Beware of Scams

  For Sale and Wanted Pages - Possible Fraud
Please be careful

Important - Many of you have realised that this type of practice is becoming more prevalent and have alerted others to this type of scam. I've copied the text portion of an email that was sent to Geoff Quade, which illustrates the African scam very well. More sample emails below

hi Am interested in buying your [ Yamaha part number: STR-4YV24-10-01 )which price is £75 ,firstly i will like to know the present condition of it because am a distributor of it in west africa so one of my client is owing me the amount of£2,500 and he is sending you a certified cashier's check of that amount drawn in america bank so dont worry about the shipment ,i have a shipping agent that will come for the pickup.So what you will do is just deduct your fund and send the excess amount through money gramm to my shipping agent that will come for the pickup at your destination.I will want a trustwothy fellow to transact business with me,so if this is acceptable with you i will want you to forward me your FULL NAME,ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER that you will use in receiving the check as soon as possible.
EXPECTING YOUR MAIL SOONEST
iffe. .

Here's a good reason why you should be concerned - (from someone who knows....)

"Thanks for the excellent warning I have just seen on the site. I am a serving Police Officer and we are getting quite a number of complaints about this sort of activity.

A common method is to show interest in buying an item, sending the vendor a cheque, often a company cheque, the cheque is normally over and above the selling price, the buyer then explains that he was owed money by the person who wrote the cheque and could you just forward the difference to him.

The reason this works is that the cheque you bank will show as cleared after 3 days ( this is something to do with bank interests ) . Pressure is then put on you by the fraudster to send the difference. Lo and behold after 4 days you get notified that the cheque has actually bounced and you are out of pocket! They know the banking systems inside out. They are attacking all sorts of websites, particularly cars and bikes sites.

Biggest hit in our force so far is £100,000! It really hangs on the greed or susceptibility of the seller, so your warning gets it just about right."

If you are selling anything through this website or anywhere else... do not pass your bank details to anyone - particularly via email as this method is so unsecure you wouldn't believe it!

If you are suspicious of any person contacting you with a view to buying your bike or parts, then it may be best to wait until a more legitimate buyer comes to you. As always with a sale, let the funds clear into your account before letting any goods go.

Merlyn Kline, who advertised on this web site, has also set up a web page showing the same types of email scams. You can see this at http://www.binary.co.uk/chequescam/

Here's some more versions of noteworthy literary talent that you may come across when selling goods... These are, letter for letter, how they were sent to various advertisers - if they look familiar, don't be surprised!

Hi Nick

With regard to that email address (Shile James holashile2007@yahoo.com) I sent you the other day, it turned out to be a scammer!! He started off telling me he had esophageal cancer!! and didn't have much time left to get a bike. He typed in broken English style and praised God a lot!! It was a nightmare, I'd receive 2 or 3 emails a date, trying to pressurise me into accepting his deal!! I became increasingly wary, when the party started trying to get me to accept an US bank certified cheque for 5,500 pounds, take out the 1,500 for my bike and wire the rest, via WESTERN UNION, to the shipping company and arrange a pick up date, directly with them! I mentioned what the party had suggested, to my husband, where upon he informed me that E-Bay is having a lot of fraudulent payments being made through W.U. !!, so I sent another email to the party in the USA, telling them I was not going to get involved in their business transactions, only wanted the money for my bike, he'd have to arrange shipping himself, eventually I said I was going to involve the police and surprise, surprise, I haven't heard anything else from him! If I had been more gullible, I might have been taken in by this person.

I just thought I'd let you know this, so you can make members aware, and don't take payment through Western Union!.

___________________________________

From: john johnson <chitex_lip@yahoo.com>
To: stevenbrady1600@hotmail.co.uk
Subject: VS800 chopper trike ,,,,,,,, £1550
Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 02:30:33 -0700 (PDT)

Good day, I'm John by name, I am interested in your advert and i would 
like to ask some details concernng this item before proceeding with the payment.

1. How long have you owned it?
2. Have you owned it from new? If not how many previous owner?
3. Why are you selling it?
4. In your opnion, what sort of condition is it?
5. Any available photo?
6. Last Price?

So, your response to these required information would be highly 
entertained before proceeding to the next stage. The method of payment 
is Cheque.Kindly email back, if it's still forsale.Regards.

Mr,John

___________________________________

From: Fred Moore [mailto:fredmoore2111@yahoo.com] 
Sent: 21 March 2007 10:58
To: Andy De Rosa
Subject: (Custom Wings By Ledrie windscreen (immaculate)

Hello Andy De Rosa,

Thanks for the information provided for the Banker's Draft to be made to you . I will let you know as soon as the Banker's Draft is being sent to your address Okay !!!!! 

I also want you to understand that i will be sending you an excess fund of £1,750,which like i stated in my earlier mail that the excess amount is meant for the shipping of the (Custom Wings By Ledrie windscreen (immaculate) and other stuffs that i bought in the Uk but not shipped yet and that when the funds clear into your account.You will deduct the actual price of the (Custom Wings By Ledrie windscreen (immaculate) with extra £50 for agreeing to sell the (Custom Wings By Ledrie windscreen (immaculate) to me and you will get the rest to my shipper via Western Union Money Transfer . Plz get back to me as soon as possible as i really hope for us to have a succesful Business deal together and may the Almighty Lord help us.

