sgstransactions.com Fake Escrow

http://www.sgstransactions.com/ FAKE FRAUD SCAM

sgstransactions.com is a fake escrow site pretending to deal with auto sales on the internet.
The site is being hosted by our friends at Microsoft, using the Office Live service.
http://whois.domaintools.com/sgstransactions.com

Send complaints to:
abuse@msn.com

According to reports, the scammer, using the name:
 Linda Carter
and the email address:
lindacarter35@hotmail.com
Is listing a car for sale and asking intended victims to use the fake site.
The car is:
2009 Maseratti Grand Turismo S
Hello,
Thank you for your interest, sorry for my late answer, I still have it for sale, due to my work I'm out of state so my home number is disconnected. for the moment I would like to keep the conversation here. I would also like to know if you're still interested, if you have your own funds or need a loan and if you can pick up in San Francisco, CA. In case you need the VIN or see more pics of it let me know and I'll send in the next message. I'm waiting your answer.
Thanks,
Linda

Hi, due to my work, I'm architect I am out of state and for the moment I would like to keep the onversation here , I hope you don't mind. More pics of it are attached, the price I will sell it is $60,000 including any shipping costs if you need, is not negotiable. I would like to buy something else...a Mercedes Benz I guess, simply don't like it, too rigid for a woman. The VIN is : ZAMHJ45A490047596 . I am sorry but I do not have a Carfax report. After the bad experience that I was into when someone asked me to go back home as he will come with a cashier check..well..has not appeared and also stopped responding to phone or email, I just decide to pay 2% of the sale amount to the company who inspected the car already, SGS. What I mean is, you will send the money to them , they let me know that they have the payment, I come back home, meet you, give you the car and sign the title, deal done, safe for both. In case you decide to not complete the deal, your payment will be fully refunded but I will lose the 2% fees, I will lose time , money for my trip...So I hope you understand, I'm not crazy enough to say that it is in perfect condition and is not. Let me know if you accept this my proposal.
Thanks, Linda

"Linda Carter" also previously listed a Viper SRT-10 - 2005 Dodge Viper
on Cars.com.
Here is a rather humorous thread about that:
http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-srt10-coupe-discussions/642894-does-smell-like-scam-2.html
We would like to let you know that due to our work we're in Phoenix, AZ. Car is garaged in Virginia Beach. We went through a bad experience almost 3 weeks ago when someone asked my husband to be back home as he will come and buy it, well, Frank went for complete the deal but the buyer never showed up and he stopped answering to his phone or email. We ordered also an SGS inspection when Frank was in Virginia Beach, a team from SGS made the inspection at our home address, we have a report if you want to see it. My husband talked with the SGS team and told them about that non-buyer and they advise Frank that in the future, if he want a safe deal and be sure that it will be completed to pay their required fees , 2% of the sale amount , and the SGS company will can handle the payment, what I mean is we will set up a transaction with them, as the car has already been inspected by them, they will shortly approve it. The next step, the buyer will pay the money to them, as soon we will have their payment confirmation , Frank will come back to VA and will meet you in order to complete the deal. SGS will hold your money until you will confirm to them that you met the seller and you picked up the car, after you will confirm them that everything went fine and you're satisfied with the car and the titled has been successfully transferred under your name, they will send us the funds. If all this is ok for you and you agree with our proposal we can move forward, just let us know and my husband will call you for further details. Thank you

Here are some images of the fake site:

Here is some text from the fake site:

Is it safe to buy a car online? It is with SGStransactions.com
SGStransactions.com is a secure and licensed partner for your auto purchase. Whether you are buying or selling a vehicle, SGStransactions.com protects you with a simple 4 step process both ways, when the Buyer pick up or when the vehicle is shipped.
Once the Buyer or the Seller starts the process we oversee the transfer of the money and delivery of the vehicle. No matter where the vehicle sale originates (online classified ad, internet auto auction, vehicle sales website, etc.) SGStransactions.com can ensure a safe transaction.
A transaction will be approved ONLY after vehicle will be or has been inspected by our inspection team.


