Scam Alert – car scam VAN -CAM Geneva ,switzerland
Updated 27 February 2009: This scammer is still using similar emails to trap people – if you have received an email, please please be very careful replying and do not consider giving money, accepting money, or giving out any extra information on yourself or your vehicle. If you have a story to share, please post a comment at the bottom of the page. Thank you!
Emails now include the following locations:
Jeremy, Davos, Zurich, København K Danemark
Also watch out for scammers posing as sellers:
http://www.lse.co.uk/PersonalFinance/personal-finance-blog.asp?code=JH718039B&blog=autotrader_&_ebay_car_scam
On to the original post…
I’m trying to sell my SEAT Ibiza, and I’ve been lucky enough to have several genuine, nice people interested in it. But I’ve also seen a number of scams. The most common ones I already mentioned, the phone calls from VehicleMatch, Motorsearch UK and VehicleWeb trying to get me to pay them �80. But I’ve also had people trying to sell me magazines, and now a dodgy looking email…
It arrived last night and looked like this: (email address scrubbed to protect the innocent-until-proven-guilty)
Subject: 2003 SEAT IBIZA 1.2 S 5dr=�4,900 the price is ok by me
Good Day,
just want ot know if the 2003 SEAT IBIZA 1.2 S 5dr , is still available. And if available pls get back to me with its present condition and it last price.Thanks.
jime kings
***********@yahoo.com
That didn’t sound too unreasonable, so I replied:
Yes, it is still for sale. It is in very good condition, the price is �4900.
I got a reply this morning.
Hello ############### ,
Thanks for the details you provided,its really what i have been searching for quite some months now and finally you got my choice. infact i like you to consider it purchased by me,kindly keep it in a very good condition .But i also would love you to send me the digital pics via mail attachment if available I ,live in VAN -CAM here in Geneva ,switzerland,I am into buying and selling of used cars ,here in switzerland.
i will offer you ���4,900�� , for it ,consider it sold and kindly have the advert you placed removed from the site cos i’m making payment avaliable shortly .
As for the shipping i will handle that myself i shall contact my shipping company , agent to handle it.And payment will be made with a certified UK bank check OR BANK DRAFT, that can be with draw in any bank here in UK pls i will like you to get back to me today .
REGARD.
That made me very suspicious, so I looked around the web for advice on selling cars. I didn’t really learn anything new, but reinforced my belief that even bank cheques and bank drafts should be treated as fakes until the bank confirms that they have not only cleared, but ‘given value’ which is apparently different. More details here.
It also gave me enough data to google on. Which turned up this and this suspiciously similar emails, but no evidence of a “VAN -CAM” in Geneva, Switzerland. In fact, the nearest named place appears to be Van Cam, Vietnam…
I can’t say for definite that this guy is a scammer, but you can be sure I have the longest bargepole prepared in case he tries to take this any further. I sent him a cautious reply and have yet to hear anything else:
Hi,
I would be willing to reserve the car for you on payment of a
non-refundable deposit of �100, and I can release the car to your
designated agent on receipt of cleared funds.I have attached 3 photos of the car. If you require any more photos
or information I will happy to help.Can I ask which advert you saw?
Thank you.
UPDATE: 5th May 06 – See the next installment here
Posted by akaDruid on 04 May 2006 at 10:05 am
Posted in 1, 11, General (Visited 10239 times)
75 Comments »
[...] Scam Alert part 2 Here’s the next installment from my ‘Swiss’ friend. Needless to say I am now convinced this is a scam… [...]
WordPress 1.5.2
he is also in the market for a van, i have offered to show him the vehicle in person when i’m in geneva next week…. still waiting for a reply
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
Haha, somehow I don’t see him going for that one!!!
Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.3 Windows XP
I just want to say thanks for saving me from getting scammed by the same email. Its word for word the same as the messages I have received yesterday and today. I did a google search, and your site came up. If I hadn’t seen it on your website, I may well have lost loads of money.
THANK YOU
Joanna
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
That’s great Joanna, really glad I was able to help!
Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.4 Ubuntu Linux
Mr Van-Cam also goes under the name of owen wood- same reply to advert for VW beatle
Will steer clear and keep the bug!
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
Just had the same email when trying to sell my vehicle, I asked for BACS same day transfer of funds and that the vehicle would not be released until the funds had been cleared…..no reply yet!
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
Glad I could help!
Always remember to be careful when dealing with scammers, don’t take any risks because you have advertised your real contact information, and some of these people can be really nasty.
Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.7 Windows 2000
We had only advertised the car for a few days, when we received a email from Owen Wood in Geneva, wanting to buy it.Word for word, it is exactly the same as the other emails that have been sent, even down to the “God Bless You” at the end.We were very suspicious why someone would want to send £10,000 for a car he had never seen.I decided to look up Van Cam and i came across this site…just in time i think!!We also had a email from a man in Amsterdam (or so he claimed) wanting to do the same, pay a fortune for a car he had never seen, and then have it shipped.Similar wording to the first. I wonder if it was Mr Van Cam posing as someone else.I would like to know if this has happened to anyone else..
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
Hi, well he is still doing it, got the same email for my Alfa Romeo
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
Thank you all for your comments, please keep them coming and be very careful!
Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.8 Linux
Hi,
We have just advertised our car and I got exactly the same e-mail today from Alan Party in Van-Cam and a very similar one yesterday from Alex Smith from Germany. The e-mails sounded strange so I looked on the web and your site came up. Thank you so much for bringing these scams to my attention!
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
The scariest thing about this is that for this to still be going from May, this scammer must be succeeding in conning people out of money. He would have given up by now otherwise. Please do keep adding the comments.
Mozilla Firefox 2.0 Ubuntu Linux
Glad I found this site. My son is selling his car & received an e-mail from Alan Party.
Has anyone received a similar e-mail from Tim West?
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
The names are probably random, I’m surprised the scammer ever uses the same one twice!
Be careful! It’s not worth a risk.
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.1 Ubuntu Linux
Hi everyone,
Thanks for the heads up! Same guy I think.
1st E-mail
Good Day,
I just want ot know if the 1979 Clubman 1275 GT , is still available, for sale ,
And if available, I will like , you to get back to me with its present condition and it asking price. pls get back to me today so that i will know.
Thanks.
2nd E-mail
Hello ,
Thanks for the details you provided.
Its really what I have been searching for quite some months now before I finally got yours.
I will like you to consider it and purchased by me. Kindly keep it in a very good condition. But I also would love you to send me the digital pictures via mail attachment if available.
I live in VAN -CAM here in Geneva ,Switzerland, I am into buying and selling of used bike, cars, here in Switzerland.
I will offer you ���2,100 ��� for it and you should kindly remove the advert you placed from the site cos I’m making payment avaliable shortly .
As for the shipping, I will contact my shipping company (agent) to handle it for me. The payment will be made with an official U.K BANK DRAFT , that can be clear and cash, in any bank here here in UK. My UK business partner, in the UK will issue the check and it can be with drawn from any Bank he in UK.
I will be so glad to read from you soonest.
REGARDS
#########@aol.com wrote:
Hi,
The mini is still for sale – however, there has been lots of interest in this car and I have people booked into view it over the weekend. The asking price is �2200.00 but I will accept 2100.00.
Please call me on the numbers in the mini world advert.
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
Yeah sounds like it must be the same guy.
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.1 Ubuntu Linux
I have received the identical e-mail from Alan Party, VAN-CAM etc wanting to buy my VW Beetle advertised on “only aircooled”. Glad I checked him out and found this site!!! Beetle safe with me.
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
Amazing the lengths creepy people will go to to make a buck! We recieved the calls (one of the individuals calling actually got shirty with me when I told them I wasn’t interested!) as well as the e-mails above. Thought it was just too odd that anyone would have been “searching” for a focus estate for months! And once he asked for our address, etc, that was my clue that this had to be rubbish. Hubby did a bit of internet searching, and found your sight…Glad he did. Keep up the good work…
Safari 419.3 Mac OS
really glad I could help. it’s scary that he’s still trying to pull the same con, there must be people out there who have fallen for it.
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.2 Linux
Hi there
Just like to tell you I received exactly the same email from Alan Party – Van-Cam etc. So pleased I googled Van-Cam and saw this! I think he may be going under another name of Frank Don stating he’s based in Oslo, Scotland?!! Saying he can’t call because he can’t make international phonecalls – from Scotland? Very suspicious indeed.
Here is the latest email from “Frank” -
Hi Dave,
Thanks soo much for the mail and yea just to let you know that i am not
in
the position to make call right now cos my phone dont have the permit
to
make an international call.So you dont need to worry once we conclude
on
everything i will locate a local pay phone station to give you a
call.But am
really okay with the details i got from the web site and its really my
taste.Really just to let you know that as for the payment,i will be
paying
with a Certified Bank Draft drawn from a local bank in United Kingdom
and as
for the shipping i will handle that myself by contacting my
international
shipping agent to really handle that for me.Also can you help me send
more
pics of it if you can and if not you dont need to worry yourself .
Really I based in Oslo Scotland were i work as a Minner but originally
from
Welshs (Dad if from Welsh and mum from Oslo Scotland).As for the price
i
will want you to let me know the last price so that the payment can be
sent.If you are okay with me,then you can mail me back nd let us
conclude on
everything today.
Thanks soo much.
Frank.
Sounds the same to me.
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.2 Windows XP
That’s a good one, pretty far out there. I just hope this scammer doesn’t learn to use wikipedia!
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.2 Ubuntu Linux
this guy (alan party) has just sent me the same email for my caravan.Thought it was a bit strange,so I did a search on Van-Cam geneva switzerland and found this site.By the comments I have read I will keep my distance from our swiss friend.
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
hi i’ve recently recieved emails from this frank guy regarding my honda valkyrie, just doing a bit of rsearch on the guy and your site came up.
really glad i found it new to selling on the net and wasn’t sure weather his method was legit obviously it’s not
Hii Mr David,
How are u doing today and how was ur day like,hope cool ?
I have been out of Location and that was why i could not reply to ur email
for a short while .
Really am back and wanted to let u know more update on the payment.
