I was one of the people bidding on the BMW. It's a bit of a hobby of mine, bidding on things that are obviously rip-offs, and presents an ideal opportunity to wind up some of the idiots who are perpetrating these scams.
So far, I've been offered an original 50's Fender Stratocaster and amp set-up for £200 (worth £1000's), plasma screens for <£1000, brand new £8500+ motorbikes for <£4500 and several other items.
With the BMW, I pleaded with the guy to take £17,000 cash if he'd sell it off auction. Got an e-mail back in seconds, asking for the money to be transferred, then he'd deliver the car. I offered to pay cash, as long as I could collect from his home; even found out his (alleged) address, which turned out to be in Ilford, Essex (not Ilford, Belfast). Gone a bit quiet since then, funnily enough.
The plasma one was great. It was worded such that you were bidding on a picture of a screen. I contacted the guy direct and asked for two, as I thought they were a bargain. PayPal invoice came through in minutes!
Best, however, was the guitar one. After upwards of 20 e-mails, the guy ended up begging me to transfer money via Western Union (a common trait with these auctions). I told him I felt he was being ripped off, and offered him twice the asking price, as well as petrol money to deliver, as I always keep loads of cash at home. Hope that he didn't have a wasted journey to an address in Cornwall that doesn't exist!
Just off to trawl for some more.............
