Online Business Transaction

[streetg06]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Washington State

I have a motorcycle that I am advertising online. Two weeks ago, a buyer from Magala, Spain contacted me via email stating he would like to purchase the bike. The English was very broken, and it was quite challenging to understand his emails at times.

He emailed stating the price was agreeable and outlined the payment terms and pick up details. He also stated he had a lawyer look over the transaction details, and it was solid. In this email, he stated a bank check would be sent to me to include the price of the bike plus shipping charges to his "client" in Venezuela. After the check clears the bank, I will send the shipping fee to the shipping company, who will in turn come pick up the bike, at which time I will sign over the title to them (shipping company).

I would like opinions as to the authenticity of this transaction. I have never dealt with a middle man in this way, and don't see any holes where I could get myself into trouble, but I am a little nervous as I am not dealing with the buyer directly. Is there something I should do to protect myself other than deposit the check and make sure it clears?

Any opinions would be appreciated. What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[racer72]

Walk, no run away from this obvious scam. What make your motorcycle so special that someone from Spain would want to spend a whole lot of money to get it? Guess what, they don't. These scams are all over the internet, you should be ashamed to even consider it. The check you will receive will for a lot more than your asking price and they will want to Western Union the extra to them. A month later (long after the check clears your bank) you will get a surprise, your bank account cleaned out and the bank wanting more money.

You can sidestep would-be scammers by following these common-sense rules:
DEAL LOCALLY WITH FOLKS YOU CAN MEET IN PERSON - follow this one simple rule and you will avoid 99% of the scam attempts online.
NEVER WIRE FUNDS VIA WESTERN UNION, MONEYGRAM or any other wire service - anyone who asks you to do so is a scammer.
FAKE CASHIER CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS ARE COMMON, and BANKS WILL CASH THEM AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE when the fake is discovered weeks later.
NEVER GIVE OUT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (bank account number, social security number, eBay/PayPal info, etc.)
AVOID DEALS INVOLVING SHIPPING OR ESCROW SERVICES and know that ONLY A SCAMMER WILL "GUARANTEE" YOUR TRANSACTION.

 

[streetg06]

Okay, now I get it. They are obviously counting on me being really stupid and sending them money for the supposed shipping costs the minute their fake bank check arrives without checking to see if it clears first. In addition to getting the money, they have my bank account information and clear me out. Unbelievable.

Who do I report these people to?