Really according to my Associate,he made it know to me that the payment
have been sent via First Class Royal Mail and it should have been deliverd
but there was a Strike with the govt and but the strike have been called off
today and am really sure that by Next Week u are going to be reciving it so
pls i will want u to keep an eye to ur Local Post Man .
Pls just to let u know and understand everything once again .
A certfied Uk check of £10,000 will be sent to u .
Once u get the cheque,u are to get it deposited into ur account and after
2 or 3 days after its going to clear and once it clears,u are to deduct the
cost of the Bike which and pls u are to take £200 for efforts and which a,
willing to give u and pls u are to send the rest of the balance inform of a
cash via Western Union and once u send it and my shipper get it,he will come
down to ur location for the pick-up of the bike right there at ur location.
Pls u are to make sure u get the balance wired via Western Union and in
just 2 or 3 days after my shipper will be at ur location for the pick-up.
Pls as for signing of documentation,once my shipper get to ur location,is
going to handle all that for me so pls u dont need to worry about that.Pls
all i needed from u now is TRUST and am really TRUSTING u with my life.
I look up to ur email today .
Am really TRUSTING u with my life.
Regards …
>From: #####@########.com
>To: don.frank.2@hotmail.com
>Subject: Re: !!! PAYMENT AND SHIPPING !!!
>Date: Fri, 9 Mar 2007 14:28:15 EST
>
>thanks for picking my valkyeir ,you wont regret it .
>name on the cheque is MR David. A .Wilcox
>address is mr D A Wilcox ############# CARLISLE POST CODE CA1 2AS UK
>MY MOBILE PHONE NOMBER IS ########## MY LAND LINE NOMBER IS ##############.
>THANKS A LOT DAVID.
>
EDIT: David, I have removed your personal information from this post. Posting your email, phone numbers, or address on the internet is best avoided where possible.
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
Hi,
We have had the same emails – please could someone tell me why it is a scam and how ‘Alan Party’ will make any money??
Many thanks
Hannah
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
Hannah,
The scammer will send you a cheque for too much money, and ask you to send the rest to his accomplice. The cheque will turn out to be fake, but the scammer hopes you will part with your money before you discover this.
Sometimes a bank will take weeks to discover a cheque is fraudulant.
More information here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_fee_fraud#Classified_advertisement_scams
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_fee_fraud#Auction_overpayment.2C_fake_check
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.2 Ubuntu Linux
This guy is still at it. Now using the name John Webb. I got the following email;-
webb john
Sent : 20 March 2007 08:43:35
To : Helen Phillips
Subject : 2002 ROVER 45 2.0 TD £2,675 the price is okay by me
| | | Inbox
Hello Helen Phillips ,
Thanks for the details you provided.
Its really what I have been searching for quite some months now before I finally got yours.
I will like you to consider it and purchased by me. Kindly keep it in a very good condition. But I also would love you to send me the digital pictures via mail attachment if available.
I live in VAN -CAM here in Geneva ,Switzerland, I am into buying and selling of used bike, cars, here in Switzerland.
I will offer you £££2,675 £££ for it and you should kindly remove the advert you placed from the site cos I’m making payment avaliable shortly .
As for the shipping, I will contact my shipping company (agent) to handle it for me. The payment will be made with an official U.K BANK DRAFT , that can be clear and cash, in any bank here here in UK. My UK business partner, in the UK will issue the check and it can be with drawn from any Bank he in UK.
I will be so glad to read from you soonest.
REGARDS
Helen Phillips wrote:
Hello I can confirm the car is still for sale. It is in very good condition
and the asking price is both in the title of this email and the advert but
is of course negotiable.
thank you for your interest
>From: webb john
>To: weeehen@hotmail.co.uk
>Subject: 2002 ROVER 45 2.0 TD £2,675
>Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2007 13:57:48 +0000 (GMT)
>
>Hello
> Pls i will like to know if the 2002 ROVER 45 2.0 TD , is still for
>,and i will like you to give me the asking price and it,s present condition
>of the it.Pls i will like you to get back to me today.
Thanks to you I will not be having any further contact
many thanks
Avant Browser Windows XP
hi guys
thanx for this
this guy tried me too
i might try and trap him
wot you reckon
from terry
Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.10 Mac OS X Mach
I would seriously recommend against that idea. This guy might look like an idiot but often these scams are run by organised crime outfits or very desperate people.
Don’t forget this person has got your real contact information, and might be able to track down where you live.
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.3 Linux
A handy page people, thank you. It would be handy if ‘bad guy’ email extracts were done in a different colour though. I found this website having received an email from someone interested in buying my bike. I simply searched the internet for references to their email address. The only problem is this page (may be unusual) is quite badly structured so it’s difficult to know if he’s the innocent party or the low life scum. don.frank.2@hotmail.com is the email address I received the ‘suspicious’ response from, it simply read:
——START OF BAD GUY EMAIL——
Good Morning,
Really i just wanted to know if its still available or not,if still available pls do get back to me so that we can really talk on it.And i want you to plz send me more of the pic.i want to copy it on my system.
Have a nice day….
Regards.
——END OF BAD GUY EMAIL——
What made me suspicious was the 6hour time difference of the email (normally visible using webmail and not a email program such as outlook and outlook express.
All the best and thanks to all the honest decent people for making the effort to add to this page.
