2001 Ford Ranger 4x4 I might buy.

[Kelveren]

So, I am coming to the brothers here at WT for your thoughts on this. I've found what looks like a great deal on a 2001 Ranger. It's got the 4.0 v6 and 4wd, which is perfect cuz I want a small truck that will move and haul when I need it too. We have used Rangers for work, and I've had several friends who've had them, so I trust them.
He's selling it for only $2600, with 50k on the truck.
The thing is, in emails, the guy is saying that he's got to get rid of it, and he's doing it cheap because he's gonna start his 2nd tour in Afghanistan in a couple weeks. In his newest email, he's saying he's a staff sergeant with the National Guard, stationed in Reno, Nevada.

It sounds fishy to me, in a few ways, but it's a great deal, and the story does make sense if you push the doubt aside. I know there's a lot of honest people out there, and if this guy really is military and trying to get this thing off his hands, I definitely want it. If need be, for more info, I can post the emails on the board. He's saying that the pre-tour training he's going through means he's not allowed access to a phone, but he can do emails.

[Greg Nichols]

Phishing, I got a similar one after shoping on e-bay for a vehicle. he will likely ask for payment outside a secure transaction like pay pal prior to delivery of the vehicle. I'd ask to meet FTF and you will bring cashiers check and see what he says

[YARP]

This sounds like the scam that was going on a few months back. Literally word for word.

[Kelveren]

First Email:
"This is Gerald. i received your e-mail about my Ranger.First of all,thank you for your interest. I am selling it because I will soon go on a second tour in Afghanistan and I don't want it getting old in my garage. I will be gone for the next 12 months. The price is low because I need to sell it before we deploy, on 25th of November . The truck is in great condition and runs great. It only has 50,487 highway miles on it. It has never been wrecked and never smoked in. I had serviced it only at the local dealer. Maintenance records are available. Clear title in hand. You can see more pictures of the truck here:
http://s1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee363/FordRanger2001
If you decide to buy it I will be paying for the shipping charges. The total price is $2,420.00 with no other hidden taxes. Please email me back if you are interested in buying it."

Second Email:
"
I am in a currently stationed at Nevada Army National Guard. We are getting ready for Afghanistan. We are in the final stage of our training and we are not allowed to use the phone during this period. This is supposed to keep us focused on our trainings. I am only allowed to check my email few times a day. I hope you can understand that we will have to stick to email for now. The vehicle is here with me at the base but I’ve already made all the arrangements with DAS to pick it up from the base. DAS will also handle the title transfer for an extra $75.00. Being in the army has some advantages and one of them is the fact that I can ship it very cheap. I will pay for the shipping charges, as I’ve said in my first email. I think I can have it there in 3-5 business days.
I am a member of the eBay buyer protection program and using this service you will give a 5 days testing period after delivery. During that 5 days testing period I will not be getting any money. I need to know if you are interested in buying it so I can ask eBay to send you the details on how this works. I have to fill out a form on eBay and I need the name that will go on the title and an address where you want the car delivered. Once I do it, eBay will email you all the details on this transaction and we can get the ball rolling.






Staff Sgt. Gerald Watson
139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Reno, Nevada Army National Guard"

[YARP]

run away. That's LITERALLY word for word the E-mail that I received 6 months ago when I was also looking for a Ford Ranger.

You could call up and find out if he even exists.

http://www.fightthescams.com/2011/11/09/vehicle-scam-craigslist-139th-mobile-public-affairs-det-3/

[Greg Nichols]

I'd call the unit to verify. The shipping he is talking about exists but is usuall for shipping things over seas.. don't pay any other way than through E-bay and pay pal or a FTF transaction. I'd say Phishing as he could sell this truck all day long locally without payng the shipping.

[Kelveren]

That's too bad. It would've been a good deal.

Thanks guys! Very helpful! I appreciate the help a LOT!!!!!!!

[WalkerAK74M]

Big time scam.... There is no such unit in the Nevada guard.

[Kelveren]

I abandoned this one... the insight found from the guys in this thread helped me out a lot. Ended up finding a '94 Cherokee Sport w/ 4wd that's in great shape, only a few minor issues.

[Grey Man]

Definitely a scam