Aside from closing this account, and alerting the bank, what else should I do now to protect myself.
So far he has my information from that one bank, account#, routing number, bank name and address, and my address and phone numbers.
Should I call my credit card companies and alert them as well?
I think these guys, IF they are scammers, were really good, because I talked with his assistant (who could have been anyone, or even the "buyer" himself).
Everything was set up and all good until the surprise "$3000 government tax" and pay that first, and "I need the car immediately, but can't make it home to pay the government tax, and don't know when I'll be back" thing happened at the very last minute.
I've been working with his bank, and assistant for days to make this happen, was talking to real people, so it seemed legit.
Now I have to go into protection mode.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Mike,
Is the phone number you have for his assistant a cell. phone or a land line?
Call your bank, explain the situation, and ask them what you should do to protect yourself.
Is the phone number you have for his assistant a cell. phone or a land line?
Call your bank, explain the situation, and ask them what you should do to protect yourself.
Wquote:Everything was set up and all good until the surprise "$3000 government tax" and pay that first, and "I need the car immediately, but can't make it home to pay the government tax, and don't know when I'll be back" thing happened at the very last minute.
Why would anyone "need the car immediately"? This is beginning to sound more like a scam everyday. Have you ACTUALLY been working with his bank? So far you've lost nothing (unless you had another buyer). Just continue being exceedingly patient and take every step deliberately.
Nightmare situation, end it and readvertise
Everybody needs to stop saying IF it is a scam. Or I am 99% sure it is a scam!!!!!
IT IS A SCAM!!!!!!!!!!! 100% A SCAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No need to dig any further into it. End all communications. Call the bank to find out how to protect yourself.
This type of scam has been documented hundreds of times. The way it went down is classic scam. Sorry but that is the hard facts!
IT IS A SCAM!!!!!!!!!!! 100% A SCAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No need to dig any further into it. End all communications. Call the bank to find out how to protect yourself.
This type of scam has been documented hundreds of times. The way it went down is classic scam. Sorry but that is the hard facts!
are you so desparate to sell that car ???
no US interest ???
no US interest ???
Called the bank, all is locked down. I provided the bank with all the information of the buyer, banker, and assistant, and he's going to contact their fraud department.
I'm not desparate to sell the car, the buyer was just persistant, and I was able to contact him via email and actually talk with his assistant, I checked and the bank DOES exist, and he was offering my full asking price.
If it had NOT been a scam, it would have gone down much easier, but I was very weary of an international sale to Malaysia, but as I said, I was in communication with someone the whole way, so I figured it was worth a try, it seemed legit, until at the very last minute, actually, an hour after they said they'd send the wire, I got a call about the $3000 Malaysian tax, and they asked me to pay, and then I knew it was a scam.
There's been one or two domestic contacts, but when I said I'd lower my price, they took it a little too literally, and the offers were WAY too low. I won't say insultingly low because they were nice in their contacts, but NO, I'm not taking 45 for my car, sorry.
I have one ad now out I think in Autotrader, for $69K.
I REALLY want to buy an airplane, so I AM very motivated to sell, and willing to go well below my asking price, but that can be translated as "best offer over 60", at which point I lose about 10K all things considered.
I'm also happy to keep the car. It is totally Bada$$, and unique. Just the other weekend it was parked next to two virginal Panteras, and IMO, mine was the coolest looking, and by far the most gnarly and fastest one of the bunch (although theirs were more perfect and flawless). It's set up for track days, but can sit in traffic on a 100 degree day and never go over 185 coolant temps. Oil pressure is better than new, new valvetrain, the car ROCKS! So if I get stuck with the car, no harm, no foul. I just shop for lesser airplanes.
No sell car: Piper Cub, Luscomb, Ercoupe, Citabria, and a bunch of other low and slow planes.
Sell car: Arion Lightning, RV12, Tecnam, and many other more contemporary planes in the 60 range.
That's how it's going down after i get my license.
I'm taking my second flying lesson today at 3! YAY!
I can already fly, was 1 hour away from my sailplane license, so I hope to get my license in the 20 minimum hours it takes. I've already impressed my instructor multiple times on my first lesson.
I'm not desparate to sell the car, the buyer was just persistant, and I was able to contact him via email and actually talk with his assistant, I checked and the bank DOES exist, and he was offering my full asking price.
