(How does this scam work, exactly? I'm in a similar situation right now.)
nevermind - got the answer as the scam played out:
1. scammer sends SMS message offering to pay full price with certified check, will send shipper to collect car "after the check has cleared"
2. scammer sends SMS message - "check is on its way"
3. scammer sends SMS message - "check arriving today - by the way, it is for $XXX dollars extra, so you can wire the difference to the shipper"
4. check arrives (via USPS priority mail, in my case)
At this point I took the check to the bank, and they assured me it was bogus - part of a commonplace scam they see all the time.
I communicated this fact to the scammer and said the deal is off - that was that.
The timing is arranged so that the victim deposits the check and wires the money before the check actually bounces, leaving the victim holding the bag.
Last edited by zorka; 09-23-2020 at 03:26 AM.
Reason: new information