How Does Our Service Work?
Both Buyers and Sellers benefit from using SGStransactions.com, a neutral third party, to monitor and transact the exchange of the money and vehicle. The Buyer sends the money to SGStransactions.com, and then we alert the Seller to send the vehicle to the Buyer or meet the buyer at the address where vehicle is located. This gives the Seller peace of mind, the Seller does not ship the vehicle or does not meet the Buyer until the full payment is verified, so he is protected from fraudulent checks and money order scams. We do not release the money to the Seller until the vehicle has been received or picked up and approved by the Buyer. This provides online car buyers the same security that off-line car buyers have, the Buyer reviews the vehicle before the money is sent by SGStransactions.com to the Seller. The cost of our secure out service is very low (2% of the sale amount), and can ONLY be paid by the Seller. If in a case the Buyer or the Seller, due to any reason decide not to complete the transaction the Buyer's payment will be fully refunded, the Seller will lose the 2% (our required fees).
 
 Payment Method Accepted

Bank to Bank wire transfer
US & Canadian Checks
Money Order   SGS TRANSACTIONS INC.
Phone number: (855) SGS-TRAN (855) 747-8726
Fax number: (202) 478-0883
704 13th Street NW
Washington DC, DC 20005
 
Automotive Services (AUTO)

We provide expert support for every participant in the automotive industry to improve performance and reduce risk. Our services focus on the design, construction and operation of motor vehicle inspection solutions throughout the world. Governments, manufacturers and financing and insurance companies, as well as consumers, rely on our independent, accurate and secure solutions to limit damages, improve remarketing of used cars, and support road safety.
 
 Our mission is driving e-commerce settlement
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland , SGStransactions.com and its operating subsidiaries provide online escrow services that facilitate and accelerate e-commerce by assuring secure settlement.
SGStransactions.com is a privately held company that has pioneered the process of online escrow services. The Company, founded in 1997, has established itself as the leading provider of secure business and consumer transaction management on the Internet.
  Our escrow solution is safe and secure
What do your customers have to say? Consider using some space to tell the story of the business through your customers' voices. Their word is more powerful than anything you can say for yourself.
Partnership Information
SGStransactions.com is the recommended transaction settlement service of many of the top names in eCommerce, including eBay, Cars.com, and AutoTrader.

SGS vehicle inspectors are highly trained and experienced specialists. When you order an SGS inspection, you can do so with confidence, knowing that it will be done by the industry's best. They will evaluate the vehicle's condition inside and out:
Exterior
Damages/defects (from dents & scratches to flood & fire)
Panel alignment
Operation of moving parts including the door, hood and luggage lid
Prior collision damage
Non-factory paint and body work
Poor collision repairs
Visible damage to structural components
The condition of all tires including the spare
The tire size, the tread depth, and manufacturer
Modifications
Interior
Proper operation of electrical equipment including lights, seat controls, sound system & gauges
A listing of accessories and modifications
Presence of all knobs, switches & parts
Damage to upholstery and carpeting including cuts, tear, burns, wear & stains
Smoke or other odors
Proper operation of the heater & air conditioning
The mileage & notations of possible odometer tampering
Under Car
Fluid leaks
Visible condition of the exhaust system
Prior collision damage
Visible Corrosion (Rust)
Damage to visible structural parts
Visible condition of the oil pan, transmission housing and suspension system.
Poor collision repairs
Under Hood
Fluid leaks
Engine oil level & condition
Damage to visible structural parts
Visible modifications
Evidence of body work
Unusual engine noise
Condition of visible belts and hoses
Prior collision damage
Poor collision repairs
Road Test
SGS recommends an optional 2 to 5-mile road test as part of the inspection at no additional cost, which provides valuable additional information about the vehicle. We must see the vehicle registration and proof of insurance before the road test, which focuses on:
Suspension
Ride
Engine Response
Steering
 Brakes
Noticeable operating defects
Transmission/clutch
Unusual Noises

Road test will not be performed on vehicles registered or insured as collectable or exotic; or if road, weather or vehicle conditions are unsafe in the inspector's opinion.


150 Critical Points of Inspection
We Inspect More Than 150 Critical Points On A Vehicle. For a complete list, click here.