Best regards

FRED MOORE 

___________________________________

Hello,
Thanks for the mail, i must tell you that am okay with your price and the condition is okay by me,i will be paying by cheque so i will like you to get back to me with your name your address and phone number where you want the cheque to be sent to.
Thanks and hope to read from you soon


celine bruce <cute_celine25@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hello,
i saw your advert about selling of your bike for sale,i will like to know if you still have it for sale and if you still have it for sale kindly mail me back with your best price with the
pics of it.looking forward to your response.
Mrs Cute Celine 

___________________________________

From : benton John <b.john0090@yahoo.co.uk> 
Sent : 08 August 2006 23:24:06 
To : XXXXXXXXXXXX 
Subject : 1982 XV750SE 

Hello,
I saw your ads posted which am really interested in purchasing from you.Kindly get back to me these details as soon as possible.

1)The present condition.
2)Send Picture
3)Exact price
4)Pickup arrangement though i've a reliable shipper who use to take care of my shipment that can come for the pickup.
5)Payment by cheque will be fine for me.

Some of the details are at the posting,just need you to hear from you 
again.
Regards,
Benton 

___________________________________

wilson cole <wilcole@fastermail.com> wrote: 

Hello,
I am wilson cole a local Total Auto Center & Used Cars LLC
agent,Located at 176 GORDON BARER ROAD,NORTHYORK, SUSSEX, LONDON M2H
2N7.We specialise in purchase of Bike and electrical electronics for
customers ,and we get paid in commission,after payment has been
confirmed by the seller to the buyer.I write you on behalf of our
client to contact you and arrange for the buying and shippment of
your vehicle which our client saw on the internet.
My customer interested in purchasing your vehicle mentioned above for
the sum of $4100 and we will arrange for the pick up of
the vehicle once payment is confirmed cleared by you. Please
acknowledge the offer and we will inform the buyer of your
confirmation of acceptance to sell and have the funds remitted to you
as soon as possible.
Please we would want to know if it's still availiable?And if it's
still,Send me the following details:
(i)The final/bottom price.
(ii)The condition and mileage of the said vehicle.
{iii}The pics via email.
The above questions are part of our company policy when purchasing
bike,So don't find it embarrasing.Hope to hear from you soon.
Have a nice day and God bless,
cole

Hello ,
Good day to you, thanks for the mail and most espiecially for the
swift response, the price is ok by me. In regards to the Payment and view
of the bike i am base in abroad this is the reason why i can not come over
to view the bike but i am okay with the bike from your explaination, i would
want you to send me your Full name (so that a cheque can be raised on your
name) and also your contact/mailing address so that the payment can be made
out to you asap. Moreso, I would like to inform you that my client will be
issuing a cheque of £10,000 to you to cover the price of the bike (£6,500)
+ transportaion cost as i am buying the bike on behalf of my son, so when
the cheque arrives and clears in your bank, you will deduct the price of
the bike, the balance is meant for the Agent who will come for the Inspection,
Test Running and pickup of the bike. Also, in regards to the transportation
of the car to my location, i have been in contact with about three shipping
Agents, so i have a better rate with Virgin Atlantic Shipping Company, so
i have decided that they would be the company that would be responsible for
the inspection,test Drive to ensure that the bike is mechanically sound and
also pickup of the bike. I want to crave your indulgence to please contact
them via email vas_shipper@yahoo.co.uk for further arangement,
Best Regards

_______________________________

Original Message --
Date: Mon, 4 Jul 2005 08:55:50 -0700 (PDT)
From: terry ruben <terry_ruben05@yahoo.com>
Subject: PAYMENT ARRAGEMENT......................
To: XXXXX@tiscali.co.uk


Hello. Thanks for your mailing,Since you have let me know the price ,So i we issued cheque of 9000pounds to you ,and immediately you recieved the cheque try and take it to the cashing store for clearing and again my shipper will contact you as a shipping company by then , they will come and pick up the goods from you ,so therefore the remain balance will be sending to the shipper after you cash my cheque , morerover when you get the cheque my shipper will forward their information to you as a business transaction .

So therefore i be will be arrange for the cheque issued write now ,send me your adsdress for cheque issued ,and again don`t forget that you should delete the market from the website ,Get back to me immediately you read my message
Regards
Terry.

