Scam Research Archives

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1963 CJ-3B Arizona SCAMMER

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3B • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: SCAMMER!

There was another ad for this that includes a front shot. As you can see, it has a ventilating windshield.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/247270289549336/permalink/1174608823482140

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This late model CJ-3B was spotted by Matt. I saw another ad for this on Facebook that shows the driver’s side. (Note: The hood is not as bad as I thought).

https://www.facebook.com/groups/162509030884383/permalink/1538018110000128/

“Selling this left behind by my father
We are located in Arizona, im ready to ship
Payment is upon delivery.
Text on…..(623) 252-0679”

1963-cj3b-arizona

 
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1962 FJ-3 Nashville, TN $3500 (**SCAM**)

• CATEGORIES: FJ • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Brandon confirmed this was a scam.

The photo included in this craigslsit ad shows an FJ from a different ad with an email address from “Carla” added. This proved to be a scam, as the same gmail can be seen in some other ads (as this google search shows).

“Unrestored 1962 Jeep Fleetvan FJ-3.
Ran when parked, but it’s complete and comes with a clean title.
$3,500 or will consider reasonable offer.”

carla17harper-fj3-ad

 

 
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CJ-2A Rock Springs, WY (and elsewhere) $3600 … Scam!

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Definitely a scam. This jeep ad has been spotted in several locations now. A reader named Sam took the plunge and emailed the seller. After several rounds of emails, Sam concluded there was no jeep.

Possible scam as the price seems too good. Seller mentions nothing about the jeep.

https://wyoming.craigslist.org/for/d/rock-springs-new-tires-ndcc-willys-cj2a/7227919292.html

“Seller info e.andres11b@gmail.com (type it by hand) thank you!”

year-cj2a-rocksprings-wy

 
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1947 CJ-2A Portland, OR **Scam?**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Ad deleted. This same jeep was spotted on the Baltimore Craigslist, so proceed with caution. 

Seems like a “too good of price deal” …

“1947 Jeep Willys ! This Jeep was fully restored about 8 years ago and has only been driven 6 miles since”

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1950 M-38 Astoria, OR $8000 ??Scam??

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: This jeep was auctioned at some point on Mecum

Looks like a great price, maybe too good of a price. Something doesn’t seem right about this ad. Who advertises a mint M-38 by describing it with a “front tow package”? And, I’m not seeing an obvious tow package. This might be a scam ….

https://portland.craigslist.org/nco/for/d/warrenton-1950-willy-jeep/6990088063.html

“Running 1950 Willy Jeep with front tow package. Great condition.”

1951-m38-astoria-or

 
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1953 CJ-3B Houston, TX **SCAM**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3B • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SCAM** … This ad appears to be a spam ad that was emailed directly to me (we even exchanged several emails).  Neilwilson266 @ gmail.com, the email associated with the post, appears to be a spam email account (or has been co-opted) and has been linked with several spam emails to readers.

In addition, the jeep below has been priced at $3800 on WillysForSale.com for three months, listed by “Neil” as well. A phone number of 409 299 3478 has been associated with “Neil” … 

The jeep below may well still be for sale in Tucson (see older ad here), but I can’t really tell what’s going on with it at this point.  The photo below looks like Tucson, not Houston. 

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“1953 WILLYS JEEP —-RUNS GREAT—— REBUILT—– NEW ITEMS INCLUDE; wiring, tires, shocks, gas tank, glass, seats, upholstery, top, hoses, gauges, brakes, exhaust system, 4 cyl engine rebuilt. asking price is $4,800 negotiable.”

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**SCAM** CJ-5 in Sacramento $1600

• CATEGORIES: News • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: This jeep ad is starting to spread to other Craigslists. Here it is on the LA board. The seller wants the buyer to pay for the jeep using eBay gift cards. Here’s a discussion about that type of scam.

A reader alerted me to a scam ad in Sacramento. The seller, Ms. Lisa Cruz, claims to be selling a nice CJ-5 for only $1600. The reader relayed the following:

I was in contact with the seller yesterday via email to find out what was up with this really nice looking Jeep. She says the low price is correct, I said OK I will buy it. Sent her my name,address, phone, She said eBay will get back to me. Never heard anything back. Then someone calls me this morning on the phone and said lisa gave me my number, He said he has a jeep for sale, a 1969 V-6. Since he has my number he asked to text me photos of jeep. Haven’t got them yet,”

The ad has already been flagged once, but then popped up again shortly thereafter. Here’s the current link: https://sacramento.craigslist.org/atq/d/sacramento-kaiser-jeep-cj-cj5/6920359522.html

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AD TEXT: JEEP for passenger safety.Tailgate is clean and solid, and the wrapped chains hold it firmly in place. There is no sign of rust or rot on the gate inside or outside.Engine bay is just beautiful, and is ready to display at your local cruise night or car show with pride!The JEEP starts with one push of the gas pedal and a turn of the key when cold, and without the single pump when warm. It idles cleanly, and is ready to go when you are.It drives wonderfully, and has only the typical light play found in a CJ”

 
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1949 Jeepster West Goshen, PA **SCAM**

• CATEGORIES: Jeepster • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: This is a SCAM. This was a reply one reader received.

