It really does happen: Real Life Example.

Here are two sample scam emails

The IP addresses of the emails were both from outside the USA (but that is not always the case). In the first one an address and phone in the USA were given.

INQUIRY ON YOUR CAR, PLEASE GET BACK TO ME WITH YOUR ROCK BOTTOM ASKING PRICE AND THE PICTURES IF THE CAR IS STILL AVAILABLE.
HAVE A NICE DAY
JAMES THOMAS
[address]
[phone]

I replied using an almost obscene name and said it was like it said on the web and named a price. Notice in his email he had little interest in any details of the car, and offerred no details about his inquiry -- I suspect the identical email is sent to everyone selling a car he can find.

HELLO,

THANKS FOR YOUR URGENT RESPONCE, 'OPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU. AFTER CONSIDERING THE PRICE, I HAVE ACCEPTED MAKING PAYMENT FOR THE CAR. BUT THE ISSUE IS THAT I HAVE A FRIEND WHO IS OWING ME HE WORKS WITH INTER TRUST FINANCIAL IN CANADA BUT HE IS PRESENTLY ON VACATION IN SAUDI ARABIA. I HAVE CONSIDERED USING THE MONEY ON THIS TRANSACTION, SO HE WILL BE MAKING THE PAYMENT DIRECTLY TO YOU WITH A CASHIER'S CHECK, BUT THE MONEY IS IN EXCESS OF THE PRICE OF THE CAR, SINCE WE HAVE AGREED ON US$15,100 FOR THE PRICE, SO YOU HAVE TO SEND THE EXCESS TO THE AGENT THAT WILL COME FOR THE PICK UP SO THAT HE CAN BE ABLE TO OFFSET SHIPPING CHARGES. THEREFORE, I URGE YOU TO PROVIDE YOUR MAILLING INFORMATION WHICH ARE YOUR LEGAL NAME, HOME ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER SO THAT HE CAN BE ABLE TO MAIL THE CASHIER'S CHECK TO YOU VIA COURIER SERVICE. AND ALSO YOU ARE TO STATE THE PRESENT LOCATION OF THE CAR FOR EASY PICK-UP.THANKS AS I WAIT TO RECIEVE YOUR CONSENT ON THIS TRANSACTION SOON.

THANKS AND GOD BLESS

JAMES THOMAS

Now the scam. Again no details about the car, but a nice story about some problems he hopes I will resolve for him. The KEY FACTOR here is that the "Cashier's Check" that I would receive will be a forgery. However, if I deposit that check in my bank, the bank will release funds immediately -- it will be a good month or so before the bank decides the check is bad and then deducts 100% of the checks value from my account (plus any service charges). "James" hopes that I will accept the check, and send him the excess via Western Union before the bank discovers the check is bad.

If I am lucky, I'll be out the $5,000 and find out before I actually sign the title of my car over to someone too!

BOTTOM LINE Do not ever involve someone else's "problems" in your transaction. Do not accept any "cashier's check" as valid -- not matter what the teller at your bank says.

FDIC Special Alerts is a website that lists many Counterfeit and stolen cashiers checks. It is a daily occurrance.

If you are selling your car to someone who is not local, please make sure you use an escrow service.

Here is another email which is basically the same. No details about the car and a "check payable in the US". You also notice the reference to a client.

Hello,
my clinet is intrested in your car..if is still avalebbile please contact me. which you will receive a payable check in U.S. Hope to read from you soon.
Regards.
mark