_______________________________

I thought I would pass this one on to the VSOC website because it is very amusing to me. My mother, brother and sister live in and around Adelaide, South Australia and we have visited five times. On one of our visits I bought a Virago XV1100 and spouse Vivienne and I went on a motorcycle camping tour visiting Kangaroo Island - all parts of it. Guess what? Excepting the kangaroo's and seals there is F*ck all there! Smile

-----Original Message-----
From: wilford leks [mailto:wilfordleks@XXXXX.com]
Sent: 25 February 2005 04:54
To: jdev1@XXXXXXX.com
Subject: 1993 Yamaha Virago XV750


Hello,
I am Wilford Leks, a local Total Auto Center & Used Cars LLC agent,Located
at RSD Flinders Chase Service via Kingscote,Kangaroo Island, South
Australia, 5123.We specialise in purchase of Autos and electrical
electronics for customers here in Europe,and we get paid in commission,after
payment has been confirmed by the seller to the buyer..My customer
interested in purchasing your Motorcycle mentioned above,and we will arrange
for the pick up of the Motorcycle once payment is confirmed cleared by you.
Please acknowledge the offer and we will inform the buyer of your
confirmation of acceptance to sell and have the funds remitted to you as
soon as possible.

Please we would want to know if it's still availiable?And if it's still,Send
me the following details:
(i)The final/bottom price.
(ii)The condition and mileage of the said bike.
{iii}The pics via email.
The above questions are part of our company policy when purchasing
automobile ,So don't find it embarrasing.Hope to hear from you soon.
Have a nice day and God bless.
--

_______________________________

Dear seller,
I hereby wish to inform you that i am interested in the purchase from you.I saw the advert on the internet today, Kindly give me your best offer.Will you accept a cheque as payment?I have aclient and colleague of mine who will be ready to send you payment by post when we both finally agree on terms. If its still available forsale,provide the details below...
YOUR NAME...........
ADDRESS FULL .....
TEL. NUMBER.........
LAST PRICE...............
regard
fred
_______________________________

Hello Seller,

As a regard of your Advert over the internet, of which i am very much interested in buying your 1999 T plate Dragstar classic 650 and i will like to know the cost price of it including the present conditions and forward me the photos if available. Hope to read from you soonest.

Regard,
Steven Rolland.
_______________________________

Hello,
i saw your advert through the internet and i am indeed interested in purchasing 1999 T plate Dragstar classic 650, 9,700 miles,.I am a business woman who is into buying and importation . I have a personally recognised shipper that takes care of my shipping and which makes shipping to be more easier shipping and as soon as the transaction is completed my shipper will come and pick it up.my only request is if you will accept a cashier check drawn in U.K, so if this is ok by you kindly let me know the following information via the e mail, your last offer for this and your phone number.expecting your urgent response.

please let me know the price
thanks,

Mary Wianford

_______________________________

Hello,

Tanks for your response and thanks for leting me know the condition it okey by and the price.

The payment will be send out to you from one of my client in england who is owing me and he promise to issue out the paymeent with a certified check { banker's check} and he will be sending you a payment in amount of 5,000 punds i have a private shipping compney that will take care of shipment at your place as soon as you receive the payment you will when you migth have deduct your own money the remaining balance will be send to my shipping company for the pick arrangement at your place so i will like to have the details to send to my client to issue out the payment to you fast.

THE NAME TO BE WRITTEN ON THE CHECK:
FULL ADDRESS.... NOT PO BOX
CONTACT PHONE
AND CELL

I WILL NEED ALL THIS DETAILS FORWARD TO MY CLIENT TO ISSUE OUT THE PAYMENT . AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE IT MAKE IT DEPOSIT FOR A CASH IN YOUR BANK AS SOON AS IT CLEAR YOUR BANK YOU WILL TRANSFER THE REMANING EXCESS FUNDS TO MY SHIPPER I HOPE YOU WILL UNDERSTAND ME CLEARLY I WILL LIKE TO READ FROM YOU ASAP THANKS.
REGARDS
ESCOTH

_______________________________

Am not in the uk,am in uae united arab emirates,but am emailing you from south korea,i will instruct the account officer to send funds in the amount of 6,500GBP,please i will need you send the remainder to the agent will be doing the pickup from your location after payment has been received,provide me with a name and address telephone number,were the payment can be rennited to,looking forward hearing from you soonest.
Regards.
Desmond.
d1baker@yahoo.com

_______________________________

Hello,
I'm KELVING STEVEN..i'll like to purchase your (1996 XVS 750 Virago) inrespect posted for sale on net. i will like you to provide me the price in which you would like to sell it last.I am paying you by CASHIER CHEQUE DRAWN FROM A BANK IN UNITED KINGDOM, hope this is acceptable by you. so if you are ready to transact with me,you can get back to me with all the condition and the last offer include the pics. Concerning the shippment my shipper will come and pick it up from your location as soon as we seal this transaction. so kindly get back to me with all the present condition if it is still for sale and the last offer price include the pics.
Best Regard,

Kelving.......


_______________________________

Here's a conversation that has been passed to me from Barry Hope, who was selling his Virago. It shows what can happen very well... Needless to say he's selling to somebody else!