If it had NOT been a scam, it would have gone down much easier, but I was very weary of an international sale to Malaysia, but as I said, I was in communication with someone the whole way, so I figured it was worth a try, it seemed legit, until at the very last minute, actually, an hour after they said they'd send the wire, I got a call about the $3000 Malaysian tax, and they asked me to pay, and then I knew it was a scam.
There's been one or two domestic contacts, but when I said I'd lower my price, they took it a little too literally, and the offers were WAY too low. I won't say insultingly low because they were nice in their contacts, but NO, I'm not taking 45 for my car, sorry.
I have one ad now out I think in Autotrader, for $69K.
I REALLY want to buy an airplane, so I AM very motivated to sell, and willing to go well below my asking price, but that can be translated as "best offer over 60", at which point I lose about 10K all things considered.
I'm also happy to keep the car. It is totally Bada$$, and unique. Just the other weekend it was parked next to two virginal Panteras, and IMO, mine was the coolest looking, and by far the most gnarly and fastest one of the bunch (although theirs were more perfect and flawless). It's set up for track days, but can sit in traffic on a 100 degree day and never go over 185 coolant temps. Oil pressure is better than new, new valvetrain, the car ROCKS! So if I get stuck with the car, no harm, no foul. I just shop for lesser airplanes.
No sell car: Piper Cub, Luscomb, Ercoupe, Citabria, and a bunch of other low and slow planes.
Sell car: Arion Lightning, RV12, Tecnam, and many other more contemporary planes in the 60 range.
That's how it's going down after i get my license.
I'm taking my second flying lesson today at 3! YAY!
I can already fly, was 1 hour away from my sailplane license, so I hope to get my license in the 20 minimum hours it takes. I've already impressed my instructor multiple times on my first lesson.
Guess we didn't see THAT coming.
sorry to read your reply... but is this reality in the US now for Panteras ? Thinking it is at least 60k worth and best offers 45K ? no matter what fantasy someone sees here sometimes ....??
I would have to say that he has come up with a new way to get away from the classic I will overpay for shipping and you can refund the difference back to me approach.
Hey now, I wasn't going to ship shit until I had money in my account and cashed and in my hands, and then YES, I'd be happy to ship my car to candyland for that matter.
This forum has been a great help to me, I'm sorriest of all that it's been a sob story, sorry there's shitty people in the Pantera community who rip people off, sorry I even bought the car almost.
But now I have the car I always wanted, after help from members from here, and lots of time and money and advice from people who know more than myself, who have been nice enough to help.
I'm glad you find it funny, I felt I HAVE manned up, the car runs, and I do rely on this forum for support and advice, isn't that what it's here for?
Plus, I haven't whined or complained in a long time, that was a ways back, and since then, it's just been asking advice, or comments.
I got the message a long time ago, and stopped any complaining about my issues.
This scam got me good, and yes maybe I'm naive but I have the car and title, and I was in direct communication with these people, it seemed real until the very last minute. So yeah, I'm a sucker.
I've found this forum and the people from it to be the best, most helpful, than any other forum I've been on.
I'll just leave it at that, no need to get personal about an internet post by someone I don't know.
Thanks to all who have helped.
Marlin, you make great products.
This forum has been a great help to me, I'm sorriest of all that it's been a sob story, sorry there's shitty people in the Pantera community who rip people off, sorry I even bought the car almost.
But now I have the car I always wanted, after help from members from here, and lots of time and money and advice from people who know more than myself, who have been nice enough to help.
I'm glad you find it funny, I felt I HAVE manned up, the car runs, and I do rely on this forum for support and advice, isn't that what it's here for?
Plus, I haven't whined or complained in a long time, that was a ways back, and since then, it's just been asking advice, or comments.
I got the message a long time ago, and stopped any complaining about my issues.
This scam got me good, and yes maybe I'm naive but I have the car and title, and I was in direct communication with these people, it seemed real until the very last minute. So yeah, I'm a sucker.
I've found this forum and the people from it to be the best, most helpful, than any other forum I've been on.
I'll just leave it at that, no need to get personal about an internet post by someone I don't know.
Thanks to all who have helped.
Marlin, you make great products.
