I could actually see this happening as you'd be surprised how oblivious some people are to the world around them. Maybe this guy never knew how to decode the fender tag/V.I.N. and really was under a rock most of his life.
Also, remember when we got a new member sometime last year who said he wanted some guidance for his original 11,XXX mile '71 Hemi 'Cuda hardtop. Many called bs, but he did come through with factual information and Barry vouched for him.
Bearcuda has no reason to lie, so unless his business partner/friend is pulling his chain, I can believe this really did happen. Deals can still be made, even if they seem nearly impossible to the educated majority.
Case in point, I found my '73 Chally in a local paper with the title (in bold), "1973 Challenger....$2,000" (got it for $1,750). This was back before the big E-body hype came into play in the economy, but it could have easily been sold for $3,500-$4,000, IMHO.