Potential Car SCAM

[NeilW]

Hey guys, for info I have recently been looking to buy a new car and was half tempted on a 07 Honda Civic Type-r advertised on eBay.
Having contacted the seller with my number to discuss I received a very strange email as below:

Hello,

First of all I want to thank you for your interest for my car. I've almost reached an agreement with a potential buyer. Unfortunately, it looks like there are some problems and he doesn't have all the money to pay. The car is still available for sale, it is in extremely good condition,100% HPI Clear, full service history. Currently I am on a business trip to Italy and will have to stay here for about 6 months (this is why I am selling the car for a low price and I am looking for a fast sale to finance the Italian project ) .I left the car to a specialized car shipping company custody and they will handle the sale for me. The V5 log book is already signed on my behalf, the car will come with 2 keys, all service records and previous MOT's. They will deliver the car directly to your home address (is ready for shipping because the loan of my previous buyer didn't get approved) so there won't be any additional shipping costs. If you are interested in purchasing the car just let me know and I will inform you with all the details

Thank you

Sent from Sarah iPhone

I didn't reply, however I just had a phone call from a foreign guy saying he was working for the shipping company and they would handle the transaction as 'middle men' and deliver car to my address once I give them the payment. They would hold the money in case I was not happy and they would return it to me!
Hmm, sounds strange so reported the ad and informed local police who advised this is happening a lot lately.
Hopefully if there are other ads people don't fall foul!

[Ianr]

There are several versions of this one. The one I had was that the guy was on a ship and was buying my yacht as a present for his son and that a shipping company would handle the purchase and collection but that I would have to pay the shipping company. He would pay me by paypal and include the extra for the shipping if I would pay them cash and hand over the yacht.

didn't come back after I refused the too complex deal

If it sounds wrong it probably is

[flyerncle]

Out and out con,you will see neither the car or your money ever again.
Reported one of these to Eblag and it was removed in minutes,tried to buy a TT really cheap and got the same old story as above.

There is also another scam with banks calling you and they do have some of your details,be aware.