Mods can close this thread, since the drama is over.
quote:Hey now, I wasn't going to ship shit until I had money in my account and cashed and in my hands, and then YES, I'd be happy to ship my car to candyland for that matter. This forum has been a great help to me, I'm sorriest of all that it's been a sob story, sorry there's shitty people in the Pantera community who rip people off, sorry I even bought the car almost. But now I have the car I always wanted, after help from members from here, and lots of time and money and advice from people who know more than myself, who have been nice enough to help. I'm glad you find it funny, I felt I HAVE manned up, the car runs, and I do rely on this forum for support and advice, isn't that what it's here for? Plus, I haven't whined or complained in a long time, that was a ways back, and since then, it's just been asking advice, or comments. I got the message a long time ago, and stopped any complaining about my issues. This scam got me good, and yes maybe I'm naive but I have the car and title, and I was in direct communication with these people, it seemed real until the very last minute. So yeah, I'm a sucker. I've found this forum and the people from it to be the best, most helpful, than any other forum I've been on. I'll just leave it at that, no need to get personal about an internet post by someone I don't know. Thanks to all who have helped. Marlin, you make great products.
Did I miss something here ??
Yes,.
There was a post that was made that was removed. My post was in response to that post, so that's why it seems confusing.
The buyer just sent me another email urging me to follow his instruction from his assistant to send the $3000. HA!
Would it be better to ignore him, or tell him I think he's a scam and leave me alone?
There was a post that was made that was removed. My post was in response to that post, so that's why it seems confusing.
The buyer just sent me another email urging me to follow his instruction from his assistant to send the $3000. HA!
Would it be better to ignore him, or tell him I think he's a scam and leave me alone?
If you have informed him ONCE the deal is off.
even though it might be fun to continue to bait the scam alone. I would recomened IGNORE and CEASE all communications.
next time, "reply with quote"
even though it might be fun to continue to bait the scam alone. I would recomened IGNORE and CEASE all communications.
next time, "reply with quote"
Tell him the car is sold. He should go away.
Interesting that this thread is titled " If everything goes smoothly, Snow White will have a new home in Malaysia".
quote:The buyer just sent me another email urging me to follow his instruction from his assistant to send the $3000. HA!
I've had similar offers when I was selling one of my cars a few years ago. At that time I had saved a nasty virus attachment that was being circulated by mail bots/scammers. I renamed the file with something official sounding such as "BofA_wire_transfer_instructions" or "WF_summary_acct_info" and sent it back to the scammers informing them that my bank provided the attached document with the info they requested, and that I was anxious to complete the transaction as I needed the money. The scammers of course tried to open the document and hopefully had their computers hosed!
Never heard from them again!
Hey Mike, I think you've done all you can do. You did exactly what most - or at least I - would've done if a buyer with supposedly cash-in-hand appeared: try to work it out.
(Couple years ago I sold my ancient Land Cruiser to Costa Rica and 512TR to Philippines and was on red alert most of the time, for the same reasons you were.)
Likely no harm done to your account, but if it freaks you out or if the bank says change the #s, then do so. You've not complained or been whiney in the least as far as I've seen about this. You're just an eager seller with a good car looking for a buyer.
Far as Mr. Malaysia is concerned, 'block' his email and cell from contacting you. Zero response, though I'd be tempted to say you'd wired the money 3 days ago and respond in shock and horror that his account must've been hacked and you're happy to alert the FBI on his behalf.
More sensibly, the fewer brain cells you expend for him the more you save for something positive. Good riddance.
So, get your marketing muscle flexed, price the car aggressively, go nuts on the exposure (AT, HMN, SCM, this forum, the 'other' forum, CraigsList, other) and just start weeding people out.
You'll be fine. Who knows, you might want to offer a 'For Trade' in an Aero publication/forum for your dream Piper. Weirder things have happened.
Best wishes you to you.
(Couple years ago I sold my ancient Land Cruiser to Costa Rica and 512TR to Philippines and was on red alert most of the time, for the same reasons you were.)
Likely no harm done to your account, but if it freaks you out or if the bank says change the #s, then do so. You've not complained or been whiney in the least as far as I've seen about this. You're just an eager seller with a good car looking for a buyer.
Far as Mr. Malaysia is concerned, 'block' his email and cell from contacting you. Zero response, though I'd be tempted to say you'd wired the money 3 days ago and respond in shock and horror that his account must've been hacked and you're happy to alert the FBI on his behalf.
More sensibly, the fewer brain cells you expend for him the more you save for something positive. Good riddance.
So, get your marketing muscle flexed, price the car aggressively, go nuts on the exposure (AT, HMN, SCM, this forum, the 'other' forum, CraigsList, other) and just start weeding people out.
