Here's an example of what you get, when you contact the "seller". This came from a triathlon group on Facebook, last year, after someone tried to inquire about a bike, that was listed on the Wichita Ks. Craigslist. It's when we became aware of the scam, and started watching for it:
I finally got a response from a person calling herself Christine Benavidez. I got an email plus 9 photos of the bike. Here is the email exchange:
Hi, my name is Christine
My CERVELO P3 CARBON shimano di2, never had or need any paint/body work done, garaged keep always, without any problems, tires and wheels are in great shape as well. The bike it is in excellent condition,it has been very well maintained.I am selling it at this final price of $600 because my husband died 1 month ago (he had a heart attack) and it brings me bad memories and that's the reason I want to sell it asap.I, along with my daughter decided to sell the house and so we moved to my sister in Omaha, NE trying to start a new life.I want to use eBay services for the safety of both of us so if you're interested in purchasing this bike just email me with your full name, address including the zip code and phone number, so I can notify eBay that you are selected as my possible buyer and they will contact you to explain the entire procedure. I am waiting for your reply.P.s. Also, you have the pics attached
Thank you
My response:
I am interested in the bike, do you know what year model it is? I live close to Wichita, KS can I stop by and look at it? Also, can you provide the chassis serial number? Do you have any of the original paperwork?
christine.benavidez22@reagan.com
10:30 AM (1 hour ago)
Hello again , Please give me a little time to explain you the process of this transaction . As I told you in my first e-mail,we just moved to my sister in Omaha
My Response:
11:12 AM (49 minutes ago)
Christine, I understand I am very sorry for your husband's loss, I am sure you are still grieving. My best friend that lives in Omaha, off of 78th and Jackson st. will pick up the bike, and pay cash.
christine.benavidez22@reagan.com
11:17 AM (43 minutes ago)
to me
Hi,
In order to buy my bike you have to make the payment to eBay,they will hold your funds until you receive the bike and you inspect it,after that,in case you won`t like it you can send it back on my cost and eBay will send all your money back.If you decide to keep you have to announce eBay,and they will release the funds to me.You will get the bike with all the paperwork and the bill of sale which will be already signed and notarized onto your name.Send me your full name , phone number and address so eBay can complete the invoice onto your name and send it to you by email.Don`t worry in case you won`t like this transaction you can cancel it whenever you want and you will be charged with nothing.
My Response:
Christine, all I was asking for was the year the bike was built and the serial number. With such and expensive purchase I want to make sure it is not stolen.
No reply.
Athlinks / Strava
I finally got a response from a person calling herself Christine Benavidez. I got an email plus 9 photos of the bike. Here is the email exchange:
Hi, my name is Christine
My CERVELO P3 CARBON shimano di2, never had or need any paint/body work done, garaged keep always, without any problems, tires and wheels are in great shape as well. The bike it is in excellent condition,it has been very well maintained.I am selling it at this final price of $600 because my husband died 1 month ago (he had a heart attack) and it brings me bad memories and that's the reason I want to sell it asap.I, along with my daughter decided to sell the house and so we moved to my sister in Omaha, NE trying to start a new life.I want to use eBay services for the safety of both of us so if you're interested in purchasing this bike just email me with your full name, address including the zip code and phone number, so I can notify eBay that you are selected as my possible buyer and they will contact you to explain the entire procedure. I am waiting for your reply.P.s. Also, you have the pics attached
Thank you
My response:
I am interested in the bike, do you know what year model it is? I live close to Wichita, KS can I stop by and look at it? Also, can you provide the chassis serial number? Do you have any of the original paperwork?
christine.benavidez22@reagan.com
10:30 AM (1 hour ago)
Hello again , Please give me a little time to explain you the process of this transaction . As I told you in my first e-mail,we just moved to my sister in Omaha
My Response:
11:12 AM (49 minutes ago)
Christine, I understand I am very sorry for your husband's loss, I am sure you are still grieving. My best friend that lives in Omaha, off of 78th and Jackson st. will pick up the bike, and pay cash.
christine.benavidez22@reagan.com
11:17 AM (43 minutes ago)
to me
Hi,
In order to buy my bike you have to make the payment to eBay,they will hold your funds until you receive the bike and you inspect it,after that,in case you won`t like it you can send it back on my cost and eBay will send all your money back.If you decide to keep you have to announce eBay,and they will release the funds to me.You will get the bike with all the paperwork and the bill of sale which will be already signed and notarized onto your name.Send me your full name , phone number and address so eBay can complete the invoice onto your name and send it to you by email.Don`t worry in case you won`t like this transaction you can cancel it whenever you want and you will be charged with nothing.
My Response:
Christine, all I was asking for was the year the bike was built and the serial number. With such and expensive purchase I want to make sure it is not stolen.
No reply.
Athlinks / Strava