“I’m Janice, glad to see you are interested! The price is $13,100. This belonged to my husband and after he passed away I decided to sell it. I moved at my daughter because I had a throat surgery and I’ll stay here for at least a few months. I’m located in Sioux City, IA. I have signed a contract with eBay to take care of the selling on my behalf. It is already at the shipping company here in Sioux City sealed and ready for the shipping. The deal includes free delivery and it will arrive at your address in 7-9 days, depending on the exact location. You will have 5 days to try out prior to making any purchase and if by any reason you find something you don’t like about it you can send it back at my expense.” 

It is similar to this scam: https://community.ebay.com/t5/Member-To-Member-Support/Car-sale-scam-I-received-this-message-after-inquiring-about-a/qaq-p/28221471

Original link:

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/d/west-chester-1949-jeep-jeepster/6855830526.html

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“Kept immaculate,
Runs and drives beautifully,
Highly restored,
No accidents,
3 speed column,
Radio and heater,
Overdrive,
5 new WW tires,
Side curtains,”

 
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Beware the “William Cameron” Scam

• CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Mark alerted me to a scam by a guy named William Cameron. Mark said William called him up claiming he had an FC-150, just what Mark was looking to buy. All Mark had to do was wire him a down payment. Long story short, it was a scam.

It turns out William Cameron is a regular scam artist. He’s even been in jail for it, though no prison time. So, if he calls you, tell him to where he can go ….

Here’s what Mark wrote me:

“He calls, says he has exactly what you need. Sounds very old, but when googling him you find he is only in his 50’s. Same scam always for the most part and he has gone to jail for it. Tells you he can not take any pics. Tells you everything a buyer would ever want to hear. His price is dirt cheap and he says all he needs is a deposit and says you can send the rest later. All the while he is coughing and sounding very old and he says he is retiring to Arizona. Google his name or number along with the words “Craigslist scam” and you would see he has taken advantage of many people.”

 
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1957 FC-150 Fallbrook, CA **SCAM**

• CATEGORIES: Camping, FC150-FC170-M677 • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Apparently this new ad is a scam. The FC now lives in Missouri.

(06/05/2017) Great little camper.

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/d/jeep-1957-willys-fc-150-truck/6723468196.html

“All original, no rust, 38 thousand original miles. Body is straight. All the upholstery is original. Just removed from barn, where it was stored since 1973. Had gas tank cleaned and sealed. F- head 4 cylinder motor. New Carb, water pump, fuel pump, Distributer, hoses, belts, plugs, wires, Radiator. New Brakes and wheel cylinders. New tires. Has original Camper that was on the truck for most of it’s life. Bed is perfect. Runs and drives. Clean Title.”

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1952 M-38A1 Portland, OR $8500 or $7800 **Scam**

• CATEGORIES: M-38A1 • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Priced at $7800 here: https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/firestone-winterforce-jeep/6718075911.html and here https://provo.craigslist.org/cto/d/firestone-winterforce-jeep/6718093057.html. The descriptions are nonsense. One example: “1952 Jeep Cabs are in good condition. Good vehicles. One has a motor. Both have transmissions.

Original Post: The title of all the ad is “Firestone Winterforce Jeep Willys 185/60R15 completely”. Only one pic provided.

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/d/firestone-winterforce-jeep/6718143595.html

“1952 Jeep 2 extra axles that have been completely rebuilt has had a tranny that has been serviced”

1952-m38a1-portland-or-scam

 
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Year? CJ-3B Santa Ana, CA $12,000 **SCAM**

• CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This is a scam. The owner of the jeep, Chris, let folks know via G503 on Facebook and Joe is Mesa shared the info with me.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/d/fully-rebuilt-1942-gpw-jeep/6708358106.html

“1942 GPW for sale. Rebuilt from the ground up. Jeep is in great condition, transmission and engine run smooth. Road ready. Garaged after rebuilt. I also have a second jeep that I’m parting out, ie; frame, axle, xmsn, wheels, etc… I don’t want to sell it but I’m moving to New York soon and need the money. $12000 obo. No low ballers please. Call or text if you’re are interested or have aditional questions. I have more photos I can text you as well”

00y0y_7SHLLiOzyoc_600x450

 
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Dodge Power Wagon Atlanta, GA $4999 **SCAM?**

• CATEGORIES: Other 4x4s • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Tom shared this ad for a restored-looking Dodge Power Wagon for only $4999. It seems to be a scam, as that is a crazily good price.

