When you place a classified ad, keep in mind that it is accessible to the whole world and some people may have less than honorable intentions.

The ad for the used car ran in a major newspaper and within days the owner received a call from a female who claimed to offer a database service to people interested in buying and exporting used cars to South America.

She stated that the car owner would receive at least $600 more than the price he was asking. Convinced, he sent $269 for a listing in the database and sat back and waited for his car to sell. Several weeks later and not one offer had been received. Calls to the company produced promises but no action and finally the phone was disconnected.

Unfortunately, he was the victim of a very common scam. So be forewarned: if you have placed an ad to sell a car and someone promises you even more than you are asking for the vehicle, be very skeptical. Particularly, if you are asked to pay money before the sale is completed.