SAAC Forum

SCAM ALERT - Notice for ALL members

We have been aware of a particular SCAM that has been prevalent on enthusiast forums and Facebook groups,
mostly in areas for enthusiasts with requests for "Wanted to Buy."

I've recently been made aware of these potential SCAMS occurring on our forum several times in the past few weeks.

The way this game works is ---> a poster is contacted about his request for parts, usually through a private message,
and is told to contact another individual who is "known" to have the parts that are wanted.

This friendly "referral" by a "good samaritan" is meant to add credibility to the advice.

The message may look like this" "I recently purchased some items from XXXXX , he's willing to sell..."


The SCAMMER will then give the email of the contact who supposedly has the parts in question.

Also, look for obvious grammar and spelling errors in the message as an additional red flag


NOTE - it appears that the referred email ALWAYS has the format--->a generic first+last name + 3 or 4 digits@gmail.com

We have seen the referred name to be a stranger... OR even the name of another forum member, but with the bogus email address.

This is not a new SCAM, but one that is relatively new to our Forum

BE smart, BE alert

"Trust, but verify"
ALWAYS verify the seller and the actual existence of the parts.
Use Facetime or Video Chat to validate the items
Ask for a "hostage" photo that shows the item and indicates the current date.

Remember, emails with a format "first+last name + 3 or 4 digits@gmail.com" can be a burner, free, throwaway email addresses

and... always report ANY suspicious activity to us!

Also got direct emails from "webfoot245@gmail.com"

Interesting twist about these replies is the reference to an actual member. After looking, hockeylife has not been active since 2022. I assume he has no part in this.

Pat

Muchas Gracias

More evidence, from another forum

https://www.type-ra.com/subaru-forum/threads/scammer-warning.37916/#post-307865

Quote from: azdriver on August 22, 2023, 01:21:35 PM
Interesting twist about these replies is the reference to an actual member. After looking, hockeylife has not been active since 2022. I assume he has no part in this.

Pat

That is absolutely correct. It's clear his user name was harvested, and coupled with the scammer's email address.

Quote from: Coralsnake on August 22, 2023, 02:22:44 PM
More evidence, from another forum

https://www.type-ra.com/subaru-forum/threads/scammer-warning.37916/#post-307865

Yup... and there is the same syntax/grammar issue  --->

Thnx Ron

I have received Text Messages from my Wanted 69-70 NOS door latch add. From 1-225-277-5396  Wanting me to send money using a cashapp. I asked if the latch had the handle option?   Answer was a YES. LOL  I always ask for a part that does not exist.