Car Sale Scam

This email was provided to me by one of the thousands of 2news viewers out there that would like to alert you to watch out for scams. This one is typical of a scammer trying to separate you from your money:

Hello , Thank you for your interest in my vehicle as I know you have many choices . The 2005 Cadillac Escalade is in excellent condition, never damage or repair and with a clean title.Sale price is $9,900.00 USD which includes shipping costs anywhere in the US. I'm am right now in Glasgow Scotland i moved there because i have recently divorced with my wife and i come back to my home country. The vehicle will be shipped from Billings Montana. There are no other costs regarding this transaction. The price is low because i have some personal problems, if you are interested email me back and i will explain the process to get the vehicle. Thank You,

Hello, Before leaving US I had prearranged the deal with WorldPay so my presence in US isn't necessary. A few words about the process: - You need to send me your full name , full address and phone number you will make a deposit of $2500 to the WorldPay trust account. - In the same day when you will make the deposit i will ship the vehicle and i will give you the tracking number. - You will receive the vehicle and you have 5 days to inspect the vehicle ( mechanic, dealer and drive the vehicle). - If you will keep the vehicle then you will send the rest of the money if not then you will get your full amount back and the vehicle will be ship back. - The vehicle will come with the bill of sale , bill of lading , maintenance records , title ( signet by me and ready to be registered to your name) . If you want to buy the vehicle then email me back your info to start the process. The vehicle is not available to see there because the shipping company don't allow any visit or else, so you need to agree with the process. Regards! William

This email lets me know that William will never send the car. He just wants the initial payment up front and leave the consumer holding the bag...or the supposed keys! Big red flag, doing business with individual seller who's located overseas. You could probably find what you're looking for in your own city. NEVER send money upfront.

Beware of emails like this...solicited or unsolicited. If at all possible, buy a car that you can test drive on the spot. If you happen to buy a used vehicle, make sure you get a Carfax report from the dealer or run one yourself. Another good suggestion is to bring a mechanic you trust to look at the car. Used cars are sold "as-is" so once you drive it off the lot...it's yours. Thankfully, this viewer didn't fall for this trap.