So I was perusing eBay boats this morning (I wouldn't buy a boat off eBay unless I was 150% on it, survey, and someone local for a sea trial), I find it a good place to get a handle on a) what's out there for sale, b) what sellers are asking, and c) what buyers are willing to pay.
I come across a listing for a 2005 SeaRay 240 SunDeck in excellent shape. Listed by a seller with 0 feedback. Price? $16,500. TGTBT. So I decide to inquire. My question:
Dear pikemi299o,
How many hours do you have on the boat? Are you the original owner? Fresh water only? Why are you selling?
- xp8103
A short time ago, I receive this reply:
From: imazu44@gmail.com [mailto:imazu44@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Amanda, Hall L TSgt USAF ANG 176 MXS/MXMCE
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 3:03 PM
To: Rende, Nik
Subject: 2005 Sea Ray 240 Sundeck
Hi,
Thanks for taking a part of your time and visiting my ad 2005 Sea Ray 240 Sundeck
The price is low because I need to sell it before June 27th. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects and was serviced two weeks ago. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained. I do have the title, clear, under my name. The boat has 159 hours on it,HIN# SERV6276E505 and also comes with TRAILER (also clear title) included on the boat price. It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $16,500. The boat is in Great Falls,MT , in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below are the boat details
Thanks
Amanda
Year: 2005
Use: Fresh Water
Make: Sea Ray
Engine Type: Single Inboard/Outboard
Model: 240 Sundeck
Engine Make: Mercury Engine
Type: Deck
Engine Model: Mercruiser 5.0 Mag MPI 300HP
Length (feet): 26.4
Primary Fuel Type: Gas
Beam (feet): 8.6
Fuel Capacity (Gallons): 51-75
Hull Material: Fiberglass
Hull ID Number: SERV6276E505
Amanda's in the military and needs to unload her boat quickly. Certainly plausible. I decide to review the ad on eBay again. Only, it's not there anymore. Literally minutes after getting this email. I write back:
Hello Amanda -
Thanks for getting back to me. I went back to the listing on eBay and it is no longer there?
Nik
Within minutes, the ugly truth rears its head in "her" reply:
From: imazu44@gmail.com [mailto:imazu44@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Amanda, Hall L TSgt USAF ANG 176 MXS/MXMCE
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 3:25 PM
To: Rende, Nik
Subject: Re: 2005 Sea Ray 240 Sundeck
I have ask to not bid until email me that's why i have close the auction,As i told you, at this moment I am in MT state at Malmstrom AF base, getting ready for Afghanistan (I hope for the last time). I do a special training program everyday day and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or make calls whenever I want. The shipping will take 3 to 5 days depending on your location and it’s not a problem because i have considerable discount from the shipping company and I can do it at no cost for you. You will receive the boat along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, 2 set of keys, full service records and more. The transaction will be fully under eBay's surveillance, giving us both security and insurance that nothing will go wrong. They will be the 3rd, objective party involved in the transaction. This way you will actually pay for the boat after you will receive and test it, because eBay will hold the funds in an escrow account and release it to me only after you accept and confirm the delivery. After the boat reaches your address you will have 5 days to test it. Within this period you have to decide if you purchase it or not. If you decide to take it you will have to contact eBay and let them know that, so they can release the payment to me. If you won't like it you will have to ship it back to me within the 5 days and eBay will refund you. The shipping back will be done on my own expense, but I am sure this will not be the case.The boat is located at US Air Army Cargo (ready for delivery). I asked them to allow viewers to go there and inspect the boat but their reply was "We are not a showroom!" and also we have a special training here and is hard to get acces in the base. I think this is more than fair for both of us. If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info to eBay and they will notify you about our deal. Like this you'll be able to talk directly with them and ask all you want to know.
Sorry for the long emails I have tried to touch all bases.
Regards!!
It sure sounds like "Ms. Hall" is in a bind. If only she could find someone who could type better English than the average Nigerian scammer......
