That's a sloppy scam you've got there.

Earlier this year we parted ways with Amy's 1999 Honda Prelude. During the time that we were in the process of selling it (on AutoTrader) I got the following emails, and I meant to post them then, but never did for whatever reason.

Email #1 (in a form he filled out directly from the website):

Date/Time: November 24, 2006, 10:11 pm
Please contact Douglas Alford regarding the vehicle you are advertising on
AutoExtra.com:
Email doualford522@yahoo.com
Best time to contact: Day
Comments: I m intrested in your please get back to me if it is
available

Email #2 (2 days later, after my response):

Douglas Alford
Department of Motor Vehicles
CPD Information Services Branch
PO Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94393

Thanks for the email. Please I have a
client who is very much interested in buying your vehicle. He happened to budget
for a car last time and unfortunately it was sold. I have discussed with him and
he has agreed that he will be willing to have the vehicle shipped to Canada upon
reaching an agreement with you.
Please I have Some Questions to Ask:
1) Is the engine in perfect condition?
2) How often do you service the Vehicle?
3) How many miles on the Vehicle now?
4) Are you the owners?
5) If yes, for how long did you use Vehicle?
6)Finally At what price are you willing to sell this Vehicle to Us
...Bottom price.

Below is my client's information:
MAJ .Mark Willson
454 2nd RD E,
Stoney Creek,
ontario L8J 2X9.

Email #3 (a couple of days after I answered all his questions):

Hello

I have forwarded your vehicle information to my client and after
evaluation and due to time constraint on the fact that we are running short of
time. I'm delighted to tell you that my client has recommended your vehicle,
with full interest and he has instructed me to carry on with his transaction,he
hopes the engine is serviced and oil changed too .He cant wait to see the car
parked in his garage.

However,My client made out a certified cashiers check of($14,000)
before he travelled to germany for death of his daughter ,for a previous car and
its shipment charges etc,but it was unfortunately sold.The amount on the check
he deposited for the car is bigger than what should be paid to you now, so the
check is now meant for the total expenses which includes the purchase of your
car,the pick up of the car from its present location and the shipping
charges/other necessary shipping arrangements. However he has instructed us to
carry on with this transaction. So you're required to deduct the cost of your
car ($7,400)and send the balance of($6,600) to the Agent ( our shipper ) for him
to be able to offset shipping & tax charges, and other cosmetic repair
costs.After payment has reached you and balance sent to shipper, the shipper's
agent will come for inspection, pick up (of vehicle & signing of title
papers), make some cosmetic touches and drive to a prepaid shipper to be shipped
to my customer.and also conclude other necessary shipping arrangements.so you
dont have to bother yourself about the pick up and shipping arrangements.

Please Confirm this and provide name,address and phone number for check
payment to be delivered to you via fedex courier .Thanks and God
bless.

Regards
Douglas Alford

I immediately remembered something similar happening to a friend of Amy's from College Station concerning her apartment, and I felt dumb for corresponding with the guy for as long as I did. I sent him a one-word email response ("Hilarious.") and never heard from him again. Here's a rundown of how the guy was basically trying to screw me over. God bless Snopes.