Dear Barry,
Thanks for your mail,Since the cost of your Bike is £1,000 i just contacted my client about the cost of your Bike and it present condition and he said there is no problem about that.So my client said he will be issuing you a Certified Check Or Money Order of £4,000 while you wire to me my £2,800 through Western Union and you deduct the cost of your Bike £1,000 and keep the remaining £200 which my client said you should take for the terms of Transaction and Agreement between you and my client.So i will like you to send me your full contact information to where my client will be sending you the Certified Check like this:
name.........
full address.............Not P,O, Box
city...............
state.............
country..........
zipcode............
ell/office/home phone number.......................
I will lo ok forward to the requested information as soon as possible s! o that the check can be sent out t o you immediately And do get back to me with the Pics of the Bike so that my client will be Able to see What he is paying for.Get back to me immediately. Looking forward to your
respond,Best Regards,
Rev James Smith...


Barry Hope <deleted> wrote:
Dear Rev James,

The only pics are the ones I attached previously. The bike is a good runner and you should have no real problems mechanically. Tires are good, everything functions, just not the most aesthetically pleasing. Requires TLC. If you are interested please let me know as soon as possible. We are in the Doncaster area.

Regards,

Barry
----- Original Message -----
From: James Smith <mailto:coxxautos@yahoo.com>
To: Barry Hope
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 3:31 PM
Subject: ENQUIRY................................Virago_XV1100_1991_£1000


Dear Barry,
Thanks for the mail,well i will like to tell you my interest in buying it.well i will like you to get back to me with the details of the bike and also if there is pics of the Bike you can as well attached it.and also i will like to know the present condition of the Bike i will like you to get back to me as the price is okay by me.
hope to read from you soon.
Thanks and God bless you
Regards,
Rev James....



Barry Hope <deleted> wrote:
Dear Rev James,

Please find attached photos of different angles of the bike. The asking price is £1000 ono.

Regards,

Barry
----- Original Message -----
From: James Smith <mailto:coxxautos@yahoo.com>
To: deleted
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 12:44 AM
Subject: ENQUIRY................................Virago XV1100 1991 £1000


Dear,

I saw your ads for the sale of Virago XV1100 1991

I will like to tell you that am really interested in buying it.

please do get back to me with price.

Looking forward to read from you.

Thanks and God bless you.

Rev James..


_______________________________

This is a great one that was sent to me.. a novelty in that he wants us to let him know instead of searching the web sites himself! The cheek of it!

Hello,

I came to know you from Virago Star Owners Club.
I'm from Nigeria. I thinking about getting a Yamaha Virago 535.

You have Virago motor bike Or Any Other Bike can you please tell me about your bike. Also Kindly Inform Me If You Can Ship To Nigeria

Best regards,
Litvack
_______________________________

Hello,
I saw your advert via the internet and i am interested in the
purchase of the " Virago 1100cc 1997", I am a businesman based
in Portugal who is into importation, I have a local shipper that takes
care of my shipping so shipping is no problem, as soon as the
transaction is completed my shipper will come to pick it up.my only
request is if you will accept a cashier's cheque drawn in u.k
bank, so if this is ok by you, kindly let me know your last price
offer via email and forward me your phone number.Also with your full
mailling address where you will be receiving the cheque....
Expecting your truthfull response.
Thanks
BRIAN......
________________________________________

Good Day,
My name is CARTHY.I'm interested in buying Virago XV535,that you want to sell for £3,250.I want you to send me the Virago XV535 .if it is avilable by you and its present condition.Do not worry about the shipment of the Virago XV535 ,my shippers will be responsible for the shipment.So I will pay with a certified cheque.And I want you to give me your NAME and your ADDRESS and personal phone number so that the cheque of £8,000 can be issue for you by my client.And as soon as you receive the cheque,send the shippers their shipping funds(£4,750).So that they can be able to ship the Virago XV535 as fast as possible.Here is thier contacting address: (KELVIN_SHIPPER@USA.COM),in case there may be any question concerning the shipment of the Virago XV535 .Thanks I'm looking forward to hearing from
you soon.
Best Regards.
CARTHY.
________________________________________

Hello,

A client of mine as just indicate is interest on the above mentioned item for £3250.I will also want to confirm from you if you will ship to lagos nigeria africa,and if you can not arrange the shippment pls let me know so i can advise him to do that himself.Pls get back to me immediately.

Thanks,

Mr Kazim.
________________________________________

Goodday,

Kelvin Robert by name,I came across your Virago XV535 July 2001 Y reg, which i am interested in,and i am ready to purchase it immediately.But i would like to know the present status and it's cost price so that I can proceed further on this,meanwhile my client will pay you on my behalf, with cashier's check, for the shippment I have a reputable shipping agent that will come and pick it up from your place as soon as the payment is sent to you.
the pic will be needed to see.
Thanks hope to read from you ASAP

Regards.............
________________________________________

From: "larry smith" <paulcool@fastermail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 2:05 AM
Subject: Virago XV535 July 2001

i am interested in buying your Virago XV535 July 2001 and i have a client
who live in usa and he will like to know the cost of the
Virago XV535 July 2001 and the present conditions,So do not worry about
the shipment i will take care of that myself.
Thanks..
________________________________________

