The dangers of buying things on ebay

[WVvan]

Check out this email I received today. As best as I can tell it's the real deal.

Crime reference number: C/40741/2010

***THIS IS NOT A CIRCULAR***

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am currently investigating a series of high value thefts from GM Motors in Luton. They have experienced a large number of EBERSPACHER HYDRONIC DIESEL and PETROL OVERNIGHT HEATERS being stolen. My investigations show you may have bought such a heater via EBAY in the last 12 months from eBay user XXXXX.

Your details were supplied by EBAY in conjunction with a formal police request for the prevention and detection of crime. As a result of this request I can assure you that there has been NO breach of your Human Rights under Article 8 which relates to Respect For Private and Family Life.

At this point I want to say that you are NOT being investigated in relation to this offence. I believe you have bought this item in good faith. I have also secured an agreement from GM Motors whereby they do not wish any stolen items to be returned.

As part of my investigation into the original theft of the heaters I require the serial number of the heater you purchased. I’m not looking for the return of the heater.

Please contact me regarding the serial number on your unit, or, if it has been sold on, details of the buyer.

You can reply to this email or contact me using the details below. If you wish to ascertain the authenticity of this email please contact Bedfordshire Police on 01582 401212 and ask to speak to myself, DC5485 BRYCE.

This is where the serial number can be located.



Many Thanks.
DC 5485 Bryce
Serious Crime Team
Luton Police Station
Buxton Road
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 1SD
@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
Telephone: 01582
Fax: 01582

************************************************** *******************************
************************************************** *******************************
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
the system manager.
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept for the presence of computer viruses.
************************************************** ******************************
Internet email is not to be treated as a secure means of communication.
Bedfordshire Police monitors all Internet email activity and content.
************************************************** ******************************

Did I ever tell you about the killer deal I got on a Eberspacher Hydronic heater on ebay UK? Here's the funny part. I'm using the muffler from the Hydronic on the Webasto install. Just last night I was cutting and welding on the muffler. I'm pretty sure they will not want it back after I've been at it.

[BroncoHauler]

OK, at least on appearances sake, it comes from England, but this sentence strikes me wrong and makes me suspicious.

"As a result of this request I can assure you that there has been NO breach of your Human Rights under Article 8 which relates to Respect For Private and Family Life."

Personally, I wouldn't provide anything, and wouldn't respond. At a minimum, forward the e-mail to eBay's fraud department and get their opinion before doing anything. Your contact info suppossedly was provided by eBay, so they should be able to confirm it if true.


Herb

[Ford_6L_E350]

Ah, the USA and England, two countries separated by a common language.

To me, it just sounds like England's version of privacy rights. And since the only thing they seem to want is a S/N of a unit you got off eBay (they had to get that info from eBay, right?) I'd go along with it. If I wanted to worry about it (like my wife would) I'd just make a phone call to Bedfordshire and ask for the Luton Police Station, DC Bryce.

Sounds legit.

Mike

[saabman]

Being British myself I would say the phone numbers are wrong...
Address can be checked...
I would very much doubt GM would be installing heaters like these in Luton and even less petrol heaters as they are almost extinct (not a play on words ) here in Europe...
Take care with emails coming from nowhere... be e-safe

[saabman]

Alternatively you could contact them directly to verify this information...
http://www.bedfordshire.police.uk/

[jage]

1. Steal a bunch of Webasto
2. Fake emails to get legit SNs
3. ????
4. Profit!

[Zeta]

Rule of thumb: Nothing important comes unsolicited via email.

Z

[bluedog225]

Agreed....scam, scam, scam.