i just got a call from country code +33 from someone claiming to represent a building company (initials H&H, quoting a .com address which does not exist - although there is a UK website and i am sure the company is genuine and knows nothing of this call). He said he was acting for the company and named the UK company CEO (who does exist as per the UK website) whom he claimed to represent. he offered the full asking price of my property without seeing it. he wanted to come over to view it. when i told him he would need to meet with my legal representative who is handling the sale he refused, stating this would be a "private deal". seem strange??

Interesting; I do wonder what he wanted to get out of this, why he did or ask for such things...

Well, just look at it this way, you weren't duped into anything. And, possibly you've been able to spare someone else from a worse fate.

These situations always make me sad because the thing is, even though you weren't duped somebody out there will be. Everyone's trying to make a quick buck and scam artists rely on those people. Just be smart and always do your research. Stay away from people who find you.

but exactly what scam was this person trying to perform, some free stats, or much more?

but exactly what scam was this person trying to perform, some free stats, or much more?

I wonder if this relates back to a situation I heard about some time back, where people were calling folks and offering to purchase their property in exchange for allowing them to live there rent free for a certain period, then seizing the property and evicting the former owners?

One thing is for sure - no legitimate organization would balk at having legal representation involved.

Heh yes, I agree; if you're scared of legal matters, then there is something wrong with it. Interesting idea though...

I have to agree as well, anytime a company is worried about legal matters something isn't right. It's also a shame some people still think they can get something for nothing nowadays :(

I think the reason is that "because they can."
Some people are less aware, and will probably give out way too much info when asked.

I just had a similar experience. The company looked legit, there was a web site with the correct company name on it. The person emailed me through homesonsale. Unfortunately the scammer's english was not as good as the web site. The second paragraph had many grammatical errors and was obviously not written by the same person. Also the hotmail account had an -es extensions, Spain I think. If the wording had not been so exact as on the web site I might have fallen for it.


Mea