So, I've been looking for a runner for a few months now. Keep browsing the craigslist and other autotrader type sites. I found this beauty here. Toyota 4runner 4 Runner SR5 with a package of a limited Edition. I sent they guy a few emails and he sends back in his first email:
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Hello,

I am glad that you are interested in my 4Runner. It's a 2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 with automatic transmission .Let me give you a few details about it: very good shape, no mechanical issues, no scratches, no dents.With an 3.4L V6 engine, super clean, Power Sunroof, No accidents, A/C works great, All service records available, Always garaged, Drives great, Non-smoker, No pets, Title in hand.
The sale price is $2,500.
If you are interested in buying it or if you have any questions, please reply to this email.
Thank you ,
Mitchell Platt
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Im thinking holy crap, this has got to be too good to be true. But he didn't mention the miles or where he was located, after I specifically asked. The title itself was worded kinda weird, who talks like that, right.

He did send a bunch if photos and this thing looked great, damn near what I was looking for. A day goes by after I send him two more emails wanting to see this beauty and ask for the mileage, VIN and location. He sends back:
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Hi again,
There are 86,061 original miles . The engine runs strong and transmission shifts smooth. I will do my best to walk you through the process. As I told you in my first email NO YOU DIDN'T I recently got divorced. The 4Runnder is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, but I advertised it on other states also to get more exposure and sell it fasterPOSTED OVER A MONTH AGO - THATS A CLUE The vehicle is already at the shipping company, ready to be delivered to its future new owner. The deal is handled by eBay so I don't have much to do about it. Using eBay`s Buyer Protection Program, you get free shipping, at your place in 4-5 days. In addition, you get 5 days to try it out before buying it, and if you don't like it, you can send it back at my expense. For more info on how it works, I can ask eBay to send you an email with more details on how to buy it. They will contact you shortly, as soon as have your personal details WOULD YOU LIKE MY CREDIT CARD INFO TOO?If you would like to receive the email from eBay Motors with all the transaction information, please reply with your whole name, address and phone # and they will contact you right away.I BET YOU WILL
Thank you,
Mitchell Platt
(402) 858-4982

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Now, it doesn't take a 17 year veteran law enforcement officer, such as myself to see what's going on. I can't believe people are still falling for this crap.

Feel free to bombard this guy with emails and phone calls.

It's a cruel world we live in...but I love the job security.

Yeah, people fall for these scams all the time. Considering they still fall for the Nigerian "I am the king's son and want to give you 50K" scam you gotta know this crap will continue.

Job security, you've got it!

One of my co-workers almost fell for one of these last week. It was a supposedly woman "selling" the vehicle. She listed it on Craigslist in the same town he lived in. When he emailed her about it (because he wanted to see it) she said it was in Georgia at an army base and that she was leaving for Afghanistan that same day. She only wanted $2500 just like the above. She then sent him a fake ebay motors invoice. He asked me for my opinion and I said it looked too good to be true. Lots of assurance that he could get his money back if he was dissatisfied. Ended up looking at the email headers and found that even though the return address said Ebay Motors, it was going to a financier.com address. I searched google for that domain name coupled with Ebay Motors and this was the first hit:

eBay Motors - Purchase Protection - Overview

He stopped communicating with her at that point. Hopefully this doesn't come back to bite him as he did give out his name and address, but at least he didn't give out any credit card/paypal info.