Beware of online auction sales scams

Dear Propeller Heads: I was getting ready to sell my car on Craigslist and there was a big warning on Internet sales scams. Should I proceed?

A: Be afraid...be very afraid! Untold numbers of cars are sold through craigslist.com, autobytel.com, autotrader.com, ebay.com and other sites with happy results for the buyers and sellers. But, you do need to be aware that dangers are there and know what you can do to protect yourself.

First, a plug for our sponsors...you should seriously consider selling your car through this newspaper. In addition to the print editions, their online editions may move your old heap quickly. Plus, with local advertising, your chances for a bad experience are reduced.

Selling a car (or any valuable) online requires some extra care. That's because your ad can be seen by billions (with a B). Some of those readers are crooks. In addition, because you are motivated to get rid of your gas guzzler, you may not be inclined to question your prospects. As the X-Files reminds us, "Trust No One."

As coincidence would have it, I recently had a close call trying to sell a car. My mama didn't raise no dummies, so I was careful. Let me tell you about it. (You might want to get a cup of tea, this'll take a while.)

I placed ads for my car in this newspaper and several of the sites I mentioned earlier. In addition to many serious inquiries, I got about a half dozen emails from sources that all had the same characteristics:

They failed to mention any specifics about the car. Instead, "I am very interested in your fine automobile."

They seemed too eager to buy, saying, "I am hopeful we can settle this in the next day or two."

It appeared that English was their second language. As in, "Your fine driving machine pleases myself greatly."

They failed to include any reasonable feedback on the ad. For instance, "Is your price firm?" or "Do you have any other pics?"

These had the look of a mass (automated) response by someone who simply targeted all car ads they found. The pattern was apparent, so I ignored them. However, one of the respondents looked a bit more legit, so I referred them back to the ad.

I was startled by how quickly they responded back, saying they were ready to buy the car. I knew something was up. I mean, I didn't just fall off the turnip truck. What was up was that they included instructions saying I would receive a check and I was to forward some of the money to their shipping agent who would be picking up the car. I responded that I was not interested in getting between them and their shipper and they would have to make separate arrangements for transport.

Then I was surprised again. Within a day, I got a check via FedEx! Included were instructions saying arrangements to pick up the car would follow.

Now my suspicions were running wild. You think that's why they call me Clouseau? I called the bank and verified that the account was not valid. Their plan was to have me deposit the bogus check and then forward the shipping money to an accomplice. By the time the West Coast bank had bounced the check back to my bank, the car and my money would be long gone.

But I wasn't born yesterday (or the day before). I stopped communicating with the thieves. So, the lesson is that if it a buyer feels funny...trust your instincts. Verify funds before any transactions take place. Cash is king. Also, read this: auto.howstuffworks.com/car-selling5.htm. Good luck.

When the PropellerHeads at Data Directions aren't busy with their IT projects, they love to answer questions on business or consumer technology. Email them to questions@askthepropellerheads.com or contact us at Data Directions Inc., 8510 Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116. Visit our website at www.askthepropellerheads.com.