Bristol internet scam - WARNING

[desmolloy]

You may remember this advert which did the rounds earlier

BRISTOL 2.2 SIX CYLINDER ENGINE AND GEARBOX FOR SPARES OR RESTORATION TRIPLE CARBS VERY GOOD CYLINDER HEAD WAS TAKEN OUT OF A BRISTOL 406 IN ABOUT 1965 WHEN IT GOT AN HOLE IN ONE PISTON THE CAR WAS A 1959 MODEL THE 2.2 BRISTOL ENGINE WAS ALSO USED IN THE AC ACE AND IN THE FRASER NASH AND IN CLASSIC RACE CARS OF THE ERA.DONT KNOW IF IT IS ALL THERE BUT YOU DO GET ALL THE PARTS IN THE PICTURE. VERY RARE ENGINE VERY HARD TO FIND THE 2200cc MODEL. WORLDWIDE SHIPPING. EMAIL ME TO SEND MORE PICS.

I managed to find an email address for the purported vendor and agreed to buy. I was incredibly excited as I have a Bristol 406 with no engine or gearbox. I had always thought that I would have to repower but this was the answer to my dreams. That probably led me to be less cautious than I should have been, but I am a trusting person who has never been scammed and to the contrary have had many wonderful experiences dealing with strangers. The upshot was that I sent 500 Pounds as a deposit via Western Union which was the only method 'Robert' would use. Sadly it appears I have been scammed and whilst the goods were supposedly in Middlesborough, the money was uplifted in London. I had ensured that ID was required to pick up the funds and at time was unawares that scammers always use Western Union and even the Craig's List that the advert appeared on, warn against using it.

The guy kept me on the line for some time, sending me more photos and answering the odd question. When the address noted for the funds transfer was visited by a UK Bristol owner it was found he didn't live there and none of the neighbours had heard of him. He even had the cheek to aggressively ask for the rest of his money ... and only then he would allow my 'representative' to see the goods. He was disappointed that I wouldn't do it. The matter is now in the hands of the Police.

I'd like to thank John Lawley and Derek Hughes for doing what they could on my behalf in the UK. This was very generous of them as they don't know me at all. It was a wonderful example of Bristol owners trying to help.

Please be warned about this type of scam. I am now aware of the same email address being used, with a different name given, to try and sell US car parts to a specialised car forum there.

Des Molloy
Golden Bay
New Zealand