Cheers and all the best,
Chris
Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.11 Windows 2000
Chris,
Thank you for your suggestion, I have been through all the messages and highlighted the ‘bad guy’ responses with italics. I hope this makes them easier to identify.
Cheers
akaDruid
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.3 Linux
Hi Druid,
Thanks for the quick response, good idea with the italics, I went back and see that he/she/it is a scammer. perhaps put a standard note on the top of very thread/subject?
All the best and thank you for providing an invaluable time saving service.
Chris
Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.11 Windows 2000
I got loads of scam emails when I was selling my Probe. Simple fact is NO ONE outside the UK is gonna give you full UK asking money for your car. The UK has the highest value of anywhere.
First thing I pick up on is the bad Grammar, Spelling and lots of ‘God Bless you’ and ‘I Trust you’ … Would you trust someone you have never met ?
As the old saying goes ‘If its too good to be true …’
Mark.
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
Absolutely agree with you mark. I just got another from davidmorgan_13@yahoo.fr and it went:
——BEGINNGING OF POSSIBLE SCAMMER EMAIL——
Hello,
I’m David .I am interested in your[BIKE]and I’ll like to know your last offering price and to see the pics or to know the condition if it will be okay with me.I’ll be making my payment with a bank draft .If you do I want you to get in touch with me immediately for me to proceed with the Payment. As for the shipping I’ll contact a shipping agent of mine who will arranged for the Pick up as soon as the transaction is sealed and u can reach me on my phone mobile +234-8027933121.I’ll be looking forward to your response.
Thanks and Have a Nice day.
Regards
David.
N;B
IF YOU INTEND TO MAIL ME BACK REMEMBER TO MAIL ME WITH YOUR LAST OFFERING PRICE SO THAT I CAN MAIL YOU BACK
——END OF POSSIBLE SCAMMER EMAIL——
Now what french person would use ‘u’ as an abbreviation for ‘you’.
All the best people,
Chris
Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.11 Windows 2000
+234-8027933121 …hmm, I wonder where +234 might be a country code for…
Wait… No! Surely not?
Yes, it’s Nigeria.
I’m stunned and amazed.
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.3 Linux
Mr john webb seem to be a busy chap! This the email i got……
Dear owen
Thanks for the details you provided.
Its really what I have been searching for quite some months now
before I
finally got yours.
I will like you to consider it and purchased by me. Kindly keep it in
a
very good condition. But I also would love you to send me the digital
pictures via mail attachment if available.
I live in VAN -CAM here in Geneva ,Switzerland, I am into buying and
selling of used bike, cars, here in Switzerland.
I will offer you £££2,850 £££ for it and you should kindly remove the
advert you placed from the site cos I’m making payment avaliable
shortly .
As for the shipping, I will contact my shipping company (agent) to
handle
it for me. The payment will be made with an official U.K BANK DRAFT
,
that can be clear and cash, in any bank here here in UK. My UK
business
partner, in the UK will issue the check and it can be with drawn
from
any Bank he in UK.
I will be so glad to read from you soonest.
REGARDS.
Then the second one………..
Thanks for getting back to me concerning this Mini Clubman , Really
i
would be very glad to buy It from you,and The price,condition also is
okay
by me .And my associates confirm there is no problem about the price.
Right now I’m going to ask the biz associate to issue the banker’s
draft of
£7000 in your name and you’ll send the excess funds to my shipper via
western union or money gram ,so that they can come for the pick up at
your
location,I ll provide to you my shipping company’s details for the
remainder
of the money so that you can send the money once the draft HAS FULLY
CLEARED
AND CONFIRMED IN YOUR ACCOUNT.ALso I will be giving £250 for your
(efforts
and western union or money gram fees) all i need is your assurance that
you
will be able to handle everything the same day that the draft CLEARED
in
your bank,and your promise that you are not going to sell to another
buyer
because it’s what i have been wanting.
Here are the details that would be needed to send the draft out to you:
YOUR FULL NAME…..
YOUR FULL ADDRESS..
PHONE NUMBERS(LAND AND MOBILE)
Best Regard .
I was getting wary then found this website…….Thanks for clearing it up for me!
Also had an email from ‘ Josh Lea’ Same sort of thing with the welsh dad and mum from oslo, working as a miner!
Is there any way they can be scammed them selves?
Safari 312.6 Mac OS
Well done for spotting Owen!
Splendid, I had another one today:
——START OF SCAMMER EMAIL——
Hello Chris,
Thanks for the mail, am willing to purchase your kawasaki bike for £3,200 , having been assured that its in good condition. but i need to let you know i wont be able to come over for the viewing, i and my family just got the shoking news of the death of my mum in law, so i and my family would be leaving for France this week and i dont know for now how long i will be there.
i lieave in North Ireland, My son has been riding for 3 yrs now and he will be 21 later this month.
Though all arrangement has been made for the payment and shipping of the bike.
So am left with the only option of sending you a bankers draft through my client who wants issue me payment for services rendered in the United Kingdom for the cost of £8,000.
Having called him earlier he said he would be posting a Certified Bank Draft, but i have a problem here cos he said he is going to make out the full payment which he is oweing me to you, so you’ll have to cash it and deduct your cost with a £100 additional cost which you may need in the process of this transaction.
