I've had and been offered some ideas on how to capitalise on the interest that this site has developed, starting with providing a place where others can tell their story; to give internet consumers a glimpse of how quickly and easily what looks like a perfect businesses transaction can turn into a horror story. The aim is to hopefully help arm them with the steps to take, the things to watch out for, and how to pursue a buyer/seller if a sale does go bad.

I've been provided with a few short accounts via email already, once I have checked with these people I will start posting their stories online; if anyone else has an internet transaction horror-story please send it to me in an email

Thanks to Anton for this link;
Is is not amazing where associations pop-up, when you start looking. The vehicle in the link below was offered for sale on eBay with a W______ C__ C___ G___ Warranty. Vehicle sold at Auction for $7500, according to feedback by the buyer, the seller then tried to raise the price to $9000.
 
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250604306126
 
Looks like the scamming seller abandoned the eBay account once he tried and failed.
Added 22 Mary 2010: Thanks to Kerry A. for forwarding the following 2 links, which serve to demonstrate how sellers might set out to deceive unsuspecting buyers;
 
First Listing:
http://mobile.tradingpost.com.au/item/view.action?item=YSMKoQwhHpUAAAEnDxUw0OBd
 
Second Listing:
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8742671
 
If the above line does not work, try this one... http://tinyurl.com/28kj7vd, Thanks Darren :)
 
You will notice that in the first listing that expired on 14 April 2010 the car is listed as having "295,277 km" on the odometer, and states that the vehicle is in Chullora, NSW. The second listing for the same vehicle (as evident by the registration) states that it now has only 87,150km; and that the vehicle is in Epping, VIC. To the current seller: Gary, I think you have some explaining to do...
I was just sent this link... have only just started reading myself but it looks of interest!
From what I've been told this is another case of eBay sitting idly by while scammers take people's hard-earned money.

SCAM HAPPENING RIGHT NOW! Saturday May 8, 2010

The gmail account of Mr Christopher Hall from Ballarat, VIC, Aus has been hacked; he is currently out of the state on vacation and the hackers have taken this opportunity to Email ALL of his gmail contacts with a fake sob-story to try and abuse the kindness of Chris's friends & defraud them by asking them for money to be transfered to the UK!!!

Chris is now locked out of his gmail account and unable to warn MANY of the potential victims of this fraud!

Inital email received:
From: Christopher Hall <[REDACTED]@gmail.com>
Sent: Sat May 08 09:05:25 2010
Subject: I'm writing this with tears in my eyes
 
I'm writing this with tears in my eyes, I came down here to United Kingdom for a short vacation unfortunately i was mugged at the park of the hotel where i stayed,all cash,credit card and cell were stolen off me but luckily for me i still have my passports with me.
 
I've been to the embassy and the Police here but they're not helping issues at all and my flight leaves in less than 3hrs from now but am having problems settling the hotel bills and the hotel manager won't let me leave until i settle the bills,
 
I'm freaked out at the moment.

Thankfully the receiver knew that Chris is in fact NOT in the UK, but currently visiting another state in Australia!

Reply Sent:
From: David Cherry
To: '[REDACTED]@gmail.com' <[REDACTED]@gmail.com>
Sent: Sat May 08 09:07:19 2010
Subject: Re: I'm writing this with tears in my eyes
 
Chris aren't you in [ACTUAL LOCATION, AUS]?
David Cherry

Reply Received:
From: Christopher Hall <[REDACTED]@gmail.com>
To: David Cherry
Sent: Sat May 08 09:08:13 2010
Subject: Re: I'm writing this with tears in my eyes
 
It's me... am sorry i did not inform you that i will be going on vacation,this is for real, i'm doing everything i can to work my way out of here peacefully.. i have checked with the consulate but there is nothing really working out, most important is i don't have enough money on please, please i need you to loan me some, i can pay you back in couple of days.

Reply Sent:
From: David Cherry
To: '[REDACTED]@gmail.com' <[REDACTED]@gmail.com>
Sent: Sat May 08 09:31:02 2010
Subject: Re: I'm writing this with tears in my eyes
 
Were do you want me to forward the money?
 
So sorry to hear you are dealing with this.
 
David Cherry

Reply Received:
From: Christopher Hall <[REDACTED]@gmail.com>
To: David Cherry
Sent: Sat May 08 09:33:08 2010
Subject: Re: I'm writing this with tears in my eyes
 
All i need is $1,140 and you can have it wired to my name via Western Union Here are the details you need
 
NAME : Christopher Hall
STATE : Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB4 1QQ
COUNTRY : United Kingdom
 
As soon as it has been done, kindly get back to me with the confirmation number. Let me know if you are heading to the WU outlet now????

Reply Sent:
From: David Cherry
To: '[REDACTED]@gmail.com' <[REDACTED]@gmail.com>
Sent: Sat May 08 09:37:05 2010
Subject: Re: I'm writing this with tears in my eyes
 
I will need to go to my pc and get this organised. Please give me 1 hour.
 
Good luck
David Cherry

Reply Received:
From: Christopher Hall <[REDACTED]@gmail.com>
To: David Cherry
Sent: Sat May 08 09:40:08 2010
Subject: Re: I'm writing this with tears in my eyes
 
OK.get back to me with MTCN number as soon as you get money wired.keep me posted.

Reply Sent:
From: David Cherry To: '[REDACTED]@gmail.com' <[REDACTED]@gmail.com>
Sent: Sat May 08 09:50:35 2010
Subject: Re: I'm writing this with tears in my eyes
 
What is the actual bank account number?
 
I will wire you the money from my account. Chris why are you in the UK when Kirsten is [ACTUAL LOCATION, AUS]?
 
Is everything ok?
 
David Cherry

Reply Received:
From: Christopher Hall <[REDACTED]@gmail.com>
To: David Cherry
Sent: Sat May 08 09:56:56 2010
Subject: Re: I'm writing this with tears in my eyes
 
Sorry for bother you David,l can't access my bank account from here that why am asking you this favor,western union is 3 blocks away from me l can receive the money within a min,My name and address is what you need to wire the cash to me.

Reply Sent:
From: Christopher Hall <[REDACTED]@gmail.com>
To: David Cherry
Sent: Sat May 08 09:58:24 2010
Subject: Re: I'm writing this with tears in my eyes
 
Hang in there mate. I'm 30 min away from sitting in front of my PC. Please take care
 
David Cherry

Reply Received:
From: Christopher Hall <[REDACTED]@gmail.com>
To: David Cherry
Sent: Sat May 08 10:10:24 2010
Subject: Re: I'm writing this with tears in my eyes
 
Ok.hang in