From: walex larry

I am willing to buy your Yamaha XV1100 model for £3000, my mode of payment will lays on certified cashier' check drawn in U.K funds , i will be informing my client in U.K who be forwarding a check of £6500 to you on my behave , i will be handling the shipping, and every relevant title, if you want me to forward the check to you, i want you to give me the name that will be on cheque and your physical address which you will like to recieve the cheque,but if you will prefer to receive the check in your bank i will want you to provide all the necessary info concerning your bank (bank name and address ,account #and rounting #, so that i can order my client to wire the paymentto your bank asap.more over the balance on the excess funds will be base on shipping bcos they are having other consignment for me to ! do the pick up,the shipper's will be incharges of sign all relevant document,i will like to know if may mode of payment is accepted by you or not . i will really appreiciate your instant response.
Thanks
________________________________________

Hello,
my name is ROMEO STEVEN i'm interested in buying your ( Virago XV535 )
which i saw for sale. I'm moved by the advert which i know that it will be
o.k for me to buy,so i will want you to e-mail me back if it is still for
sale so as to make plans for it in buying it.i will be expecting your reply
on it for i am serious about it.Thanks hope to
herefrom you soon.
Regards
Romeo..

________________________________________

HELLO,

MY NAME IS JOSHUAL WILLIAMS AN AUTOMOBILE BUSINESS MAN HERE IN SOUTH AFRICA(SOWETO). I CAME ACCROS YOUR AD LISTING BIKES FOR SALE. I WOULD LIKE YOU TO PROVIDE ME WITH THE KIND OF BIKE,CONDITION AND THE FINAL COST OF THE BIKE.

REGARDING THE SHIPPMENT OF THE BIKE, I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPMENT TO SOUTH AFRICA(SOWETO). I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW YOUR PAYMENT ACCEPTANCE METHOD. CHECK OR WIRE TRANSFER....

I AWAIT YOUR TIMELY RESPONSE.

WILLIAMS
________________________________________

Hello,
I am interested in your advertised Virago XV535 July 2001 Y reg 4000
miles been posted on the ad.I have seen the price{£3250}and it is okay by
me.Note that i based in us and my shipping agency that will be coming for
the pick up are there too.And also i will like to read from you if you can
accept payment by check which my creditor that owed me will be sending to
you on my behalf.If this is okay by you do get back to me immediately with
your full name,contact address and your phone number so as to forward it to
my creditor for him to issue and send the check in your name.Looking to read
from you soonest.
Thanks.
Deen.
__________________________________________________

hello seller,

Am a prophet from nova scotia in canada.please I will like to offer that your XV 1000 Virago for 1500GBP. I will like to know its availability and condition. I will like to know if you are going to accept a cashier's check for the payment.There is a particular client of mine who want to buy the bike . Please get back to me with the following informations if you are going to accept a cashier's check:

1)The name to be written on the check and the address the check will be sent to.

2)Your contact phone number. If my offer is acceptable,please get back to me today.i will be looking forward to read from you.

Regards.

Constataine
__________________________________________________

Hello,
I am interested in buying your above mentioned
Dragstar XVS 650A Custom at advertised rate, if still available. Good
to be shipped to London. Cost and modalities of
shipping to be borne by me.
Payment for the purchase is by cheque through a debtor
in U.S
The debtor owes me higher than our purchase.
He will therefore be sending you a cheque for . £6900
to cover the cost of my order, as well as the Shipping
costs.
On receipt of the cheque, you will cash and deduct the
cost of my order .The balance you will send as I would
instruct you to the Agency that will ship the Goods to
me. If this arrangement suites you fine, please send
me your address where I can send the cheque, as well
as the name that will be on it. Also send me your
phone number for easy communication.
Awaiting your immediate response,
Best Regards.
Mamen Donald......
__________________________________________________

hello
i am interested in buying your advertiser {XV 1000 Virago Imported registered 1994}that be posted on the ad 2003,so i want you to tell me the price you want to sale it and i want to know the present condition,so that will can discuss about the payment,and mode of my payment will be a cheque drawn from U.K bank,if this is okay by you want you to get back to me with your full name that will be on the cheque ,your full cantact address and your full phone number,looking forward to read from you as soon as you read my mail. have a nice day.

__________________________________________________

Hello,

I am Brian Cole, i am a buyers agent, based in Scotland. I saw your address
on the net.

I have a client who is interested in buying it for export to europe, i will
like to know your last
offer. I will also like to know if you will accept a certified US bank
cashier check as payment for
it so I can arrange for a check to be sent to you by my client

Also, do not worry about delivery, my shippers will come and pick it up.
Please include a full description
of the current condition in your reply. If you can get some pics of it, it
will also be helpful.

Thank you for your time

Cole..........
__________________________________________________

Hello Owner,
My name is frank, i am Located in Sweden, I'm interested in buying your (W) XV1600 Wildstar ) And I have a shipping agent that will come for he pick up dont worru about the shipping my shipping agent will take good care nd com for the pick up it. I have a client in UK that will issued out a check issud from UK . . , also i want you to send your last price also along with the picture and tell me more about the present concerning the condition of it .Again , i want you to give me the full detail i ask below:The full name that will be on the check :
Residentila address:
State:
City:
ZIP code:
COUNTRY:
Phone Number:
With all this dfetail i ask that check will be made payble to you fast.
thanks,Waiting for your immediate response..
Frank Barn
__________________________________________________

hello,my name is david,i am interested in buying your (bike) ,which is the price of £1600,so as to say if you are willing to sell it to me,i have a business partner who is owing me the sum of £6000and has agreed to pay me back in form of a certified cashier check ,so if you are willing to sell it me,mail me so that i can get in touch with my business partner
__________________________________________________

Identical copies of this one were received by different of people on the same day - word for word the same (except for the description in brackets)...!

