Folks Of Interest Beware of scammer

So a few years ago I had my 61 rambler wagon on the for sale side. So out of the blue about a month ago I get a private message from a guy that goes by angrygalaxie. Says hes from the netherlands and is a broker and has a shipper he uses all the time. So a deal was made and he asks for my address so the shipper can come pick it up. Then he says he needs the vin number so he can put it on the paypal payment. I may have been born at nite but not last nite. Again look out for angrygalixie.

 

What is the danger in giving him your VIN?

 

He has the vin the address come up and steals the car when im not here and files for a lost title

 

All that for a '61 Rambler wagon?

Ray

 

Not if you report it stolen, because then anyone who steals a car could get a new title, right?

 

Time lapse says the guy isn't exactly on the level. Damn if any stranger would get my info.

 

What would likely be stolen would be anything that was around except the Rambler wagon

 

Has it occurred to you that maybe all AngryGalaxie wanted was to tie a VIN number to the PayPal transfer so he could prove in court what the payment was for in case you are a crook?
Also he would need to have documentation for his country's customs to prove the payment for the car.
Too be so self just and call that guy a scammer smells like a too tight tinfoil cap to me.

 

I have paid for a car with Paypal, and they didn't ask for a vin or anything.

 

I've given the vin on prior sales of vehicles and never had an issue. I would not consider this a red flag.

 

Angrygalaxie-- member for 10 years and posted a wanted add for a '61 Rambler. I would look further before I say scammer.

 

If you have his money then surely there is nothing to worry about.
If he ain't paid for it then tread carefully.

 

Yeah no shit.
I guess I do not feel comfortable giving a person the vin number.

 

yes a member for ten years with 10 posts. HMMMM.

 

a.... r e a l l y.... patient scammer....

Ray

 

Rules and regulations are different in Europe and I'm sure here in the states, Canada and Down Under when importing a vehicle.
I sold a vehicle to a gentleman in Europe about 5 years ago and I had to provide all kinds of personal info... way more than a V.I.N. Everything was handled by and between our banks.
The buyer in Europe had to be way more trusting than I did, as it was a non reversible bank to bank transfer to me and I still had the vehicle and title until the shipper took possession.
All went smooth on both ends.

 

I've had buyers run the vin to see that it's not stolen and also to check the options/info on the classic. I'd have a phone conversation with the buyer and see he's a serious buyer. I'd hate for you to miss a sale because of this. Have him give you a call and get his information.

 

Who would buy a car without the VIN?

 

Not the only long term member that only posts on the classifieds. Wear a HAMB shirt to a swap meet and you will run into more than one guy who tells you that he checks the classifieds almost every day but doesn't spend much if any time on the main board.

I'd say wanting the vin to put on the paypal payment as a notation is just that. Proof of exactly what he paid for it for customs and the govt there.

Maybe someone who has done business with the man in the past will come forward and say something one way or the other.

 

He might need the vin number to tie the pay pal payment to the car he is buying for his country's customs to prove what he paid for it. Even if he did file for a lost title it would be fraud on his part. I agree with others in that youre being a little too cautious. Have him call you on the phone...or better yet get him to give you the shippers info...call the shipper and check the shipper and potential buyer out. Might satisfy your worry...

 

I usually ask for a photo of the vin ( or chassis /engine number) so I can do stolen check etc , the vin would also need to be on a receipt for deposit and full payment, don't see an issue giving it to someone payment or not for him to do checks and start paperwork at his end . If someone's going to steal it they don't care what's on it now cause it wont be on it later

 

Geez, I got a car on Ebay right now, listed the VIN on the ad just like everyone else. I should worry.
I've never worried about giving out the VIN. I think it would take a lot more then that to file for lost title. Think about it, anyone could walk up your driveway (your address), read the VIN on your dd dashboard (or any car post 69 when the feds mandated it to be in view lower left windshield) and copy the license plate number as well. If that's all there was to it......
Heck, I've even sent a photo of the VIN and a photocopy of the title to an out of state buyer before, nothing wrong with someone wanting to verify a clean title with matching VIN to a vehicle before they pony up. I would think overseas it would be even more important.

 

I put my VIN on a thread on the HAMB some years ago, trying to find some history on my Model A, had a few guys gave me hell for that, big deal, can't do noth'in with just a VIN.

 

Seriously, if you're that worried, move the car somewhere else and lock it up. Write the new address on the back of a Dairy Queen napkin and hide it in plain sight. When you get the cash, hand over the key and the napkin. Oh... and be sure when the shipper arrives to have him flash his headlights at the end of the street 3 times, then you flash yours 2 times for "all clear".

I'm kidding. It doesn't seem like you have anything to worry about. You can certainly check the guy out a little more than just his HAMB posts.

 

You know that VINs for a number of years is visible through the windshield? I wouldn't be scared. It's like the guys that cover their plates in pictures- drive down the road and see every bodies plates plain as day. Someone may be able to do something with the info but what are the odds?
Take the money!

 

I'm from the Netherlands (really) and if i would buy a car from the US or any other country including my own, i would like to have the VIN too and if the seller won't give it i would have my doubts to get to a deal.

Hennie

 

There's a fine line between being concerned and being paranoid.

 

I'd be paranoid of a guy that OWNS a 61' Rambler .

 

Yeah why do you think im trying to get rid of it.

 

Rusty, just curious, if I was to ask for the vin/sn on your car, would you give it to me?

I mean how else could I know it doesn't have 15 years of back fees on it, or reported stolen?