Steven Burguine, a car enthusiast from Lion-d'Angers, was eager to sell his Ford Mustang and thought he was dealing with a serious professional. After exchanging numerous messages, a meeting was arranged where the buyer, posing as a legitimate car dealer, thoroughly inspected the vehicle and agreed on a price. However, instead of providing a valid payment method, the buyer handed Burguine a fraudulent check for 55,000 euros.

This scam is part of a growing trend targeting car enthusiasts selling valuable vehicles online. The story highlights how easily sellers can become victims of sophisticated scams, especially when they are motivated by their passion for classic and luxury cars. Burguine's experience is not isolated, as numerous other sellers have reported similar incidents, resulting in substantial financial losses and a general sense of distrust in online vehicle transactions.

Authorities are warning sellers about potential scams and advising them to conduct thorough background checks on buyers and to avoid accepting checks as a sole form of payment. This incident not only illustrates the vulnerabilities faced by private sellers in the online marketplace but also points to the need for greater awareness and preventive measures against such fraudulent activities.