[DeTomaso] Someone is scamming people with my name AND my car!

[The DeTomaso Registry Guy]

I am routinely contacted by buyers wanting to verify an advert.
(The smart ones check the registry BEFORE sending money, some after...)

I was also contacted yesterday by another CHP officer for VIN verification help.

I consider this just a part of the registry job.

As to Mark's experience, Now that the Pantera is becoming desired,
the scam factor has multiplied.

I have even recently been contacted by a guy that ...sent money.... gulp.
He naturally feels real bad about being scammed.  

So... FIRST:  If it is too good to be true, it probably is.

     SECOND:  Do your homework and research.

Chuck




Pantera folks:

I don't post very often to this forum or even read it as much as a I used to, but I wanted to take the time to share a story with
all of you that happened to me today.

I was sitting at home when a police officer from the city I live in came to the door and asked if I owned a 1973 DeTomaso Pantera. I
responded yes. He then read off the VIN and the license plate number to me.  I told him that is my car.  He then asked if I still
had the car and I responded yes I do.

The police officer then told me that someone "bought" my car off of an auction web site and discovered it was a scam.  He stated
that a Florida Highway Patrol officer had contacted them to make sure the car was not stolen. That is why they came to my house.  I
asked if there was anything I should/could do and he stated, "No, not really but this may not be the last time this happens".  I
don't know what to do about it either but I thought I would at least share this story with all of you to be mindful of people
getting a hold of sensitive information and fraudulent people pulling scams.

The officer also suggested I share this with any car clubs that I am associated with, so other people could be on the lookout for
other cars that should not be for sale. I feel terrible for the person that got scammed.  Please be on the lookout for such things.
At the end of the day nothing bad happened to me with the possible exception that I may get more visits like this.

Best regards,

Mark