Then need you to send the rest balance via western union money transfer to the shipping company in order to come over to your house to pick up of the bike and other cargo i have in their care to ship. but this will be after the cheque has cleared in your bank, as i would not want any complication in this transaction.
So i will need you to kindly email methe following details:
FULL NAME…………..
FULL ADDRESS………
POST CODE……………
PROVINCE……………..
COUNTRY………………
TELEPHONE Nos……..
So as to make the cheque out to you,
I’ll be very glad if you can get back to me to avoid delay. Thanks for your understanding.
Looking forward to you prompt response and towards doing business with you.
Lots of regards,
….Richard
—–END OF SCAMMER EMAIL——
I chose to forward it to:
fraudwatch@autotrader.com
customersupport@autotrader.com
(without amending the main text or header, as per their instructions).
I couldn’t help but say, “No. Goodbye and thanks for wasting my time.”, to the latest spammer…I really REALLY wanted to say more, but what’s the point.
Cheers,
Chris
Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.11 Windows 2000
I would like to share this email i got this morning:
Good Day,
I just want ot know if the 2000 FIAT PUNTO 1.2 16v , is still available.
And if available pls get back to me with its present condition and it asking price.
Thanks.
Nothing odd???? i replied and got this:
Thanks for the details you provided.
Its really what I have been searching for quite some months now before I finally got yours.
I will like you to consider it and purchased by me. Kindly keep it in a very good condition. But I also would love you to send me the digital pictures via mail attachment if available.
I live in VAN -CAM here in Geneva ,Switzerland, I am into buying and selling of used bike, cars, here in Switzerland.
I will offer you £££2,799£££ for it and you should kindly remove the advert you placed from the site cos I’m making payment avaliable shortly .
As for the shipping, I will contact my shipping company (agent) to handle it for me. The payment will be made with an official U.K BANK DRAFT , that can be clear and cash, in any bank here here in UK. My UK business partner, in the UK will issue the check and it can be with drawn from any Bank he in UK.
I will be so glad to read from you soonest.
!!!!! Now that sounds a little like something i have read before
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
We too have had the same owen wood bloke trying to buy our car and offering a silly amount of money. Luckily we tried to find VAN CAM in Geneva and found this website. Thank god someone nowadays is still honest! Thanks for the heads up.
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
Just check their email id on google….
This is what I got with 24hrs of advertising my bike…..
Hii ,
Good Morning,
Really i just wanted to know if its still available or not,if still
available pls do get back to me so that we can really talk on it.Also i
will want um pls tell more details Which u forget to add on the site.i want
to send me your more pic.
Hope to hear from you soon…
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
Thanks to everyone who has submitted comments on here. Just had an email conversation with the same ‘Owen Wood’ and he offered the asking price of my car no questions asked.
Obviously thinking this is very trusting decided to google it and got this blog and I am so glad I did.
I’ll tell him to go take a running jump!!
Many thanks
Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.11 Windows XP
I also got this email today to which I resonded, fortunately the fact that I had offered him the vehicle cheaper than was advertised and he elected to pay the full asking price kinda rang alarm bells, so I decided to google the name and found this.. thanks for everyones input..I was nearly caught.
SPAM EMAIL NO 1————————–
Good Day,
I just want ot know if the 1997 MG MGF 1.8i VVC 2dr , is still available, for sale ,
And if available, I will like , you to get back to me with its present condition and it asking price. pls get back to me today so that i will know.
Thanks.
SPAM EMAIL NO2—————————-
Hello Mo ,
Thanks for the details you provided.
Its really what I have been searching for quite some months now before I finally got yours.
I will like you to consider it and purchased by me. Kindly keep it in a very good condition. But I also would love you to send me the digital pictures via mail attachment if available.
I live in VAN -CAM here in Geneva ,Switzerland, I am into buying and selling of used bike, cars, here in Switzerland.
I will offer you £3,895££ for it and you should kindly remove the advert you placed from the site cos I’m making payment avaliable shortly .
As for the shipping, I will contact my shipping company (agent) to handle it for me. The payment will be made with an official U.K BANK DRAFT , that can be clear and cash, in any bank here here in UK. My UK business partner, in the UK will issue the check and it can be with drawn from any Bank he in UK.
I will be so glad to read from you soonest.
REGARDS.
His name was Alan Party and his email address was alan_party_123 at yahoo.com
I just emailed him to let him know that my wife had sold the car so he couldn’t have it. Although I am a big fella with a strong military background I’m not in the habit of picking fights with an enemy unknown! Hope no one succumbs to this plank!
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
More of the same………
Here’s some of their email addresses so watch out for
thomas_pal2007@yahoo.com
james_morris_007@yahoo.co.uk
john_neal09@yahoo.se
wood_owen4545@yahoo.co.uk
s_smith01@yahoo.co.uk
bright_welber@yahoo.com
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
Same guy is still at large, thank goodness for google and this blog to checkout my Swiss geography and where VAN CAM was.
Dear Owen
Car is still for sale.
I do a lot of work in Switzerland so I can deliver the car for you personally.