You'll be fine. Who knows, you might want to offer a 'For Trade' in an Aero publication/forum for your dream Piper. Weirder things have happened.
Best wishes you to you.
The email address you posted look like they come from the USA, .com etc....
I do a lot of international business from here in Australia and I've never had to pay my client to allow them to pay me - which is really what is happening here.
Getting $$'s wired is a very simple thing in these times. Swift Code for your Bank, BSB and Account # is all that is needed. The banks do the rest. The longest I've had to wait for money to land in my account after knowing my clients approved the payment is 3 days. And that was via a letter of credit arrangement for a project in the middle east.
The other thing to consider on international sales is ensuring the exchange rate is agreed so you're not getting shafted on the final amount due to shifts in currency - a few cents each way can make a big difference.
I think you've handled this well - asking advice from others here has been wise. No one can afford to loose the sort of coin these cars are worth so you've done well in seeking other opinions.
I just wish I had the spare coin to give you for it myself. I'd personally want to fly over and see the car or have someone I trust look at it first before I bought it if I was buying internationally. Perhaps another indicator a scam is in play.
Protect yourself as you've done and I'd be cutting communication with him immediately.
As a note though - my Australian based Company has a .com website so they could be doing this from anywhere.
Getting $$'s wired is a very simple thing in these times. Swift Code for your Bank, BSB and Account # is all that is needed. The banks do the rest. The longest I've had to wait for money to land in my account after knowing my clients approved the payment is 3 days. And that was via a letter of credit arrangement for a project in the middle east.
The other thing to consider on international sales is ensuring the exchange rate is agreed so you're not getting shafted on the final amount due to shifts in currency - a few cents each way can make a big difference.
I think you've handled this well - asking advice from others here has been wise. No one can afford to loose the sort of coin these cars are worth so you've done well in seeking other opinions.
I just wish I had the spare coin to give you for it myself. I'd personally want to fly over and see the car or have someone I trust look at it first before I bought it if I was buying internationally. Perhaps another indicator a scam is in play.
Protect yourself as you've done and I'd be cutting communication with him immediately.
As a note though - my Australian based Company has a .com website so they could be doing this from anywhere.
Mike .. you thnakfully dodged that bullet Glad to hear that. That was a free lesson .. I'll bet that will not be the only scam that you'll receive but now you are armed and prepared. Somewhere out there is a legit buyer. Good luck.
The buyer has sent one more email, a little more forceful, saying "please do as my assistant has asked and pay the tax money".
I REALLY want to reply and lay into him, and ask him why his assistant has the authority to send me 69, but can't send 3 to his own government? Tell him he seems like a scammer, and there is NO WAY I'm sending him one red cent.
My brother (a powerful lawyer) reminded me he only has the same info that would be on a check, nothing more, and also suggested to just ignore from here on out.
On the advice of MY bank I've locked the account, and will probably close it.
Thanks again to everyone for all your input.
I know I'm active on this forum, and maybe a long time ago I did whine a bit too much about my deal when buying the car, but for a long time now I believe I've acted and behaved normally, asked advice, gave advice, commented when I could, (normal forum activity), so I don't know why I got railed so hard by the post that was removed.
The person who wrote that post I have the utmost respect for, have bought parts from I believe, and was reminiscent of the other shitty forums I've been on.
Part of the reason I bought my Pantera was that I saw the Pantera people were the nicest, and most helpful, and I thought I'd found a new home for my internet info resource.
This was proven true when I WAS in trouble, and a couple members came and saved my ass when I was injured, with a dead car I'd just spent 65 (my life savings) on, that ran for 1 hour. Without their help, and this forum, my car would probably still not be running.
This forum is the best! I appreciate everyone's tolerating my (maybe dumb) questions, but I'd rather ask, look bad, than make mistakes that cost me money.
I REALLY want to reply and lay into him, and ask him why his assistant has the authority to send me 69, but can't send 3 to his own government? Tell him he seems like a scammer, and there is NO WAY I'm sending him one red cent.
My brother (a powerful lawyer) reminded me he only has the same info that would be on a check, nothing more, and also suggested to just ignore from here on out.
On the advice of MY bank I've locked the account, and will probably close it.
Thanks again to everyone for all your input.
