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As an avid user of Craigslist, it has come to my attention that some not so honest users from abroad are attempting to pull a fast one on users who sell or barter items. Soon after posting an ad, an email arrives from someone claiming that either he/she or his or her ‘boss’ is “very interested in your item.” Usually the item in question isn’t even mentioned which makes the email quite generic and prone to be used over and over again to other unsuspecting recipients. The rip off artist goes on to say that they will send a U.S. Certified Check to cover the cost and will send a mover to pick up the item. I really didn’t see the need for a moving van to haul laptop RAM even if a 512mb stick DID weigh twice as much as a 256mb but it goes to show you that these scammers don’t pay that much attention to detail. In reading the email you will find that it doesn’t take an English professor to spot that the grammar and spelling are poor at best and quite foreign in nature.

I have pasted several examples of emails to be on the look-out for. These are actual emails sent to me in the span of two days. Note the similarities and by all means, delete or report them:

Example#1

Hello,

Am okay with the price and the condition and i will like to make an outright purchase of this particular item immediately because i noticed that you are serious seller, I anticipate that a cashier or certified check will be sent to you via express mail or ups as the mode of payment,concerning the pick up, i will be responsible for that, where my mover will come for the pick up at your location upon your confirmation of receiving the payment. So i will send the payment which will include the pick up charges in which you will make payable to the mover immediately you receive the payment to aviod the delay.Would really love to come for the viewing but due to my work frame  that might not be Possible..and I will like you to provide the information below so that the payment will be done as soon as possible:-

1……………….Full name
2……………….Full home address
3……………….Zipcode
4……………….Tel#.

Awaits your response asap.

Best Regards.

Example #2

Hello,

Do you still have the item for sale and whats the present condition and your final asking price ? let me read from you.

Dave.

(Let me READ from you? — Give me a break, dude)

Example#3

Hello,

I would like to buy your item which you want to sell on Craigslist Advert. I want to know if its still in good conditions for use ? Also if you can accept US Certified Check  for mode of  payment that is the only way i can have payment mail out to you. The check will be delivered to you via ups mail just fews days after it has been mailed out to you. If you are ready to sell it to me, kindly get back with the informations below so I will use it to make payment out to you immediately i get them from you.

> 1. FULL NAME
> 2. PHYSICAL ADDRESS BECAUSE UPS DON’T DELIVER TO P.O BOX
> 3.ZIP CODE
> 4. YOUR TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR EASY COMMUNICATION.

I want you to know that i am ok with the price of ***. I will come in person as soon as possible to pick it up after when the payment cleared in the bank not going any less for it. I’d be so glad if you can sell it to me as i would really love to buy the item also can i see more of the pics for the item? I will be waiting for your quick response.

Yours Sincerely
Mr Marvin
The Proprietor,
Convenant school.

What happens next is that the so-called interested party sends out a bogus check for many times the asking price then apologetically ask you to send the rest back minus a hundred bucks for your trouble. You then find out that the original ‘certified check’ sent to you is a fake which makes you responsible for any and all debt to the bank.DON’T FALL VICTIM TO THIS RUSE! Delete the email immediately. We, as consumers need to be aware at all times and remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.