My name is Frank, I'm interested in buying your (XV 1000 Virago Imported registered 1994 ) for one of my clients and I have a shipping agent that use to ship the Items that I bought from U.k to so don't bother yourself about the shipping okay. my shipping agent will take good care of that I want it to be delivered to my client as soon as possible. so I'll call my client in U.k to send a certified cheque to you soon. I want to know the reasoin why you want to sell it, also i want you to send your bottom price also along with the picture and brief me a little concerning the condition thanks,
Waiting for your immediate response..
Cheers
Frank
__________________________________________________

This is a block of email conversations that was sent to me by David Johnson (thanks Dave) - showing what stupidity a 'potential buyer' can muster! You may also recognise the name Smith (definitely the same bloke) in email texts further down the page...

Hello Davia
thanks for your reply to my request so i will need the pics of the (BIKE) as soon as possible so that i can be able to view the (BIKE) very well and also send to me your name,address and phone# as soon as possible to send you a cashier's check for the payment of the (BIKE) and also i will be sending my shipper down to your place for the pickup of the (BIKE) as soon as you recieve the cheque for the payment so also the payment will be send to you via a client of mine in the U.K. that is owing me the total sum of (£4,000) so as soon as you have recieve the cheque for the payment you will have to send the balance of the money (£3,350) straight to my shipper in cash via WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER so reply me back with your fullname & address as soon as possible if this is ok with you so that the cheque can be send to you as soon as possible ok./ so hope to hear from you soon.
Regards \
Smith..


----- Original Message -----
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2003 19:45:07 +0100
To: "smith henry" <smithhenry@mailpuppy.com>
Subject: Re: 03 DRAGSTAR CLASSIC 650A. Y Reg ................. £3150

Yes my bike is still for sale but I.m a bit confused as in your first e-mail you say you are interested in buying a 1100 Dragstar. W Registered. The bike I am selling is a 650 Dragstar Classic Y registered. If you are interested give me a ring on 01252 668626 after 6pm Monday - Friday or any time over the weekend. Where abouts in the country are you, I live in the Surrey/Hanmpshire border area, if your not too far away we can maybe arrange for you to see the bike.
Regards

Dave J

reply or ring
----- Original Message -----
From: "smith henry" <smithhenry@mailpuppy.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2003 1:30 AM
Subject: Re: 03 DRAGSTAR CLASSIC 650A. Y Reg ................. £3150


Thanks for the mail, i will like you to know that i have a proble with my company so i am out of there rigth know so i will like you to give me your full contact info like i have asked you to do.
Thanks
Smith.

----- Original Message -----
Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2003 19:21:33 +0100
To: "smith henry" <smithhenry@mailpuppy.com>
Subject: Re: 03 DRAGSTAR CLASSIC 650A. Y Reg ................. £3150

Hi

I think you have your adverts mixed up. I'm advertising a Dragstar 650A Y reg not a 1100 W reg. If your are interested in the 650 please confirm by reply or ring on 01252 668626 after 6pm Monday - Friday or any time over weekend.

Good hunting

Dave J
----- Original Message -----
From: "smith henry" <smithhenry@mailpuppy.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2003 1:18 AM
Subject: 03 DRAGSTAR CLASSIC 650A. Y Reg ................. £3150


Hello,
my name is SMITH HENRY i'm interested in buying your(1100 Dragstar. W Registered )which i saw for sale.I'm moved by the advert which i know that it will be o.k for me to buy,so i will want you to e-mail me back if it is still for sale so as to make plans for it in buying it. i will be expecting your reply on it for i am serious about it.Thanks hope to here from you soon.
Regards
Smith..
__________________________________________________

This email example illustrates what a reply from you will attract!

Thanks a lot for the mail and the price is now okay by
me so this is how we are going to seal this transaction There is an associate
of mine in the US who is owing me pounds 5,000 i am going to instruct him to
send you a check for that amount,and when it clears your bank you can now
send my balance by MONEYGRAMM.The reason why i am doing this is that a check
sent from over here in canada would take like 20days or more to clear whereas
a check sent within the US would clear almost immediately check.Although
i know that the value of the check is more than the price of the item but i am willing to trust you with my balance So if this offer is acceptable to you,let me have your contact information so that i can instruct my associate to send you a check,that is your name,address and phone number Please get back to me as soon as soon as you get this mail so that i can know your decision.I am banking on my balance so that i
will be able to settle my shippers here in there local office because it is cheaper and faster.
My regards to the family.
mark..

