By Tahna Weston
As the police issue a warning to residents to be cautious when making online purchases, a Liberta woman is counting her blessings after she almost became the victim of an online scam involving a grey Toyota Vitz car.
The alleged scammer posted an ad of the car on several Facebook retail pages, listing the price as EC$5,000.
The ad also noted that the 2007 vehicle had no mechanical or electronic issues, that all its papers were
in order, and that it had not been stolen. Additionally, the seller claimed that the vehicle, with 85,000 miles on the clock, was well-maintained and that its interior was in immaculate condition.
The Liberta woman, who was in need of a vehicle, says that she was drawn to the ad because it seemed like a “steal of a deal”.
“I was searching for a vehicle which I found on ‘AutoAntigua’ on Facebook, and clicking on the pictures I saw that there was a Vitz selling for EC$5,000, and I said, yes this is a good buy.
“So I proceeded to send a message via email in which the person replied in like a day or two and said I would have to send the money for them via MoneyGram. So I was like, why send the money via MoneyGram and I haven’t seen the vehicle as yet; [I suggested that] when the person comes with the vehicle, then I would give that person the cash in hand,” the woman said.
She said that she then proceeded as instructed in the post to send an email to the seller, who claimed to be a medical doctor, and who was now working in another location, having allegedly worked in Antigua for two years prior.
“They said they were living in Antigua and they were transferred to another country where they have to work for three years, so they are selling the vehicle,” she said.
She decided, against her better judgment, to make the payment through MoneyGram, as directed. She says she was shocked when she was informed by the teller that the ad is a known scam.
A man is said to have fallen victim to the same scam on Saturday. He sent money to the scammer for the same vehicle, through a money transfer company, and he has yet to get the vehicle – or his money back.
“So upon going to MoneyGram and trying to send off the money, the young lady, the teller, informed me that it was a scam. I showed her [pictures of] the vehicle and she was like, that is the exact same vehicle the person showed her, and … it was a scam.
“I honestly thought it was an [attractive] deal for me. I kept messaging the person telling them I want to see the vehicle in person so send me the address. The person replied to me saying to go and buy another car and don’t waste their time,” the Liberta resident said.
According to the woman, who is still on the hunt for a vehicle, she is happy that she was notified of the scam before sending her money.
“To lose that it would be very devastating. I actually felt good that somebody is there looking out for somebody,” the woman added.
Police spokesman Inspector Frankie Thomas appealed to the public to ensure that they first conduct due diligence before making online purchases.
“It is advisable that we take the time to do some background checks, get some information if you are not certain, seek other additional information before you get involved in these online scams, or for that matter purchasing items online from sites or sellers that you are not entirely sure of,” he said.
The ad for the car was still posted on Facebook as of last night. Observer reported the matter to Facebook which responded saying the wording did not contravene its community standards.
