Like the previous complaint, every inquiry I have recieved has been an obvious scam, so I decided to play one along. This is the message I got;


message from: [email protected]
date received: Jul 11 8:49 pm
regarding: 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham
message:
Hello nwride,

Listing these comments concern:
http://www.expertautos.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=37507

contact name:Chris
Below is an inquiry about your listing.

Hello,
I am interested in your car listed on ExpertAutos.i want to know, if it is still available for sale and let me know bottom price you are willing to let it to go.i want you to let me know the following


Are you the real owner?
How long its been yours?
Where did you buy it from?
What is the present condition
How much is the Bottom Price?


E-mail me some more recent pictures, if possible.i am located in NY.Thanks.
Chris.


So, I started contacting "Chris" and eventually he actually sent me a check, next day air on UPS.

The company name on the check is that of a well known computer softwar design and engineering company. The bank branch in Redwood City, CA is a real branch. I called them and the account number on the check is a real account. Then, I called the software company and they put me in touch with their legal department. The lady I spoke with has had experience with this before but she thought they had corrected it. She put me in touch with the head of their legal dept. I sent him copies of the check and the UPS address label.

The shipping label address is an actual company in Wassau, WI, a well know paint company.

A contact that "Chris" sent me near Chicago was a phony street address.

"Chris" sent me a check for $4400 over the asking price, wanting me to send the balance to his "shipper".

I took the check to my bank and they said that it looked real good but too good to be true, but that they would have cashed it for me, with no hold, as I am a good customer. NO THANKS.

As far as "Chris" knows, I'm working on getting the check cashed to send his "shipper" the balance.

I'm going to get the FBI into this, as this is attempted interstate bank fraud. My local cop shop is checking the check and mailing envelope for fingerprints but who knows how many people have handled it.

As for Expert Autos, I have been trying their 800 # for two weeks, only to get a busy signal and they haven't responded to my Emails.

Be careful out there.

Nick