scammers
Hallo TTB,
not for one nano-second did I think that the Threadstarter was the scammer, and obviously I was correct!
The scammer DOES know about G-INFO -- that's where he get the info (excuse the pun) to make up a similar email address to the real owner.
And, I'm sorry to tell you, the scammer is already one step ahead of you (TTB) when it comes to solicitors and escrow accounts.
The legal contract he sends out is very convincing, listing the solicitor's escrow bank account, and all sorts of safeguards to re-assure the poor duped potential buyer.
The whole thing is completely bogus.
As for those of you who are incredulous about people sending money to unknown third parties, it is by no means unusual.
I've sold 3 x R44s this year to people I'd never talked to, let alone met, and they all sent me holding deposits on "trust". This is because they are from abroad, and it really is a hassle to come here from the USA and other places just to see a helicopter.
The difference between these deals and the Scammers' is that I gave the purchaser plenty of contact names to cross reference my credentials and check out my reputation.
Oh --- in all cases they also received the helicopter they bought!
And on all three occasions they have been delighted with their purchase.
Big Ls.