Since we have a number of international members as well as some experienced domestic members, I'm looking for some info on exporting a car.
Long story short, I think I have a scammer after one of my cars. The email exchange has gone along pretty typically of what I would think a serious buyer would ask and say, request for pictures, description of condition,parts included, etc. Then all the sudden out of the blue comes the agreement to buy and a request to pay extra for me to arrange shipping to Belgium and I can deduct my fee from that, etc, so on and so forth because the buyer is too busy to arange shipping to Seattle instead. Uhh, huh. So, on the very slim, razor thin, chance this is legit, I don't want to immediatly alienate the buyer, but I'm feeling like this is heading down the toilet.
What are some probing questions I can hit this person up with about exporting issues that may expose their intentions? I was thinking about asking if I could have a "friend" swing by their place of business to pick up the cash for the car to help expedite shipping. Also thought about a price equal to the car for agent fees and to smooth the skids for another "friend" of mine who can export out of Houston instead of Seattle. Maybe ask for bonding information and verification about their export agent. Things like that. Any suggestions on ways to either tire out the scammer or reveal the truth in the buyer? I'm thinking the more technical questions I can hit them with about the export situation will flush them out.
Thoughts?
