Is this a scam? Tractor Scam

TBDonnelly · Apr 13, 2007

Scam listing:

This was advertised on Craigslist with a link to this web address.

http://ballz.ababa.net/testcraig/John%20Deere%204310%204X4%20Tractor.htm

Here is the legit listing posted on ebay:

eBay: John Deere 4310 4X4 Tractor (item 110114462459 end time Apr-19-07 18:15:00 PDT)

Don

TBDonnelly · Apr 14, 2007

I emailed this 'seller' and asked where the tractor was located, so I could come take a look at it. Here is the reply:

Hello,
I`m glad that you´re interested in my tractor. Let me tell you all about this deal.
Details about the tractor: The tractor does not have any apparent cracks or welds...perfect interior. This tractor starts and runs out very well and is ready for work. The drivetrain is good and the hydraulics are strong. This machine is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. Stored in a enclosed garage when not in use. The dash controls and lights are all working properly, there are no known defects with this tractor. Shows 655 Hrs. on the meter. It comes with all the documents needed for registration in US, it has a clear title issued in US and it can be registred into your name at any time without any problem. You are buying an used tractor, not new. Keep that in mind!
Shipping will be done by Hemisphere Cargo Shipping and the tractor will arrive in about 7-8 days to your door. The tractor will be insured at the shipping company for the transport. The tractor price is $3,000.00 and the shipping costs about US $1,400.00, so the final price is $4,400.00. Location: I´m in Beja, Portugal (West Europe) and the tractor here as well and so this is where the tractor will be shipped from.
From the beginig you have to know that for the payment I request ONLY secure pay, I prefer the payment will be done through ebay. We will use eBay Vehicle Protection Program, I have completed quite a large number of successful deals using them. I have a purchase protection account for 10000$. This service alows us to complete this transaction in a manner that is quick and safe for both of us. It acts as a third party between seller and buyer to insure that both parties comply to transaction requirements and provides dispute resolution and mediation between parties. eBay Vehicle Protection Program is responsible to insure that both parties comply to transaction requirements, both parties must submit proof of payment/delivery presented in a legal form (payment/delivery receipt) by the registered payment/delivery service used. All of my transactions until now were made under eBay's protection, and for that I wish that we make this deal also with eBay's protection.
If you agree with moving forward with the deal through eBay, please email me your full name and shipping address. As soon as I receive these information from you I will forward them to eBay Vehicle Protection Program along with the rest of the details in order for them to open a case regarding our deal. I am waiting for your email as soon as possible.
Warmly Regards,
Peter
I look forward to close the deal with you.

Don

flusher · Apr 14, 2007

TBDonnelly said:
I emailed this 'seller' and asked where the tractor was located, so I could come take a look at it. Here is the reply:

[]

I checked on that Vehicle Protection Program. Don't see where it says explicitly that eBay's Vehicle Protection Program covers tractors.

wafwot · Apr 15, 2007

I saw a similar scam a few years back for a JD 4x4 Gator. It was somewhere in Eastern Europe. I have over 600 transactions on eBay and have never been burned. We never buy anything of high value without seeing it first. I take the cost of picking the item up in the total price and bid accordingly. Whether is it a car, a welder or anything else, the cost of travel to pay and picking up in person saves from the headache of being burned. Also, read the seller's feedback before bidding and try to stay away from sellers with a low feedback rating...especially when the cost is high.

MadDogDriver · Apr 15, 2007

TBDonnelly said:
I emailed this 'seller' and asked where the tractor was located, so I could come take a look at it. Here is the reply:

... Location: I´m in Beja, Portugal (West Europe) and the tractor here as well and so this is where the tractor will be shipped from...

Considering you'd be saving potentially about $7,000; a round trip to Portugal would be cheap to check it out and enjoy Europe enroute. I'd love to see what you'd really find or his answer to your request for directions to his place to see it first hand.

thcri · Apr 15, 2007

I personally think one is just best to stay away and don't even email back and forth to these people. Just my opinion I guess.

murph

RoyJackson · Apr 15, 2007

thcri said:
I personally think one is just best to stay away and don't even email back and forth to these people. Just my opinion I guess.

murph

Agree 100%!

You already know these guys are scams. By communicating, they get your e-mail address (even hotmail addresses can be traced back) and your computer's IP address. Most of these crooks probably aren't any better with computers then they are at spelling, but there are some really savvy crooks out there who know how to do ID theft or could load a program on your PC to track keystrokes (there goes your passwords and account numbers if you do online banking).

swines · Apr 18, 2007

RoyJackson said:
Agree 100%!
Most of these crooks probably aren't any better with computers then (sic) they are at spelling...

You're making this statement on TractorByNet where spelling and word errors have been transmogrified into an art form?

First, start by looking up the correct usage of the words "then" and "than."

"Then" is used to show the next subject in an order in time. First came the clowns, then came the spelling experts - as an example.

"Than" is used to show the second member in a comparison. For example, "Most of these crooks probably aren't any better with computers than they are at spelling."

In this case, proficiency with computers being compared to the same level of proficiency in spelling.

I normally ignore the general unfamiliarity with correct English usage shown on Internet forums. However, in this case - hmm....ahhhh....mom was an English teacher...and, ummm...well...every so often I have the urge to whip out a red pencil...and ummm....my apologies...

teg · Apr 18, 2007

If it sounds too good to be.... blaa, blaa... Reply and it will encourage them to continue. (oh, so close on that one, better get back to phishing to catch the big one).

As for spelling and English... English is my second language... I don't have a first language. If I could go back in time to slap all my English teachers for letting me "get by", I would. (yes, I *AM* the problem but easier to blame someone else - (*really* just kidding around!!). I would rather read bad English/spelling than not to read any response. (I hope I used the correct then/than).

5030 · Apr 18, 2007

swines said:
You're making this statement on TractorByNet where spelling and word errors have been transmogrified into an art form?

First, start by looking up the correct usage of the words "then" and "than."

"Then" is used to show the next subject in an order in time. First came the clowns, then came the spelling experts - as an example.

"Than" is used to show the second member in a comparison. For example, "Most of these crooks probably aren't any better with computers than they are at spelling."

In this case, proficiency with computers being compared to the same level of proficiency in spelling.

I normally ignore the general unfamiliarity with correct English usage shown on Internet forums. However, in this case - hmm....ahhhh....mom was an English teacher...and, ummm...well...every so often I have the urge to whip out a red pencil...and ummm....my apologies...