Seems like a scam.

[Luke M.]

I emailed an all-cash offer on a FSBO property in San Diego, and the owner accepted. He then started talking about not going through escrow, and didn't really give a reason as to why. I told him I could close quickly, but I insist on using a closing company. He then wrote this email, and I can't understand how this could possibly not be a scam at this point. Has anyone ever encountered something like this before? His email below:

"Okay good .. i need to let you know we have to get this done without escrow, we go on another method and it was the same method i used in selling my property in Pennsylvania and it worked out well. So now you make $5000 down-payment to proof you are really serious while i continue with the paper work and how the title will be changed .. but if you agree to make the down-payment, then i will send you a contract to sign which will be like a proof that the down-payment has been made already to me even though you haven't, just to make you feel safe and also believe you will have it done after signing the contract. so you send me your full name and address i will send you the contract VIA EMAIL you sign it and send it to me back on here then you make the down-payment and i will have the paper works and also get the title done with will take about 3 working days to get done. After all this is done then you send the rest of the money to me.

Couple of questions though if you are want me to finance you, but if you are paying cash you don't need to answer them not necessary ..

How old are you?

Can you send me a picture of you?

Are you married? How many kids?

What do you do for a living? How long have you been working there?

Do you have good credit score?

What do you make monthly?

[Bill Gulley]

Turn it over to your local police department, they may have a fraud/scam unit and let them pick up where you are pretexting as you. Turn it in! :)