As some of you reading this may know, I have been looking for an original (GM) center console for my 1976 Pontiac Trans-Am. This is a difficult to find part – in good condition – because almost all of the ones that are still in existence in good condition are in good condition Trans-Ams – and the owners of those cars aren't interested in selling their car's console. So finding a good one that's for sale is something of a challenge.

One way to find parts like this is to post on owner/enthusiast forums dedicated to your particular make/model car. I'm a member of a couple such forums that are dedicated to classic Pontiacs. These forums are great resources as well as great places to get in touch with others who are as enthusiastic about your old car as you are. They are also, I have discovered, a great place for scammers.

Look out! – as OJ used to say.

I posted on one of the forums I'm a member of asking whether any of the members had a console for sale or maybe knew a good place to look. Almost all of these were helpful/commiserating replies from other Firebird/Trans-Am owners. But there was one that immediately caught my attention, probably because it seemed too good to be true. And indeed, so it turned out to be.

I got a reply from a guy who claimed he was a mechanic and had what I needed – and for $250. Both of those things ought to have signaled red alert but at first I was too excited to pay attention to my more rational impulses. I asked for pictures and he sent them. He appeared to have a very good condition original GM console and he only wanted $250 for it – Including shipping!