If you forward me a ferry ticket and wire about £200 for Diesel money I would be happy to drop it off to save your shipper the bother.
I will even accept cash in Swiss francs. 200 Franc notes are best I find.
Please let me know your address and I will use the sat nav to plan out a route
Regards
Paul
Quoting owen wood :
> Hello ,
> Thanks for the details you provided.
> Its really what I have been searching for quite some months now before I
> finally got yours.
> I will like you to consider it and purchased by me. Kindly keep it in a
> very good condition. But I also would love you to send me the digital
> pictures via mail attachment if available.
> I live in VAN -CAM here in Geneva ,Switzerland, I am into buying and
> selling of used bike, cars, here in Switzerland.
> I will offer you £5,895££ for it and you should kindly remove the advert
> you placed from the site cos I’m making payment avaliable shortly .
> As for the shipping, I will contact my shipping company (agent) to handle
> it for me. The payment will be made with an official U.K BANK DRAFT , that
> can be clear and cash, in any bank here here in UK. My UK business partner,
> in the UK will issue the check and it can be with drawn from any Bank he
> in UK.
>
> I will be so glad to read from you soonest.
>
> REGARDS.
>
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
A variation on a theme ….. different name, different location in Switzerland, same scam!
Good Afternoon,
I saw your advert on the web and i am very much interested in buying the Car if it’s still available for sale.
The payment will be inform of a UK banker’s draft drawn from a Uk bank,so if you still have it for sale and you are okay with my payment method i will want you to get back to me with present condition of the car,the asking price and if you have another pics apart from the one on the web.
Thanks.
I’ll be looking forward to your response.
Matthew Wilson
I live in Bern,Switzerland.
Hope this helps someone out …..
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.3 Windows XP
Hi Guys,
He’s stil at it, I got the same nonsence from Owen Wood today when selling a Mazda Mx-5.
I hate to own up here, but i was actually caught by one of these scams about 2 years ago and lost £4000. They give you a forged draft, usually from another bank to yours. Your bank alows you to draw on the draft & by the time the forgery goes through the banking system & you discover the problem the guy is away with your cash. I didn’t reply to him as I knew this was a scam, but decided to do a search on his name. Good work with the blog. ps I had to laugh at the ‘North Ireland’ buyer, I live there and everybody refers to it as Northern ireland.
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.3 Windows XP
Bugger thought i had sold my bike thanks all you lot out there
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
Hi Guys
I will give this guy his due…he is persistant, however very stupid…the moron forgot to replace the mail merge field of “car”.
Thanks for the heads up … great idea for site…see his message below
I’m David Morgan .I am interested in your[CAR]and I’ll like to know your last offering price and to see the pics or to know the condition if it will be okay with me.I’ll be making my payment with a bank draft .If you do I want you to get in touch with me immediately for me to proceed with the Payment. As for the shipping I’ll contact a shipping agent of mine who will arranged for the Pick up as soon as the transaction is sealed and u can reach me on my phone mobile +234-8027933121.I’ll be looking forward to your response.
Thanks and Have a Nice day.
Regards
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
He’s still at it!!! Mine was from a John Webb with an email address of Wedd-John5252@hotmail.com, pretty much word for word some of the previous emails. What an idiot. Congrats on the job you’ve done here. Philippa
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
Still at it I have just had an e-mail word for word as the message as above, i think i will stay well clear. thanks for the advice. Cheers Nick.
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
Had exactly the same scam as the above, now calling himself Phillip Goodluck, and using MiniWorld. The same, pass on the money to a ‘pick up agent’. Luckily I’ve heard of a few of these scams, so replied very politely that I wasn’t interested.
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
I have just had the email exactly the same but it is glen owen now wants my vw beetle for the asking price LOSER!!! unlucky.
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
Yes, we have now received one too with regards to a MG Midget we are selling.
I thought that I would have fun with a more forward response…
[MESSAGE STARTS]
Thank you again for the email, and I am very pleased that you have agreed to buy such a wonderful car.
In order to proceed, you now need to do the following:
1) Email me back with your name, address and telephone number – if I will be dealing with your UK business partner then please email me their details also.
2) I will then call you (or them) to take a Credit/Debit card deposit (this is fully refundable if when you collect the car you do not feel it is as described). Once this has been received the adverts will be withdrawn
3) We will then need to arrange a time for your UK partner to collect the car, paying the balance by Credit/Debit Card or electronic transfer (sorry but we do not accept Bank Drafts)
I have attached the photographs as requested.
I look forward to receiving your email shortly.
Thank you once again!
ASHLEY
[MESSAGE ENDS]
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
I had the same , I was stupid enough to give my name and address, but I did inform the scammer that I have told the Police, I didn’t lose any money as I got suspicious
thanks
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
he tried this with me
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows Server 2003
he is real scamer be aware , he probably a making huge profit od a full people..
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows Server 2003
here another one.:
From: “leon roy” Add to Address Book
To: “xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx”
Subject: SUZUKI £6,000 the price is okay by me
Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2007 18:16:53 -0400
Hello EGIDIJUS SIPAVICIUS ,
Thanks for the details you provided.
Its really what I have been searching for quite some months now before I finally got yours.
