1970 Challenger Convertible Likely Scam

[erik70rt]

I wanted all of you to have a heads up on this.  As you know, I am looking for a nice 1970 Challenger convertible.  I came across this one on Autotrader:  https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1970/dodge/challenger/101021321

I inquired about it and about a week later I got a reply.  Below is the conversation and the red flags went up:



Hello Erik,




Would you like to see more pictures? Numbers matching car. It has the original suspension. Rear end Dana 60. 440 Six Pack V8 engine. The car was fully restored 5 years ago, frame off restoration. Everything is working properly. Is free to rust, pets, smoke and accidents. The paint is flawless no dents or cracks and the chrome is like new. Was kept only inside. Mechanical no problems. Underneath very clean no rust or leaks. On the interior everything is working properly and is very clean. Here is the VIN: JH27G0B299199. Pictures for the VIN attached.

I would like to thank you for your interest in buying my car and also to clearly some things first of all.

The reason why I'm selling it is a divorced settlement...I must share everything with my ex. I am very mad on this situation but I don't have any options, she will get most of the money. Priced for a quick sale. Because I'm dedicated to my career a third party company is the best choice for us. They will protect both of us in this transaction. I know it's been advertised in a few areas but the car is in Kettle Falls, WA crated and ready to go. I arranged for the sale before I left the country so my presence won't be necessary. They are supervising the entire sale process from payment, shipping with a inspection period (7 days), title(clear) transfer service or/and (if needed) returns and refunding. As for the payment we can start a transaction through the shipping company where I'm already registered. You will have to register too on their website, then you have to contact me to start the transaction. If you are serious about buying the car, shipping/handling is included in the price. You will only pay the car price.

If you want to move forward please contact me back so we can get the ball rolling. Don't let this beauty go away !!




Thank you,











Roger Cooper| Power Solutions Engineer | Oil industry company





This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying or the taking of any action in reliance on the information herein is prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. Chevron Corporation is not responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.



On Thu, Sep 6, 2018 at 5:19 PM, Erik Conrad <erik70rt@yahoo.com> wrote:




Roger,




Thank you for your response.  I have a few questions:




What sheet metal was replaced?

Anything done with the suspension?

What is the ratio in the rearend?

What are the specs of the engine rebuild and when was it done?

Do you know the history of the car?

What is the VIN #?

Can I see a close up of the fender tag?  I want to see how it was originally equipped.




I'm not looking for a matching #'s trailer queen, but a nice convertible to drive.  I am VERY interested in this convertible Challenger.




Are you a dealer/broker or a private seller?




Thanks!




Erik













From: Roger Cooper <gtclassic68@gmail.com>
To: erik70rt@yahoo.com
Sent: Thursday, September 6, 2018 4:40 PM
Subject: 1970 Dodge Challenger 440 RT - $34,765









Hello Erik ,
Let me say that the Dodge Challenger 440 RT is available for $34,765.
One of the cleanest Dodge Challenger 440 RT for sale anywhere. 1970 with only 1088 miles. One of the best all around driving cars you can buy. A Totally Rust, Corrosion And Flood Free Vehicle.Never been in any accidents.Clear title.
Where are you located?
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate ask.
Don't let this beauty go away !!!
Thank you,








Roger Cooper| Power Solutions Engineer | Oil industry company





This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying or the taking of any action in reliance on the information herein is prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. Chevron Corporation is not responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.

[superdave]

  GOB would not be an R/T and 299199 sounds a little suspicious. The story sounds fishy and his grammar seems a little weak for an "oil industry executive". Good call. I'll keep an eye out for a '70 convertible. Any preference on engines?
    Dave

[erik70rt]

He did send me a pic of the VIN tag and fender tag which actually reads JH27C0B299199 or it could be a G, hard to tell in the pic. On second look it might be a G.  The fender tag shows it to be a plum crazy car with a white top and interior.

Oh well.  My search continues.

For what I want - I don't care what engine or trans.  I just want a nice clean done body.  I'm not into trailer queens so #s matching isn't important either.  Thanks!!

[1 Wild R/T]

What could possibly be suspicious about that? You should send a deposit over immediately....

[anlauto]

I think before you assume it's a scam, and I do agree it sure sounds like it.....Tell him you want to fly out and personally inspect the car first.

If he back peddles or says "car is sold" ...you can safely assume the ad is BS. 

[750-h2]

SCAM!!! Guy says its matching #'s

[erik70rt]

Here are the pics he sent me of the VIN and fender tags

[superdave]

  Well that would be a steal of a deal at $35k....and it looks like someone actually painted an FC7 car TX9 if that fender tag is real. I seem to be wrong about the number 299199 being suspicious I know some of us like TX9 but I don't care for it myself.  It's pretty crazy that he sent those pics, these guys are getting pretty good.   

[HP_Cuda]

Ask him to take it to a local inspector and see what he says.

I'm sure you won't hear back from him. Gotta love scammers.

[JH27N0B]

Tell him in order to prove to you he's real, you are going to send him a cashiers check for $50,000, and he needs to refund the difference by gift cards.  Then send him a fake check.
Gotta be a way to scam these scammers?

[RUNCHARGER]

You should have wired him the full asking price already, you blew it, I bought the car. I told him I would pay over asking.

[A.Gramz]

    Gmail email.  Then -  engineer |  Oil industry company.   Then chevron corporation in email disclaimer.  I'm pretty sure chevron employees don't use Gmail account for work related emails.   I could be wrong.   

[Deadeye74]

Well he's not hard to find...or gather info to pretend he is he....... https://www.chevron.com/stories/i-am-a-power-solutions-engineer

[A.Gramz]

Hummm....

[1 Wild R/T]

   Gmail email.  Then -  engineer |  Oil industry company.   Then chevron corporation in email disclaimer.  I'm pretty sure chevron employees don't use Gmail account for work related emails.   I could be wrong.   

While I 100% believe this is a scammer... I don't automatically throw judgement based on using Gmail.... My companies IT specialist is a control freak... Won't allow people to have access to their email password, wants to save it as a hidden password on each laptop.....  Works fine for those who work in the same building as her.... Even works ok for those who work in the other building in the next town.....  I'm a road tech & my home is 2000 miles from the home office....  After years of trying to deal with it I started using G mail over ten years ago......  My Gmail automatically sends a copy to the company email....   Much easier....