A boat - sale scam ?

[kds]

I recently advertised my boat on the internet.
I have now had 5 replies similar in wording to the "Nigerian finance" scam.
Is this new or has it been going on for some time ?

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[AndrewB]

'I'll buy your yacht sight unseen, if you'll take this large third-party cheque/banker's draft and wire me the difference'.

They are principally after the change, rather than the yacht. First started appearing in this form in the US about 2 years ago, on luxury sports car and antique sales. It's a variant on an old con. There have been several reports on YBW boards so far this year.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Yes, a scam.

Apparently it works along the lines of:

They offer you over the odds for the goods (boat, whatever) and state that they have a local associate who will arrange collection, transport.

They send the money via a banker's draft or similar instrument. Your bank confirms receipt of the draft. You release the goods. Several weeks later you bank contacts you to say that the draft has not been honoured.

Another variation - all they are after is your bank and other details - you give them these to organise a bank transfer, and somehow or other they manage to Hoover out your bank account.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>

 

[tony_brighton]

Its probably worth referring them to your local coppers.

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