the sale of 4 wheelers through the various online trading, auction, and classified websites.
Do not send a money order or wire money to people you don't know!!!! We have had 4 people in the last month lose approx. 3,000 each because they sent money orders through western union or such or wire transferred money to Canada. RIP OFF - money orders are HARD to track. I know on CSI, they do it all the time....I know, I know. But .....CSI isn't real (I had hoped most people knew this, but apparently not) .......the money is really gone..... Please always ask for a valid phone number and call it (it was a school in three of the four cases above), ask for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), tell the seller you have a friend or relative close by to the seller's location and want it inspected by your friend or relative before you pay (even if you dont, watch their reaction - they should invite you over), Pictures of a 4 wheeler don't mean squat - if I showed you a picture of Miss January, it doesn't mean I have her either, right?? When in doubt and you have the VIN, call local police and ask if they have VIN assist - its a computer program that uses the VIN to tell all sorts of things about vehicles. It also tells if the VIN is correct and what it comes from. The Police would rather do that.....because they don't want the fraud case you're going to file when you get ripped off. A legitimate seller will provide all the details you ask for without hesitation becasue they want your money, too. If they turn off buyers they don't sell their item.
I'm looking for a 4x4 four wheeler myself presently.
Here is a sample email I sent on a 4 wheeler I saw on an online auction this morning: This is on a 2004 Honda Rancher 4x4 listed at a starting price of 2,000 with free shipping.....regularly at least 3,900. Price too good to be true...location was listed as "great deal" I wondered so I sent an email to try to firm up the seller info.
My email to him:I'm interested in the honda. What info can you offer the will verify that this is legit. I want to buy one, but don't want to get ripped off. VIN, Name, Phone number. Pete
Response from Seller to me:Hi,
Thank you for your e-mail. My name is Damon Harris and i am glad you are interested on my TRX450 ES FOREMAN 450 4X4. Well,I have to let you know the TRX450 ES FOREMAN 450 4X4 is in perfect shape, and it has only 986 miles and 177 hours on it and a clear NY,USA title. The service was made at 800 miles. It has no flaws,scratches or dents, it is in showroom condition. Always took good care of it,kept in garage all the time, and I'm the original owner. I've moved from NY,USA in Lisabon,Portugal 5 months ago and I will ship the bike from here supporting the shipping taxes,insurance and handling via DHL so you will receive the atv in maximum 3 days. The price that I hope to obtain is $2600 US and if you agree with this price we can start to complete the transaction. I prefer money order because in this way i will ship the TRX450 ES FOREMAN 450 4X4 in the same day you make the payment, also I want to make this deal asap because I want to buy something else. I will wait your e-mail.
Thanks,
Damon
:lol:
Alrighty, I got a response, he must be legit, right
?
But did he really answer anything
He didn't do anything except make up bike details and give a fake name...where's the VIN for me to check, where's the legit phone number.....come on.....this can't be real...check out the rush sell at the end.......Shipping in three days from Portugal??? He must be putting it on the Concorde....this is WV, it takes sunlight three days to make it here from Pittsburgh, lol.....does this even remotely make sense??? Shipping in two weeks....for 1,000 maybe, but no way three days
But I do want one so.......Yes, Of course I'm going to rush right out and send my money order to Portugal, right.
People do it,
Believe ME!!! don't let it be you!!!! :evil: :evil:
