Description

Me: Buyer. I work travel contracts and frequently drive long distances with my elderly father in a small SUV. I was looking for a van to make trips more comfortable for him, especially so he could sleep during stops.

FB Seller: RoadReady Class B Van. I found the listing through a Facebook group for van sellers. The group disappeared a day or two after I sent money to the seller. Either they changed their name or restricted my access once I caught on to the scam.

Website: https://usedclassbcampervans.com
Instagram (no responses): @camper_vansale
Van: 1992 Dodge Roadtrek Van
Deposit: $500
Shipping: $190
Monthly Payment: $131 x 31 months
Shipping Company: Cargo Connect (https://thecargo-connect.com)

I had been following this van seller page for a while. On 6/07, I saw a van that looked perfect for my needs. On 6/09, I interacted with the seller, who was also the group admin. I work nights and sleep during the day. I was afraid someone else would buy the van before me, so I felt pressured to pay quickly. I opted for the van to be shipped to my home in Texas. The seller asked for my name, address, email, phone number, and driver's license number and said to send the deposit via Apple Cash to +1 (970) 301-5893.

I asked for paperwork, but the seller said it would be provided upon delivery. I was exhausted and told the seller I needed to sleep, but I still went ahead with the transaction. The seller sent a tracking number (TC45C029388373956-CARGO) via Cargo Connect and claimed the van was already registered and shipped from Tatum, TX (4 hours from my home). I monitored the tracking but saw no movement. The Cargo Connect website looked suspicious, but I assumed I was just overtired.

Later that day, the seller claimed the shipping company emailed me. I checked my junk folder and found an email requesting $250 for shipping insurance. It stated $140 was refundable. Later the seller said $240 was refundable. I found the inconsistency and poor grammar alarming but dismissed it.

Despite my concerns, I sent another $250 via Apple Cash to a different number: +1 (504) 316-1210. Still no tracking movement. The seller and shipping company stopped responding. On 6/10, I saw the same van listed on a different Facebook page. A user named Class B Vans Rentals under "Adventure Ready" messaged me asking for screenshots—this felt strange.

I googled the 1992 Dodge Roadtrek Van and found the exact photos on two websites from over three years ago. Still, the seller claimed the van would be delivered soon.

Then came another email from Cargo Connect, stating the delivery was on hold because the van lacked full-time RV insurance. They requested another $500. I told the seller I already had insurance, but they insisted I pay. Seller said, "The vehicle needs an insurance cover... $500 is a good deal." They claimed this insurance was for transit.

Apple Cash failed, so the seller said I could use Chime, Apple Pay, bank transfer, or Zelle. They provided Zelle details: 702-817-5856, [email protected], Jane Diane Green. When I sent payment, the name showed as Monica Lee. I questioned this, but the seller ignored me.

Despite my concerns, I sent $500 via Zelle. The seller claimed they didn’t receive it and showed a Wells Fargo screenshot under the name Jane. I was now being asked to pay via Walmart money card and crypto. I lost more sleep and called Chase. Chase confirmed the money left my account and the issue was with the recipient’s bank.

At 6:29 PM, the seller claimed he would send $250 to the shipping company to help me. Meanwhile, he continued dodging my questions. The tracking still showed the van was on hold.

On 6/11, I sent a screenshot of the same van posted on another site from over three years ago. The seller ignored me and asked me to buy a $500 gift card. I thought maybe my Chase payment failed, so I tried again, this time via Apple Pay to +1 (307) 556-9562. I asked why another new number. The seller said the old number had hit its limit. I sent the $500.

Later, I received another shipping email: the van needed a license plate tag for $100. The seller claimed this was refundable. Then they said it was $200. The inconsistency continued. I paid $200 via Apple Pay to +1 (832) 545-9634.

The seller told me the van would arrive that night. I arranged for several people to be available at my house. Nothing arrived.

By 6/12, tracking still showed “on hold.” My friends checked and saw the van was supposedly in Houston but still on hold. Seller and shipping company gave no updates. The shipping company’s website address—500 New York Avenue, Dallas, TX—turned out to be fake.

On 6/13, I received an email stating the van was seized by city officials due to a missing sales tax receipt and that I needed to pay $500. I refused and told the seller I would contact a lawyer. The seller said not to worry, he would handle it.

I demanded electronic receipts. Seller replied vaguely, saying they were with the courier. Eventually, the seller asked if I’d split the $500 with him. I said I wanted to cancel. He said cancellation wasn’t possible.

On 6/14, the seller said they would reduce the van’s price and that no further payments would be needed. I paid $500. The seller said the van was in Houston. The shipping company then emailed me that $200 was needed for tag and registration. Seller said it would be refunded.

At this point, I realized they were just trying to get more money. I demanded their physical address and the name of the authority that had seized the van. The seller did not respond.

On 6/15, I again demanded proof of legitimacy. The seller replied “Hallo” and gave an address in Springdale, AR that appears to be a residential building. He refused to give any authority contact.

On 6/16, I was told, “you still think this is scam?” I said yes and blocked them.

Since then, I’ve reported them to:

• Facebook

• Apple Support (6/16)

• FTC (6/17)

• Froze my credit (6/18)

• FBI (6/18)

They blocked me. Their Instagram page disappeared. I believe they are impersonating legitimate sellers. I don’t want others—especially honest people and seniors—to fall victim to this scam.