Autotrader Scam?

Helios1234 · Sunday at 14:17

I just put my Cayman S for sale on Autotrader and within 1 hour got an email from someone showing interest. The problem is that based on their messages, it seems like a scam. Am I overreacting?

Conversation went like this:

Potential buyer said:
Is this vehicle still available?

Helios1234 said:
Hi,

Yes, the car is available

Potential buyer said:
alright thanks for your reply please tell me more about the vehicle are their any problems in it which i should be aware of? and how long you are using it for

Helios1234 said:
Hi,

All of the relevant details are in the advert, what did you want to know specifically? The car has no problems and has been my daily driver for the past 9 years.

Thanks

Potential buyer said:
great so are you it's first owner or a subsequent owner?How much is your last price for it?

Helios1234 said:
Hi,

I'm the fourth owner and the final price is £19,500.

Thanks

Potential buyer said:
alright fine great deal done,Would it be possible to show it to me on monday ? If it works let me know the time and location? Which suits you best.Additionally, I would appreciate it if you could provide an inspection report and all relevant documents from [[*** CONTENT REMOVED ***]][*** CONTENT REMOVED ***] This will help me ensure the vehicle's condition and authenticity before finalizing the deal. I am happy to cover the cost of the inspection report, which can be added to the vehicle's purchase price.

On the face of it, the questions are fine, but it just seemed odd that the person was asking for details that are already in my ad, especially about me being the current owner when I've mentioned it's had 4 owners and I've owned a 2009 car for the past 9 years... and I'm not sure why the onus is on my to provide an inspection report when I've just had it serviced unless that's what he means...

Anyway, does this seem genuine or is it a potential scam?

Advert for reference: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509066116118

Thanks

Helios1234 · Sunday at 15:03

Diddums said:
Post up this fake "report" site, guaranteed it's a scam.

I don't know what it was. It went through Autotrader so was automatically censored.

Helios1234 · Sunday at 15:07

Diddums said:
Not necessarily, loads of people out there trying to get a bargain.

In this case, the last price I told him was the original price :cry:

Helios1234 · Sunday at 16:46

deviation said:
Can we start a poll for the OP to say this to him

I've been nice. I don't know what his link was but prior to posting, I did reply to them that they can arrange an inspection through an authorised AA, RAC or Porsche mechanic at their expense. Haven't heard from them since...

Helios1234 · Monday at 13:54

Jeez, it's scam after scam with Autotrader and it's only been a few days. Today I got a call from someone apparently from Autotrader claiming my listing was duplicated and therefore paused. They'd unpause it and give me a refund but I'd need to give them my card details...

Helios1234 · Monday at 14:14

Junglist said:
Saw something on reddit the other day where they offer to buy the car as long as you have a report done on some shady website for £50 and they'll pay you back

The website steals your card data, as well as the £50.

Do you have a link to that post? Sounds exactly like what my original message was about.

I'm going to try Pistonheads as well. Anyone know if it's as bad there as well?

Helios1234 · Monday at 15:15

Junglist said:
This is the one I read. Certainly sounds similar

Thanks. Same as mine although done through email and similarly generic username.