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/clt/6696293690.html

“Dodge power wagon wc56
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me and leave your email addres, for a better communication, Thank for time.”

dodge-power-wagon-scam

 
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1947 CJ-2A Florence, SC $2053 … Scam?

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Likely a scam.

Looks and priced like a scam. P# is a South Carolina number.

“Strong running Jeep WILLY, perfect body and interior. No low ball offers and serious inquiries only.”

1947-cj2a-scam-sc

 
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1942 MB Salt Lake City, UT **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8000.

Has potential. More pics needed.

“This 1942 Jeep Willy’s is in immaculate condition. Naturally preserved all original. The price is set at a QUICK SALE PRICE. Sorry, no trades. $8000 it’s your gain.
Flathead 4 with a 3 SP manual and a Dana”

1942-mb-slc-ut

 
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1949 Jeepster Beaverton, OR $9000 **SCAM**

• CATEGORIES: Jeepster • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SCAM**

https://salem.craigslist.org/cto/d/1949-willys-jeepster/6506775979.html

“Willys Jeepster has: 4 Cylinder Engine 3 Speed Manual Transmission Power Brakes Power Steering New Black Carson Top Butternut Yellow Paint”

1949-jeepster-beaverton-or

 
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1949 Jeepster Harrisburg, PA $9000 **SCAM**

• CATEGORIES: Jeepster • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SCAM** 

https://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/d/1949-willys-jeepster/6506796519.html

“This 1949 Willys Jeepster has: 4 Cylinder Engine 3 Speed Manual Transmission Power Brakes Power Steering New Black Carson Top Butternut Yellow Paint The Jeepster was an autombile originally produced by Willys-Overland Motors from 1948 to 1950. It was developed in hopes of filling a gap in the company’s product line, crossing over from their “utilitarian” proto SUVs and trucks to the passenger automobile market. The basic model included numerous deluxe features and interior fittings in addition to a high level of standard equipment that cost extra on other automobiles.”

1949-jeepster-harrisburg-pa

 
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1962 Truck $6800 **SCAM**

• CATEGORIES: Willys Trucks • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE II: A reader got a response to the ad (for fun). We’ve seen similar scams in the past. Here is the text:

I’m selling it because my husband died 2 months ago (he had a heart attack) and it brings me bad memories, that’s the reason I want to sell it a.s.a.p.The total price is $6,800. No damage or hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained. I have clear title, without liens or loans on it, everything is under my name. Me and my son decided to sell the house and we moved to my parents house in Mason City, NE trying to start a new life. We need to meet up to my parents place or I can arrange delivery – it will cost the gas money and I will pay for it.

I want to use eBay Motors services (5 days of testing prior purchase) for the safety of both of us, so if you’re interested in purchasing, please provide me your full name for the bill of sale, your full address and a phone number so I can notify eBay that you’re selected as my possible buyer, and they will contact you to explain the entire procedure.

UPDATE: This owner has confirmed that this is a SCAM. This truck was listed on Craigslist in North Carolina and Florida. I expect it will pop up elsewhere.

https://hickory.craigslist.org/cto/d/1962-willys-pickup/6503667255.html

“1962 Willys Pickup, Nicest around! Built as a driver (and she’s fun to drive, getting thumbs up whever she goes), she also shows well. She looks stock, but underneath she’s anything but.”

1962-truck-florida

 
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Year? CJ-3B Oklahoma City, OK $10,000 **SCAM**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3B • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Thanks to readers for identifying this as most likely a scam (see comments).

This might be a good price at $10k. It sure looks fully rebuilt. No description provided.

year-cj3b-oklahomacity-ok

 
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1948? Jeepster Salt Lake City, UT $7000 (SCAM?)

• CATEGORIES: Jeepster • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Thanks to Seth for verifying this scam. Here’s what the “seller” wrote to him:

I’m selling it because my husband died 2 months ago (he had a heart attack) and it brings me bad memories, that’s the reason I want to sell it a.s.a.p.The total price is $7,000. No damage or hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained. I have clear title, without liens or loans on it, everything is under my name. Me and my son decided to sell the house and we moved to my parents house in Twin Falls, ID trying to start a new life. We need to meet up to my parents place or I can arrange delivery – it will cost the gas money and I will pay for it.

I want to use eBay Motors services (5 days of testing prior purchase) for the safety of both of us, so if you’re interested in purchasing, please provide me your full name for the bill of sale, your full address and a phone number so I can notify eBay that you’re selected as my possible buyer, and they will contact you to explain the entire procedure.