__________________________________________________

Hi, i am interested in your motorcycle.interested please get back to me as
soon as possible with the last price and some pics so payment can commence
immediately.
bayo morgan

__________________________________________________

Hello,
i saw your advert via on the internet. so am interested in puchasing
your (Virago XV535) and i will be paying with a chashier cheque.if you are
still interested in selling it mail me back so that i can send the cheque
for payment and i will like to know the actual price of it one more
important thing i will want you to forward me your FULL NAME,ADDRESS AND
PHONE NUMBER that you will
use in receiving the check. EXPECTING YOUR MAIL SOONEST.
kind Regards.
shuff

__________________________________________________

Hello,
I am interested in purchasing your adk Virago XV535 July 2001 Y reg for sale and the price which is £3,500 is okay by me.I will like to know if you do ship to switzerland but if you can't I will contact a shipper of mine that will handle that for me as soon as the transaction is deal and my method of payment is with a cashier check .If this is okay by you do contact me back with your
name,contact address and phone number so that I can proceed with the payment. I will be expecting to hear from you as soon as you receive my mail.
Thanks and Best of regard.
terry walls

__________________________________________________

Hi,
i am Mr dashwood morgan ,while surfing through the net
i came accross the advert of your car which matches the
description of the one i am looking for.
Although I'm ok with your price and Inrespect of
payment i have a client in U.S.A who is owing me
some sum £=6,700, when i told him i wanted to buy a car he
agreed on raising a cashier check in favour of the seller.
All i need to do to make payment easier and
faster is to instruct him to raise a cashier's check
and mail to me (no third party) and i'll personally
mail it you on the address and name you want on the
check and you know that you can cash it easily. But i
would want to know if i can trust you to send my
balance to me via MoneyGram money transfer to enable
me prepay the shipping company here so that they can
instruct their office closer to you to come and pick
the item from your location.
Please mail me asap on these address(dashwood_morgan@hotmail.com)
to enable me arrange payment .
Awaiting your urgent response please send me the last price of your car.
Thanks.
dashwood morgan

__________________________________________________

Hello,

My name is jefrry, I am an international bussines
man who deal in exporting and impoting of cars, trailer, veternary etc, I
havebranches in Germany,euorpea and West-Africa.I came across your -reg
Virago XV535 July 2001 Y .which my client isintresting in buying it, I
would like to know is present status and is cost price and the condition so
that I can proceed further on the business,meanwhile my client pay with
certisfied cheque, for the shippment I have a reputable shipping agent that
will come and pick it up from your place as soon as the payment is sent to
them.
Thanks hope to read from you ASAP
YOURS SINCERELY
JEFRRY

__________________________________________________

Saw your ads on the internet i'm highly interested in buying the Virago XV535 July 2001 Y reg 4000 miles,Please let me know if its still available .I am based in Western Africa.Can i have
the last offer .I will also be responsible for the shipping without giving you any stress.Do you accept US certified checks,

Email asap with details.

Regards,

Smith.....

__________________________________________________

Dear Seller,

I 'm interested in purchasing your advertis Virago XV535 July 2001 Y
reg and the price £3500 is okay by me. Please let me know if you ship to
cotonou Benin Republic in Africa and if I can pay with a cheque drawn in an
United Kingdom Bank. If this is okay with you do get back to me immediately
for me to arrange the payment. Concerning the shippment, my shipper will
come and pick it up from you location as soon as we seal this transaction. A
client of mine is owing me some fund in £ Pounds (£8,500), I will instruct
him to issue a cheque in your name and You will deduct the cost of the
Virago XV535 July 2001 Y reg plus the tax and my balance will be send back
to my shipper via western union money transfer for immediate shipping
arrangment. If this is okay with you do get back to me immediately with your
full name, contact address and phone number for me to instruct my client to
issue the cheque in your name. Hope to hear from you soonest.

Best regards,
Brian.

__________________________________________________

HELLO,AM LUCI,AN ENGLAND BUSSINESS WOMAN ..I AM INTERESTED IN YOUR BIKE AND PLEASE LET ME ITS CONDITION AND IT'S EXACT PRICE...MODE OF PAYMENT WILL BE CHECK MADE FROM EUROPE BANK .POUND..GET BACK TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

__________________________________________________

Hello,
I'm interested in buying your ad (Virago XV535 ) if it is still available for sale.I'll like to know the price you are given it to me.My Method of Payment is with a cashier's cheque that is drawn from a u.k Bank.I want you
to also bear in mind that the shipping arrangment will be handled by me as soon as we sealed the transaction.If this is okay with you I want you to contact me with your name in full,contact address and phone number so that I can proceed with thepayment soonest.I'll be looking forward to your response.

_________________________________________________

Hi,
My name is DrBillups and i am a vet doctor here in Africa(my area of
specialization is theriogenology).I saw your Virago XV535 July 2001 sale
and I'm interested in buying it(as a present for my son).I will like you to
reply me if it is still for sale.Please send pictures too.I will be
expecting your reply.Thanks.
Dr Billups

________________________________________________

Dear Seller,

I 'm an auto dealer in west africa, and i have companies in
african countries,i buy and sell both used and new bikes for my clients, let
me know the cost of the Yamaha XV535S Virago and the present condition
.meanwhile my client pay with a certified cashier Cheque. let me know the
cost and the present condition immediately .looking forward to your
response.

regards..........

