Be aware that a very simple scam is in operation which is claiming to use the 'escrow' service of www.moneybookers.com and could cost you thousands.
NB. I don't for one minute believe that moneybookers are part of it.
The scam is as follows:
Step 1. Entice the victim into buying something online, by offering an item at a very low price. In may case a car via 'autotrader' in the UK. The reason for the cheap price offered by the conman is that he has recently moved to Germany from the UK, and with the car being righthand drive he now wishes to get rid, but no-one wants a righthand drive car in Germany.
He provides the Reg no and several photos.
The car has no outstanding finance, and he suggests getting a HPI check to prove everything is legit.
Step 2. Communicate with the victim to answer all his questions
I asked for the VIN no of the car for the HPI check but he refused saying that you don't need it for HPI and that if he did send it out then he may be subject to fraud by me. He offers all the things that you'd expect such as logbook keys registration document, shipping and insurance included etc..
I perform a HPI check and everything comes back clean.
The purpose of this step is just to put the victims mind at ease.
Step 3. He informs you that with him living abroad we must use 'escrow', and that he wishes to use the escrow service provided by www.moneybookers.com. Escrow is a service provided by an impartial 3rd part who basically hold the buyers money until the goods arrive and are checked by the buyer. Only then is the money released to the seller.
This is all above board what has been suggested so far but the alarm bells start to ring loudly now.
IMPORTANT The buyer should suggest the escrow company to use, not the seller, as it is the buyers money that is being moved around, and the buyer that pays the premium to teh escrow company. I knew nothing about escrow so i was very wary and googled as much info on possibles scams etc. There are loads of hints and warning signs to llok out for but in may case only that the seller suggested the company to use alerted me.
Step 4. Send the victim an email claiming to be from moneybookers with detailed instructions of what to do.
This gives the impression that the seller has registered with moneybookers and everything is progressing.
Unfortunately the email is from the conman. In my case the email came from Moneybookers ([email protected]) The email is very detailed and believable, siting instructions and guarantees, and gives you bank account details of where to send the money.
IMPORTANT this is where you either recognise the deception or you hand over the cash.
- The escrow company would always ask the buyer to register with them as the buyer is in the driving seat not the seller.
- The escrow company would never ask you to use person-to-person transfers.
There are loads of tips on how to spot the signs but you have to vigilant.
In my case no money changed hands and saved me 6400.
Paul
Leeds
United Kingdom
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