Have I been a silly sausage, or am I just paranoid/impatient

[bobsavage789]

I was emailing someone (via Autotrader) about an M4 throughout yesterday. He was answering all my questions with sensible answers, and we were also discussing a test drive.

I asked for the VIN (to check the full spec), and the seller first asked for my email and phone number. I sent him these yesterday evening, but haven’t heard anything since. His replies until then were within an hour or two.

Can scammers do anything with those details? If so, any steps I should be taking to mitigate misdeeds or the chances of their taking place?

OR…

Am I just being impatient and should give him longer to respond before panicking?

ETA: moderators, please move as appropriate (wasn’t sure which sub forum to use).

[eltax91]

It wasn't an unreasonable ask and it wasn't unreasonable to give them.

they can't do much/ anything to deprive you of any money. Both email and phone number are designed to be shared!

Worst they can do really is sign you up for some spam

[maz8062]

People don't give out their cars' VINs until things have progressed a bit further than an initial enquiry. Why do you want the VIN without seeing the car, kicking the tyres, looking at the history, etc.?

Yes, you are impatient in my view.

[Muzzer79]

bobsavage789 said:

I was emailing someone (via Autotrader) about an M4 throughout yesterday. He was answering all my questions with sensible answers, and we were also discussing a test drive.

I asked for the VIN (to check the full spec), and the seller first asked for my email and phone number. I sent him these yesterday evening, but haven’t heard anything since. His replies until then were within an hour or two.

Can scammers do anything with those details? If so, any steps I should be taking to mitigate misdeeds or the chances of their taking place?

OR…

Am I just being impatient and should give him longer to respond before panicking?

ETA: moderators, please move as appropriate (wasn’t sure which sub forum to use).

In this scenario, I'd be more worried as the seller - giving out the VIN - than the buyer - giving out an email address and phone number.

He has either sold it to someone else, at work, plain busy or doesn't feel comfortable giving you the VIN.

[bobsavage789]

Just to clarify: I didn’t jump straight in and ask for the VIN. This was after quite a few emails hither and thither.

I may be wrong, but I’m not sure what nefarious things one might do with a VIN: they’re on public display in a car’s windscreen…

[66HFM]

There is always a line of thought that its easy to send an email and ask questions, the serious buyers are those that ring about it.

Pick up the phone and give him a call, you'll also get more of an idea if he is based in India or not... Don't forget to ask 'about the car' rather than the M4, if he replies which one then walk away as not a private seller....

[TownIdiot]

66HFM said:

There is always a line of thought that its easy to send an email and ask questions, the serious buyers are those that ring about it.

Pick up the phone and give him a call, you'll also get more of an idea if he is based in India or not... Don't forget to ask 'about the car' rather than the M4, if he replies which one then walk away as not a private seller....

On the other hand it's good to get things on an email or a message as a bit of evidence of the discussion.
I'd be wary of a seller that wouldn't want to do that.

This helped me greatly (as a seller) when I had a bloke try to go legal over buying a rusty land rover
I was able to remind him of a message sent with a picture of the rot I had apparently failed to disclose

[66HFM]

TownIdiot said:

66HFM said:

There is always a line of thought that its easy to send an email and ask questions, the serious buyers are those that ring about it.

Pick up the phone and give him a call, you'll also get more of an idea if he is based in India or not... Don't forget to ask 'about the car' rather than the M4, if he replies which one then walk away as not a private seller....

On the other hand it's good to get things on an email or a message as a bit of evidence of the discussion.
I'd be wary of a seller that wouldn't want to do that.

This helped me greatly (as a seller) when I had a bloke try to go legal over buying a rusty land rover
I was able to remind him of a message sent with a picture of the rot I had apparently failed to disclose

I completely agree but once there has been a number of emails I'd always want to follow it up with a phone call to speak to the actual owner.

The last car I sold (2014 XC60), I got fed up with the amount of people sending emails asking for info etc - nearly all of which was in the advert - and then after about 10 emails disappearing...!

[bobsavage789]

TownIdiot said:

66HFM said:

There is always a line of thought that its easy to send an email and ask questions, the serious buyers are those that ring about it.

Pick up the phone and give him a call, you'll also get more of an idea if he is based in India or not... Don't forget to ask 'about the car' rather than the M4, if he replies which one then walk away as not a private seller....

On the other hand it's good to get things on an email or a message as a bit of evidence of the discussion.
I'd be wary of a seller that wouldn't want to do that.

This helped me greatly (as a seller) when I had a bloke try to go legal over buying a rusty land rover
I was able to remind him of a message sent with a picture of the rot I had apparently failed to disclose

You both make valid points: it was easy to send a short “introductory” email whilst supervising my children’s breakfast. I got prompt replies, so continued.

In quieter times/environs, I would absolutely pick up the phone.

I think I’m probably being impatient. If I haven’t heard anything, I’ll give him a call next week, closer to when I aim to see the car in person.

I have been checking my bank account regularly, and [touch wood], nothing missing so far!

[Scootersp]

As a buyer I think you need to be mindful of what the questions you ask can look like. A seller is suspicious of a buyer just the same as vice versa so if you are going to ask fof the VIN explain why.

I think re BMW's you can go to a web link and it'll list the full spec rigjht, so you could have said as an alternative if you go to 'x' (and send them it) this link and enter your Vin you get can a spec report then list/picture that for me.

Or ask for a pic of a service invoice and the VIN will often be on one of them.

The VIN also gives more backup to a CPI type check so it's helpful but definitely a seller might be reticent without a chat or fuller explanation.

[Belle427]

The amount of scamming around these days the seller may just be nervous which is understandable.

[Pica-Pica]

No harm in giving emails and phone numbers. They can’t scam anything from these. However, I have separate phone numbers and e-mails that I give out for these sort of contacts.

[bobsavage789]

Decided to call the number on the ad (to provide some reassurance that I’m not a scammer).

The number was answered by a woman, which was a bit surprising. Turns out her number was being used whilst the car’s owner was on holiday, and they haven’t changed it back…

She texted me the owner’s number, and we have now spoken. I don’t think it’s a scam, and am booked to see the car next weekend.

Phew.

[Sir Bagalot]

I wouldn't give you a VIN, but I would PDF the spec for you.

You can check the VIN when you view in person

[blank]

Do you have the reg number?

It's not too hard to get the VIN if you do...

[A.Norton]

I sold a Polestar and a Tesla this year both to buyers who arranged a viewing after seeing my advert.

Back and forth emails/calls would have me blocking as most are timewasters.