Buying Advice: Could this be a Scam?

Fonz54

TJ Enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
Apr 9, 2018
Messages
975
Location
Monterey, CA, USA
Hi All,

Found this 2005 Rubi for sale on Craig's List. Listing shows that the jeep is in Fresno, CA but the email below says it is in Sioux City, IA. Seems too good to be true, $9K for a sweet looking Rubi LJ with low miles. Sounds a little funky to me. What do you think?

Hello, my name is Martha, I'm happy to see you are interested in my 2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, automatic transmission 81,221 original miles .It is in perfect condition, no need for additional repairs,no scratches, dings. The interior looks great, runs like new and all services are up to date. The price is $9,000 (non-negotiable). This belonged to my husband and after he passed away two months ago I decided to sell it. My name is on the title.I moved at my sister because I had a throat surgery and i will remain here for few months at least. I'm located in Iowa.I have signed a contract with eBay to take care of the selling on my behalf. The truck is already at the shipping company in Sioux City, IA sealed and ready for the shipping. The deal includes free delivery and it will arrive at your address in 7 - 9 days, depending on the exact location. You will have 5 days to try out prior to make any purchase and if by any reason you find something you don't like about it you can send it back at my expense but you need to send the payment to eBay before they ship it to you. If you are interested in knowing more info about how it works, I can ask eBay to send you an email with more information on how to purchase it. eBay will contact you shortly after they have the details with all the confirmation that you need to complete this deal and you will also have proof that I am covered by them and a legitimate seller. If you would like to receive the email from eBay with all the transaction information please reply with your full name, shipping address and phone # and they will contact you right away. Please forward to me your details only if you are really interested in buying it and ready to confirm the payment.Thank you!

Year:2005
VIN :1j4fa64s45p342050
Mileage: 81,221
Transmission:Automatic
Trim: Rubicon
Vehicle Title:Clear
Engine: 4.0L V6
Options: 4-Wheel Drive, Convertible, Leather Seats
Exterior Color: Green
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Interior Color: Black
Number of Cylinders: 6
 
There is no question about it, that IS A SCAM. 100% guaranteed. I've done enough business on Craigslist over the past decade or more to know what one of the pre-typed scam emails look like.

Based of the way they type, their poor English, and the things they are saying, I promise you it's a scam, I'd honestly bet my life on it.

Keep corresponding with them and I guarantee it will somehow end up where they want to shady things involving sending money online or through the mail.

Sorry, but an LJ Rubicon with 80k miles would not go for 9k in perfect condition, more like 25k or more.

This is one of those situations where if it sounds to good to be true, it isn't.
 
There is no question about it, that IS A SCAM. 100% guaranteed. I've done enough business on Craigslist over the past decade or more to know what one of the pre-typed scam emails look like.

Based of the way they type, their poor English, and the things they are saying, I promise you it's a scam, I'd honestly bet my life on it.

Keep corresponding with them and I guarantee it will somehow end up where they want to shady things involving sending money online or through the mail.

Sorry, but an LJ Rubicon with 80k miles would not go for 9k in perfect condition, more like 25k or more.

This is one of those situations where if it sounds to good to be true, it isn't.
Thanks for your input Chris - the pictures they sent look like the jeep just came off of the show room floor.
 
Thanks for your input Chris - the pictures they sent look like the jeep just came off of the show room floor.

Yep, this scam is all to typical on Craigslist, and I've seen the same response many times, just altered slightly.

If you ask them where you can come see it, I guarantee they'd give you some sort of run around about, "Oh, I'm out of the country right now, but if you send me a deposit I can hold it for you.", or some b.s. like that.

If that vehicle were real, it would be selling for 25k, maybe more!
 
Yep, this scam is all to typical on Craigslist, and I've seen the same response many times, just altered slightly.

If you ask them where you can come see it, I guarantee they'd give you some sort of run around about, "Oh, I'm out of the country right now, but if you send me a deposit I can hold it for you.", or some b.s. like that.

If that vehicle were real, it would be selling for 25k, maybe more!
I was told it was already in a shipping container prepaid (Bonus), They would ship it and if I did not like I would not have to pay....I can't believe I passed up on it, what was I thinking?:rolleyes:
 
I was told it was already in a shipping container prepaid (Bonus), They would ship it and if I did not like I would not have to pay....I can't believe I passed up on it, what was I thinking?:rolleyes:

I'll tell you what... I'm going to send you a money order for $10,000. You keep half of it and then send me the other half back :D
 
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Craigslist by me has had a recent uptick in Wrangler TJ scams. Good TJs, all shapes sizes and mods, for $5k-$10k. Most have been flagged, thankfully, so be careful on craigslist.
 
And here is a prime example. 2006 LJ Rubicon listed on EBay for $15k, in Florida. Same listing is on Craigslist in New Jersey for $6.5k. Obviously I contacted the Seller to confirm as I was ready to skip work to go buy a Rubicon LJ for $6.5k.

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I have seen of these before and called Ebay and let them know. They wanted all their information to look into it. Ebay would not do a sale like this. Definitely a scam.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 
I've seen those scams before.... and when I can, I like to screw with them!
Another scam when I was selling something, they want to mail you a check for more then asking price and you send them a check back for the amount that was over paid and they will have a "shipping pick up the vehicle". So much BS on line.
 
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Fonz24....You can never be too sure. I'll tell you what.... send me the money and I'll broker this deal for you. I am certified Ebay exporter!

It just might but be the deal of the century! You don't want to miss out on that.

Please send it in cash only. I am out of the country for an important business meeting with a Nigerian prince and cash would be the best way for me.

I look forward to getting you a new tj wranglor!