Johnson

________________________________________________

Hello,

am jimmybillups by name,a reputable and highly respected business man in
scotland but i do have some other companies in some africa countries.i would
like to state my interest in purchasin your advertised Yamaha XV535S Virago
which for sale.i will like to know if its for sale.and give me the least
price of it so i can make plan on buying it.i will like you get back to me
to know your decision.my timely response will be appreciated and my regards
to you and your family.hope to hearing from you asap.

jimmybillups......

________________________________________________

Hello, It's been nice know this web-site and truly found what exact thing have been looking for.I got the placement of the advert of your bike from a decent site and decided to make a contact with you and really found out about what your last offer is bcos' I saw the price and i think is some how expensive, also i will like to know the present condition of the ami continental bike.I am from the west part of africa and I specialized in buying of used bikes and product and resale for any of my cleint who is interested to purchase it from me and now i have one. expecting your reply! Regards

________________________________________________


Attn Seller,

My name is SMITH MITCHELL,i am a reputable dealer of goods and
services,i buy goods for my clients.I have many shipping companies in some
west africa countries.
There is a client of mine who is willing to buy your BIKE
which i saw on your website and i happened to find out that
the cost of the BIKE is (£1200) so i informed my client
about the cost of BIKE but he said there is no problem
with the cost.that is interested in your said BIKE for sale let me know the
cost of your BIKE and its present condition because my client is really in
need of it.Meanwhile i have a client in the U.K that will issue you a check
on my behalf,i made an order with my client some months ago but the order
was cancelled,and now he his willing to send a cheque to any of my sellers
in the U.K. So let me know the cost of your BIKE and its present state
immediately,and with these i will like you to forward me with your contact
info in which payment will be made out to. Pls note that you do not have to
worry concerning the forwarding of the BIKE i will take care of
it,i will arrange for a shipper that will come to your location to
pick up the BIKE. So if you agree to all this terms and agreement let me
have your full contact information to where my client will be sending the
check to
like
this:
NAME...........
FULL ADDRESS.........
CITY............
STATE.........
COUNTRY..........
ZIPCODE........
CELL/OFFICE/HOME PHONE NUMBER..........
Alongside with the picture of the BIKE if available.
Looking forward to your respondS:

Best Regards,
SMITH.....


_____________________________________________________________

Hello,
This is Mr Dacova a dealer from switzerland.i will like to purchase your Yamaha XV535S .so all i want you to do is to give me your last ofering price so that payment will be made to you fast.
And also i love your pics.
Regards,
Dacova..........


______________________________________________________________

Hello Paul ,
Surprisingly i do not live in the UK i live in cananda but since i have interest in your bike i think we can transact.
I will tell my client in UK to send you cheque of £5000.00 when you collect the cheque i want you to send the balance
of £3400.00 to my shipper in west africa so that the bike will be shipped faster to canada.
About the shipping my private shipping will handle it so you don't worry about the shippment.
If you agree with the term send me your mailing address and telepone number, So that i will inform my client to send the cheque to you.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks and God Bless.
ROBIN KEANE..

_______________________________________________________________

hi
Am interested in buying your [ Yamaha part number: STR-4YV24-10-01 )which
price is £75 ,firstly i will like to know the present
condition of it because am a distributor of
it in west africa so one of my client is owing me the
amount of£2,500 and he is sending you a certified
cashier's check of that amount drawn in america bank so
dont worry about the shipment ,i have a shipping agent
that will come for the pickup.So what you will do is
just deduct your fund and send the excess amount
through money gramm to my shipping agent that will
come for the pickup at your destination.I will want a
trustwothy fellow to transact business with me,so if
this is acceptable with you i will want you
to forward me your FULL NAME,ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER
that you will use in receiving the check as soon as
possible.
EXPECTING YOUR MAIL SOONEST
iffe. .


___________________________________________________________________

Hello,
We have a client intrested in buying your 2 front brake switches . if the request sounds nice,provide with the cost. Shippment to West London will be taken care of by him.
Reagrds,
James Brain.

_____________________________________________________________________


hello Richard *********,
THANKS FOR THE MAIL,THE PRICE IS OKAY WITH MY CLIENT, AND MY CLIENT IS SET TO MAKE PAYMENT FOR THE BITS VIA WIRE TRANSFER HE HAS GOTEN IN CONTACT WITH HIS SHIPPERS AND THEY ARE SET TO PICK UP THE BITS AS SOON AS THE FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE IN YOUR ACCOUNT. HE HAS THEN REQUESTED ME TO INFORM YOU THAT HE NEEDS YOU TO PROVIDE FOR HIM YOUR BANK DETAILS INORDER TO WIRE THE FUNDS DIRECTLY INTO YOUR ACCOUNT.GET BACK TO ME ASAP.
THANKS.