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Craigslist scammer?

calbear2000

Golden Member
I remember reading about someone with a similar experience, but searching yielded no results. This sounded suspicious, yet innocuous, so I thought I should ask around...

I put a craigslist ad up for a new cellphone, asking for $120 and also asking for pickup from my house only. I get a response with poor grammar and spelling saying that she will offer me $150 (plus shipping).

I just need to give her my full name and address so that she can send via USPS. What nefarious scam can "she" pull if I give her my info?

Thanks
 
Well, you have to give out your name and address for people to pick it up anyway, right?
 
Mail you a fake money order.

or

Send you an fake e-mail confirmation from USPS claiming you have a money order waiting for you.

In either case, the buyer will act like they are in some big hurry (usually they will specifically mention you getting the package ready for delivery so that once you receive payment confirmation-- fake payment confirmation, that is-- you will immediately ship the item).
 
Originally posted by: QED
Mail you a fake money order.

or

Send you an fake e-mail confirmation from USPS claiming you have a money order waiting for you.

In either case, the buyer will act like they are in some big hurry (usually they will specifically mention you getting the package ready for delivery so that once you receive payment confirmation-- fake payment confirmation, that is-- you will immediately ship the item).


Thanks. I was contemplating on playing along but I'd rather not deal with hassle...
 
Well, if you don't ship until you can take the MO to the post office and verify it's authenticity, I don't see a problem with it. The high offer does make it suspicious though. Why would someone far away go through all the hassle just for your phone?
 
Originally posted by: Kaido
Well, you have to give out your name and address for people to pick it up anyway, right?

True. But then I'd have to hold the item for this person rather than get it off my hands quickly and cleanly
 
I usually just ignore the people that say they are in a hurry, or want to send you more than you are asking, even if it wasn't a scam, who in their right minds would ever offer more than you are asking?
 
Originally posted by: ArchCenturion
I usually just ignore the people that say they are in a hurry, or want to send you more than you are asking, even if it wasn't a scam, who in their right minds would ever offer more than you are asking?

Definitely.

Its a shame craigslist (and even ebay?) are full of these people...
 
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