I know I'm active on this forum, and maybe a long time ago I did whine a bit too much about my deal when buying the car, but for a long time now I believe I've acted and behaved normally, asked advice, gave advice, commented when I could, (normal forum activity), so I don't know why I got railed so hard by the post that was removed.
The person who wrote that post I have the utmost respect for, have bought parts from I believe, and was reminiscent of the other shitty forums I've been on.
Part of the reason I bought my Pantera was that I saw the Pantera people were the nicest, and most helpful, and I thought I'd found a new home for my internet info resource.
This was proven true when I WAS in trouble, and a couple members came and saved my ass when I was injured, with a dead car I'd just spent 65 (my life savings) on, that ran for 1 hour. Without their help, and this forum, my car would probably still not be running.
This forum is the best! I appreciate everyone's tolerating my (maybe dumb) questions, but I'd rather ask, look bad, than make mistakes that cost me money.
Still getting emails from this guy. "Please do as my assistant says and pay the taxes, I expect the car will be on it's way as we discussed".
I've just been ignoring his communications.
I REALLY want to ask him why his "assitant" can send me a 69K wire transfer, but can't pay a 3K tax to his own government. But I am just ignoring him at this point.
Snow White is still looking for her new Beau, she said she's willing to sell for much less than her asking price.
I've just been ignoring his communications.
I REALLY want to ask him why his "assitant" can send me a 69K wire transfer, but can't pay a 3K tax to his own government. But I am just ignoring him at this point.
Snow White is still looking for her new Beau, she said she's willing to sell for much less than her asking price.
Mike .. move away from them .. block the e-mail. All it will do is distract you from more important stuff.
I will give you 50k$ for it just to shut you up!
I have found this forum to be the best forum I've found, I don't understand what I've posted or said that has you wanting me to shut up.
Isn't discussion and advice, and asking advice, what this forum is for?
Posts like yours suck, don't add anything positive to the discussion, and IMO are out of line.
This is MY thread, if there's anything inappropriate about my thread please let me know, otherwise, contact me and I'll give you all my bank info so you can wire transfer that 50K into my account, just as long as you don't make me pay some stupid tax first. LOL.
Hell, add an extra 10K and I'll send you the car too! lol.
You can easily put me on ignore and then not have to read my posts.
Isn't discussion and advice, and asking advice, what this forum is for?
Posts like yours suck, don't add anything positive to the discussion, and IMO are out of line.
This is MY thread, if there's anything inappropriate about my thread please let me know, otherwise, contact me and I'll give you all my bank info so you can wire transfer that 50K into my account, just as long as you don't make me pay some stupid tax first. LOL.
Hell, add an extra 10K and I'll send you the car too! lol.
You can easily put me on ignore and then not have to read my posts.
Relax! Just a little ball busting. Didn't mean to hurt your feelings!
Oh, the 50k offer still stands!
Oh, the 50k offer still stands!
I realize I repeat myself, and maybe write too much. I'll work on that, I promise.
No worries, feelings not hurt, I have thick internet skin.
Group hug everyone!
No worries, feelings not hurt, I have thick internet skin.
Group hug everyone!
sorry , must "vent"
amazing how this forum adores Panteras and sky rocket them values... but this one does go 50K at most for US buyers. Rather 45K.
Pitty... Panteras are not as so many oldtimers... strange. I remember the hassle here about for what i sold my GT5S...look, there's a simular , even less miles and , for me, better color combination, for sale in the US at 150k... looks at it remaind there fore a year.
don't know the actual status... but obvious no "opportunity " for the US market ?????
Ok, i know it is still "crisis" ... but in no way Panteras follow other unique brands.. very strange !
amazing how this forum adores Panteras and sky rocket them values... but this one does go 50K at most for US buyers. Rather 45K.
Pitty... Panteras are not as so many oldtimers... strange. I remember the hassle here about for what i sold my GT5S...look, there's a simular , even less miles and , for me, better color combination, for sale in the US at 150k... looks at it remaind there fore a year.
don't know the actual status... but obvious no "opportunity " for the US market ?????
Ok, i know it is still "crisis" ... but in no way Panteras follow other unique brands.. very strange !
I'm sure hoping their values go up. You are correct in that Panteras don't follow the same trends that other classic/supercars do.
For what they are, such awesome cars, and made in such limited numbers, you'd think they'd be fetching a lot more for them by now.
For what they are, such awesome cars, and made in such limited numbers, you'd think they'd be fetching a lot more for them by now.