[D Stroud]

Ok, here’s the deal,

In September of this year, I sold a completly restored Z28 to a guy in Chicago ( I live in NC). He promptly sent me a certified bank check for the whole amount which was deposited and was deemed a good check. The last time I talked to him, he was gonna fly down and drive the car home. That was on maybe Tuesday or Wednesday of the last week in September.

However, I’ve never seen or heard from him since. I have called and left over 12 messages on his answering machine, sent several Emails, and have even sent him a letter…..and, nothing, nada, zip. Absolutely no word from him what so ever.

I know some may be thinking….OK, you’ve got the car and the guys money, so whats the problem? But, I think legally, I’m responsible for the car until the guy takes possession of it right?

I have Hagertys Collector car insurance on the car which I’ve continued , just in case of fire or other possible damage. But, what gives? What would you do?

I’m beginning to think that something may have happened to the guy .

You would think that if he just couldn’t arrange to pick it up, that he would at least get in touch with me to let me know.

I really need the car out of my garage so that I can get started on other projects, but I hate to let it sit outside as it was a full restoration and is presently a very very nice ride (see it on my website under “Amyes Z28).

I’m at my wits end as to what to do about it.

Any advice?

Thanks

 

[Tom Hendricks]

I think I would check with the police dept, or Sherriff's office from the area he is from. If indeed something has happened to him, they might know. If he's a scammer of some kind, they'll probably know it too. Strange deal. That's where I'd start. Keep us posted on this one.

 

[Cameano]

Put the money aside, and sell the car to someone else. When he shows up, return his money. He'd be a bit upset, but hey, you're trying to make space, right?

 

[Motorhead62]

Have you confirmed the check cleared and the money is good? Well, it should be drawing interest right? Yes, I would contact the local police. You might be lucky and have the car and the money. :thumbsup:

 

[JIM]

Check the obituaries in his town.
Send him a certified, return receipt letter.

 

[frankf72malibu]

Since he has paid you I will come and take the car for him .... Just kidding. You need to make sure the check cleared and if so contact the local police and explain the situation. Hopefully everything is on the up and up and the guy is OK. Nice cars by the way.
Frank

 

[MedicTed]

When you send the certified letter, include a storage fee per day after a certain date.

 

[D Stroud]

The check has cleared, so I'm sure he is not a scammer.

I think I will do the certified letter and see what happens.

 

[chevelless502]

I would get ahold of the police dept first and foremost. That way its all on the up and up on your end. I would maybe not do the register letter thing or someone wanting a "free" new camaro might claim it to be theres. Even though its paid for hate for you to loose it so some theif. There is some members here from Chicago I thought so maybe one of them is close and go check in person for you. Wish i was closer and I would be happy to but i am bout 200 miles away.

ANdy

 

[Old fat bald guy]

as well as storage fee's, the amount you've paid in insurance also.

police 1st, I was thinking registered letter like many, but someone brought up a good point about someone showing up to pick the car up...... if its a "down on their luck" brother or sister (or "in-law") living in the house (if the guy did pass away), that might stir up some legalities in the deceased will, etc

 

[Jim Mac]

maybe his wife found out he bought another car, and committed him to a mental institution.
Seriously, really weird. If by chance you do find out something unfortunate happened to the guy, what do you do, keep the money? return it to the first relative that answers the phone. I can see where it would get real nasty in a hurry. may need to call a lawyer. Jim

 

[YenkoChevelle69]

To add to what AC said.... Don't even say what car is it.... The owner will know what he bought. No need in giving uneccesary information.

 

[Xtreme70SS396]

D, I'm in the Chicago area. If interested, I can do some checking from this end. I can call, stop by, see if it's a legitimate address, etc.

Obviously, depends on WHERE in Chicago, but within reason.... I'm sure others from the site would do the same. PM me if needed.

Otherwise, good advice so far - but make sure you charge for storage as mentioned.

 

[Chevello]

Maybe he is a first time scammer, and forgot to send a bad check. People can be pretty stupid ya know...

K

 

[Georgia69]

The fact that the check was good doesn't necessarily mean he obtained the funds legally. I think my first call would be to the bank the check was drawn on, then the police.

 

[allengator]

The fact that the check was good doesn't necessarily mean he obtained the funds legally. I think my first call would be to the bank the check was drawn on, then the police.

He may be dead, as ya'll have pointed out....
But he may be in jail!!

 

[MedicTed]

The check has cleared, so I'm sure he is not a scammer.

Some checks will clear your bank, but then get bounced at the original bank. Make sure that it has been completely cleared.

 

[Daren71]

Like Epistuff said, maybe check some Chicago newspaper obits. You might have to register to view some of these newspapers, but it might be worth your time. A lot of times, you can even set the search for a specific time frame. Good luck, and let us know. Daren

 

[D Stroud]

Ther check has cleared both our and his bank back in early Oct.

I did do a Obit check for him in several of the newspapers in his home town and it turned up negative.

I may take xtreame up on his offer to go by and check things out.

I'll send you a PM.

Thanks fellows. This is definatly strange.

 

[Byfield]

Weird. I'd suspect he's either in jail or incapacitated somehow

Unless he comes back with an excuse like serious illness (or he's dead), I'd suggest you charge him for the insuance and some sort of storage fees

Let us know what you find out