Genuine buyers exist, of course, but beware if they offered more than your asking price, and asked to refund the difference to him or a third party, or pay for shipping or any other supposed expenses out of the difference. The cheque will invariably be a forgery, and the money you sent would be a real loss.

If you accept an offer, please take the check to the bank to verify its authenticity before releasing cars, parts, or excess funds. Most financial institutions require at least 10-15 business days before the check will clear; it is important to wait the full 15 days. An honest buyer won't mind the slight delay and will understand your desire to be cautious.

There are common factors:

•  Poor command of English.
•  Show little or no concern to the condition of the item they are purchasing.
•  The inquiring party asks few (or no) questions about the vehicle or parts; i.e. condition, photos (even vehicles advertised on the site have photos), latest price, etc.
•  More worried about payment than the shipment of the item to them once payment is made.
•  You are immediately offered the full asking price or close to it.
•  Urgency.
•  Payment proposed to be by "cashier's check" for more than the advertised price.
•  Payment for "shipping" to be deducted from the "cashier's check".
•  Arrangements for delivery somewhere other than the inquirer's domicile - to "client" etc.
•  The use of free web-based email accounts; i.e.: yahoo, myway, fastermail, keromail, lycos. 10. References to Nigeria, well known as a base for net frauds [fewer lately].

Scammers are also beginning to change their tactics. Some are requesting account information such as routing numbers in order to (supposedly) wire funds. They might use your account information to submit online check to pay for other vehicle. Please do not provide any information without checking first.

Scammers have also begun advertising very high-end cars (on the web) with an asking price that is too good to be true. Contact method in the ad is usually a Yahoo email address. Scammer then instructs buyer to wire, credit or mail a deposit to hold the car.

Please be very cautious with ads which:

1. Come from overseas.
2. Have an asking price that seems to good to be true.
3. Request a deposit be sent immediately.
4. Express a sense of urgency in making the transaction.

Useful links

Alerts & Counterfeits List:
http://www.bankersonline.com/security/aandc.html

Ways to verify a check include:
http://www.scamvictimsunited.com/counterfeit_cashier's_check.htm