The 1) hurry to sell, 2) sell via eBay, 3) paying for delivery are three warning signs of s scam. A 2015 eBay forum post discusses a similar scam.

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ORIGINAL POST:

This appears to be a too-good-to-be-true price. Enter with caution.

“1948 Willys Overland “Jeepster” Roadster “Collectible” w/ Chevy 350 V-8 Power, 700R4 4-Speed Automatic/OD Transmission, Bright Yellow, Black Convertible Top, Custom Yellow/Black Bucket Seat Vinyl Interior with Console, Rear Bench Seat. Loaded with Options, Power Steering, Sony Premium Sound Stereo/CD, Tilt Wood Steering Wheel, Chrome Package, Custom Wheels with new Radials. Aluminum Radiator with Electric Fan, Independent Suspension, Mustang II Front End. Dual Exhaust, Reece Hitch. Top-Down Sporty with a V8!”

https://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/cto/d/1948-willys-jeepster/6462614032.html

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1948 Jeepster Rhode Island $7500 SCAM

• CATEGORIES: Jeepster • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: I’ve seen this one all over. It’s a scam.

Tim shared this one. He’s concerned the price is too good to be true. I think it is right on the edge. Proceed with caution. After a few searches, I found the same ad in Portland. I suspect this is a scam.

“Runs well, 3 speed transmission with overdrive. Recently painted, interior and convertible top in good condition. 5 new tires with tubes, the bumpers, hood trim and interior dash trim all have been re-chromed.”

https://providence.craigslist.org/cto/d/1948-willys-2-door-phaeton/6393689473.html

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/d/1948-willys-2-door-phaeton/6394717575.html

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1948 CJ-2A Seattle, WA $8500 SCAM

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE II: Clint found the source for these photos. This jeep is actually  for sale in Houston, Texas, for $16,995.

UPDATE: This is for sure a scam. I’ve seen listed across the US. According to one reader, “Seller claims they want to deal thru EBAY where you deposit your money and the Jeep with be shipped to you. If you don’t want it , ship it back and your money will be refunded.”

“Fully Restored 1948 Michigan Yellow Willys CJ 2A! Frame Off Restoration Finished in it’s Original Color!!”

EXAMPLE AD: https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/1948-jeep-cj/6394044574.html

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1945 GPW Los Angeles, CA $4000 **SCAM**

• CATEGORIES: GPW (Ford MB) • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: We’ve seen a small uptick scams on Craigslist. Thanks to John for finding this in the Ohio Craigslist at $15,000. I guess scammers need money for xmas gifts?? Besides, I didn’t think the background looked like Los Angeles.

To good to be true?

“Very nice 1945 Willy’s Jeep. Restored, runs, drives and stops. 3934 miles on odometer. Number matching 4 cylinder ford production motor with nanual transmission. Must see to appreciate. Cash only and no trades. Please contact for questions and appointment to see.”

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/d/1945-willys-jeep-military/6375567963.html

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1952 M-38 Ann Arbor, MI $5200 *SCAM*

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Claus confirmed that this same jeep was on eBay for $20k recently. If you see this posted other places on Craigslist, I’d suggest flatting it.

Craig shared this ad. The too-good-to-be-true price on this beautiful M-38 suggests it is likely a scam. The phone number for the ad is a California one, but it was listed in the Ann Arbor, Michigan, Craigslist. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s a scam (as I still have my Cali phone number), but is just another reason to be suspect.

“Also has new 12 volt batteries. Totally rebuilt engine and transmission”

https://annarbor.craigslist.org/cto/d/willysnavy-variant/6356779791.html

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Crime Ring “Selling” Vehicles on Craigslist

• CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

craigslist-scam-alertA reader who shall remain anonymous shared the story of how pictures of his jeep mysteriously appeared on Craigslist without his knowledge. It turned out someone had taken the pics off a different craigslist ad and was using them to trick buyers into sending the thief money for a vehicle he didn’t own.

Our faithful reader only discovered the issue thanks to eWillys. He was quite surprised to see an ad for his vehicle! So, he contacted the police, which led to the takedown of twenty people working together to “fake sell” vehicles across the US. He’ll be testifying in court later this year.

Here are a couple links discussing Craigslist scams:

  1. https://jalopnik.com/how-a-craigslist-scammer-tried-to-steal-my-moms-car-1789696074
  2. https://www.csoonline.com/article/2875832/security/how-to-stick-it-to-craigslist-scammers.html
  3. https://www.tred.com/test-drive-blog/how-to-spot-a-craigslist-car-scam-and-what-happens-when-you-dont/
  4. https://www.komando.com/tips/349850/craigslist-shopping-and-selling-scams/all

So be careful out there!