I will like you to consider it and purchased by me. Kindly keep it in a very good condition. But I also would love you to send me the digital pictures via mail attachment if available.
I live in VAN -CAM here in Geneva ,Switzerland, I am into buying and selling of used bike, cars, here in Switzerland.
I will offer you £6000 for it and you should kindly remove the advert you placed from the site cos I’m making payment avaliable shortly .
As for the shipping, I will contact my shipping company (agent) to handle it for me. The payment will be made with an official U.K BANK DRAFT , that can be clear and cash, in any bank here here in UK. My UK business partner, in the UK will issue the check and it can be with drawn from any Bank he in UK.
I will be so glad to read from you soonest.
REGARDS.
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows Server 2003
Hi, me too, same just got the exact same message today, 28th November 07. From VAN-CAM, geneva. The scammer is now call Jo Wales, but the same message. Im going to alert http://www.dubfinder.com. I googled VAN-CAM and came across your blog.
Many thanks ! Jim
Safari 523.12 Mac OS
he / she is also using the name jo_wales, the content of the emails remains exactly the same, I’m going to wind this f*cker up though, see how many hoops I can get him to jump through for me…….
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
@COLLINS,
sounds like a good idea, just be wary of what personal information they may have from you.
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.3 Ubuntu Linux
Selling Jaguar, had e-mail from a Jo Wales with exactly the same wording as everybody else, Its really what I have been searching for quite some months now before I finally got yours.
I will like you to consider it and purchased by me. Kindly keep it in a very good condition. But I also would love you to send me the digital pictures via mail attachment if available.
I live in VAN -CAM here in Geneva ,Switzerland, I am into buying and selling of used bike, cars, here in Switzerland.
I will offer you £XXX for it and you should kindly remove the advert you placed from the site cos I’m making payment avaliable shortly .
As for the shipping, I will contact my shipping company (agent) to handle it for me. The payment will be made with an official U.K BANK DRAFT , that can be clear and cash, in any bank here here in UK. My UK business partner, in the UK will issue the check and it can be with drawn from any Bank he in UK.
We will not be selling the car to this person
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
Just got the same message, now called Gordon Owen – thanks for the blog.
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP
i’ve just recieved the van cam email from jo wales, so glad i acted on my feelings and checked out van cam,which lead me to your links.
thanks
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
I got this reply from ‘Jo Wales’ after I made it clear I was not interested in internet scams! I was quite blunt -
This vehicle is not for sale to any 3rd party foreign buyer for shipment abroad, I have already had contact from this kind of purchaser & I was not satisfied with the legitimacy of the purchaser. Neither am I interested in receiving cheques over & above the advertised sale price, cheques are not acceptable. I am only interested in payment in full preferably in cash for the sale price before the vehicle is released. I have no wish to be rude but I am very fed up with the number of scammers who have already contacted me with nothing more in mind than parting me from my classic car without actually parting with any real money, so I’m afraid unless yours is a totally honest enquiry please do not take this any further as I am only interested in someone who genuinely wishes to buy an excellent classic Beetle.
I thought I would not hear again but got this -
Thanks for the details you provided.
Its really what I have been searching for quite some months now before I finally got yours.
I will like you to consider it and purchased by me. Kindly keep it in a very good condition. But I also would love you to send me the digital pictures via mail attachment if available.
I live in VAN -CAM here in Geneva ,Switzerland, I am into buying and selling of used bike, cars, here in Switzerland.
I will offer you £11000 for it and you should kindly remove the advert you placed from the site cos I’m making payment avaliable shortly .
As for the shipping, I will contact my shipping company (agent) to handle it for me. The payment will be made with an official U.K BANK DRAFT , that can be clear and cash, in any bank here here in UK. My UK business partner, in the UK will issue the check and it can be with drawn from any Bank he in UK.
I will be so glad to read from you soonest.
*****
I did send more pictures but none with the number plate nor did I give my address but I did ask for ‘hers’ & her agent + I also requested a deposit.
As mine is a classic car there is more chance someone might have been ‘looking for some time to find the right’ one.
I did tell the guy the vehicle was dry stored in a fully secured locked down facility & would not be released untill non refundable payment, cash was received.
I had my doubts though as I’ve never heard of Van Cam in Geneva!!! I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised it’s really Nigeria or Viet Nam!
So thanks for the very usefull website I shall ditch the creeps emails from now on.
Regards
Melanie
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
I think asking for a deposit is always a good idea when trying to determine if a buyer is genuine.
Mozilla Firefox 3.0b2 Windows XP
Hey, thanks for this info. You saved me from the scam!
Hello
Thanks for the Mail,also i am okay with the condition of the Kayak,I will like to tell you that the Payment will be In Money Order that Drawn in U.S BANK.kindly get back to me with the name that will be written on the Money Order and you full address that the Payment will be send to also your contact Phone Number,As soon as i get this i will forward that to my Secretary to send you Money Order.As soon as you received the Money Order you will deposit that to your Bank.when the payment clear to your account,My shipping agent will come to your Location Pickup the Kayak.i will be waiting to hear from you.
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
Hi All,
I’ve been contacted by a “roy water” (roy_water7575@hotmail.com)
The first contact was slightly different to anything I’ve seen above..
