[DaveSemko]

I've had folks send me email offering to sell me an item like one I'm bidding on... of course for much cheaper.

These folks are crafty! One scam even set up a couple fake escrow companies - - the sites were well done - and completely bogus. Moral of the story - - Buyer beware!

Just today a friend was here to visit me, he thought he sold his BMW on another site - - the guy was supposed to wire funds to his account (he set up a brand new account just for the wire - then planned to close it after the deal). Anyway the bank called him to tell him that he had funds in the account - but the payment had come via certified check via overnite mail. The check was bogus... Needless to say the bank security is on the tail of the person that sent the check, and the FBI is doing the homework as well.

By the way - the FBI has a website where you can report suspected scams. The investigate the situation within hours of receiving your email, and actually send you a response as to their findings (not automatic replies - but email from a real person).

Sad.+