Hello , Sir /Ma,
Pls i will like to know if the 2002 VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.6i , is still for sale ,and will like you to pls get back to me with the asking price and its present condition ,pls get back to me today .
Thanks.
The reply was standard…
Hello Powell ,
Thanks for the details you provided.
Its really what I have been searching for quite some months now before I finally got yours.
I will like you to consider it and purchased by me. Kindly keep it in a very good condition. But I also would love you to send me the digital pictures via mail attachment if available.
I live in VAN -CAM here in Geneva ,Switzerland, I am into buying and selling of used bike, cars, here in Switzerland.
I will offer you £ £2,500 for it and you should kindly remove the advert you placed from the site cos I’m making payment avaliable shortly .
As for the shipping, I will contact my shipping company (agent) to handle it for me. The payment will be made with an official U.K BANK DRAFT , that can be clear and cash, in any bank here here in UK. My UK business partner, in the UK will issue the check and it can be with drawn from any Bank he in UK.
I will be so glad to read from you soonest.
REGARDS.
From: robbierob84@hotmail.com
To: roy_water7575@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: 2002 VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.6i £2,500
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:57:21 +0000
Hello,
The car is still for sale, the condition for the year is good, the asking price is £2500
Rgds
I’ll be steering clear!!
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.12 Windows XP
Hi
This scammer is still at work cos he’s trying to buy my Esspace going under the name of WES MIKE from Geneva now, I’ve also had a Ryan LEe from Ireland, offering to buy it, and I thought this could be genuine given the price of cars in Southern Ireland and I gave him my name and address but haven’t heard any more from him, it seemed feasable to make some money buying a car in UK and shipping to Dublin even after paying import duty it seemed cheaper.
Just did a google on VAN CAM and came up with this great site.
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.15 Windows Vista
HI again the espace is still for sale if anyone wants a 2002 automatic 2.0 16V for £3495 and its genuine no scam involved !!! just need to sell it for CASH on collection only
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.15 Windows Vista
Hi Damn it I got trapped by it too, but just in time, thank god for this website, I nearly gave my bank details.
The Seller said:
Thanks for the details you provided.
Its really what I have been searching for quite some months, now before I finally got yours.
I will like you to consider it and purchased by me. Kindly keep it in a very good condition. But I also would love you to send me the digital pictures via mail attachment if available.
I live in VAN -CAM here in Geneva ,Switzerland, I am into buying and selling of used bike, cars, here in Switzerland.
Just don’t understand this person as he never replied after the offer.
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.16 Windows XP
He’s still doing it.
Thanks so much for having this post.
He was called James Roy in my email.
Thanks again.
Email below:
Hello ,
Thanks for the details you provided.
Its really what I have been searching for quite some months, now before I finally got yours.
I will like you to consider it and purchased by me. Kindly keep it in a very good condition. But I also would love you to send me the digital pictures via mail attachment if available.
I live in VAN -CAM here in Geneva ,Switzerland, I am into buying and selling of used bike, cars, here in Switzerland.
I will offer you £££ £3000
for it and you should kindly remove the advert you placed from the site cos I’m making payment avaliable shortly .
As for the shipping, I will contact my shipping company (agent) to handle it for me. The payment will be made with an official U.K BANK DRAFT , that can be clear and cash, in any bank here in UK and IRELAND , My UK business partner, in the UK will issue the check and it can be with drawn from any Bank he in UK.
I will be so glad to read from you soonest.
Opera 9.50 Mac OS
Same e-mail, name now James Roy.
meme4cars7070@live.co.uk
I thought it was a scam, this site proved my gut feeling was right.
Cheers.
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows Vista
this guy is still on the go.his name is alex water.same email as others.i told him where to go after finding your site.his name is different but the bulls the same.
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
Owen Wood rises again. My Honda Accord Tourer went live on the Autotrader website on Thursday, and I got the same email from him on Friday.
It sounded very fishy, especially regarding the language, and it immediately range alarm bells of Nigerian-type overpayment scams.
Intrigued I answered his question straight down the line, and I got back the same second email as everyone else. Wonderful the UK slang they know in Switzerland isn’t it? ‘cos’ for because.
I’ve now told him that he has to BACS/SWIFT the money to him and it has to be drawable funds before I’d even consider taking the ad off the site.
Guess I’ll not hear from him again now.
I will follow up on this with Autotrader, as they should probably warn their clients about this.
GREAT to see this page, though. Good work!
Internet Explorer 7.0 Windows XP
Hi there, I’m selling my car on autotrader and just got the following email from Frank Don (don.frank.2@hotmail.com.
Good Day,
I saw your ads on the web site(Autotrader.co.uk/ Evo.co.uk) which am really ok with the illustration you gave on the site.Really i just wanted to know if its still available or not,if still available pls do get back to me so that we can really talk on it.Also i will want you pls tell more details Which you forget to add on the site.
Thanks soo much and i look up to your urgent response today.
Regards.
Frank
Thanks to the above comments I now know this is a scam! Can’t believe he’s sending the same email from the same address 2 years on from the previous ones!!
Thank you for posting!
Internet Explorer 6.0 Windows XP