Joined Oct 2008
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Forum Thread
How does this craigslist "scam" work?
March 16, 2012 at
08:39 AM
I post things on craigslist every once in a while. While browsing for something recently, I noticed in the person's description that he won't respond to the "is this still available" *scam*. I get those e-mails/texts often about my products but never considered them to be a scam. Hoping someone could explain why this would be a scam.
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These people generally have had their email addresses hijacked and dont even realise it. The script will then run and hit their whole email address book often. It is only when 30 of their friends email them asking why they are being spammed with Sexy naked webcam girl links to click on, that hey realise whats happened.
It isnt just one scheme operating on clthere many different ones. Some are you to add you to a spam email list for porn website, others are to try and trick you into taking a western union check for $500 and keeping $100 for your handling fee.
This is one response I got for advertising Banjo lessons (I didn't respond OBVIOUSLY a scam!):
"How is weather over there, I just want to know if the tutor lesson
still available for my son for a month he is 15 years old, He will
come down to you and i want you to calculate the cost of 2 hour per
day for two days in week for the whole a Month making 16 hours and
email me the total cost..waiting
The English is bad, but I can't imagine how they're going to scam you out of banjo lessons.
The English is bad, but I can't imagine how they're going to scam you out of banjo lessons.
The English is bad, but I can't imagine how they're going to scam you out of banjo lessons.
I always relish the opportunity to add more jackasses to my ignore list, so thanks for obliging!
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What is the safest way to sell on CL? I've never sold anything on CL before and I want to sell a camera.
Are there any tips i should know about?
So far I plan on using a spam email addy, meet in a public place (i.e. parking lot), and obviously take cash.
Anything else I should be aware of?
TIA
had lots of buyers try to negotiate me down after handling the product. pisses me off to no end.
unless you are free to negotiating the price.
I prefer a set price. it's just plain easier to deal with.
What is the safest way to sell on CL? I've never sold anything on CL before and I want to sell a camera.
Are there any tips i should know about?
So far I plan on using a spam email addy, meet in a public place (i.e. parking lot), and obviously take cash.
Anything else I should be aware of?
TIA
What is the safest way to sell on CL? I've never sold anything on CL before and I want to sell a camera.
Are there any tips i should know about?
So far I plan on using a spam email addy, meet in a public place (i.e. parking lot), and obviously take cash.
Anything else I should be aware of?
TIA
Hopefully you can make the exchange in the daylight. If the item is expensive, try to set up a meeting at a time of day where you can deposit the cash in the bank right after making the exchange. Hell, if you can, try to meet in a bank's parking lot. They should have cameras all over the place I would imagine. Just because it's a parking lot doesn't mean it's safe if there are no cameras and not a lot of traffic nearby.
search for your item on craigslist before posting yours so you see what others are selling it for. That will give you an idea of what to ask. You'll get zero REAL inquiries if you are selling an item for $200 and there are three other listings for $150. check ebay also as a comparison. also use check stores as their prices are likely to be higher which you can use to justify your own pricing if you wish.
if your item doesn't sell right away, don't panic and lower the price too soon. you should realize, do you check craigslist every day when you are looking for something? or do you check one day, forget about it, then maybe check several days later...then if you don't see it listed you may not check again for weeks thinking "no one is selling my item so i'll have to check actual stores now". I guess this part really only matters if you can be patient with your item.
If it's a new item that is sealed and they want to open it, I would probably tell them that if they open it, they have to take it unless it's a box of rocks and an obvious scam. it hasn't happened to me yet but I would hate for someone to want to open the item and then say "nah nevermind i don't want this" because it's going to be difficult to sell a "new" item to the next person if it has already been opened for inspection by the previous person.
had lots of buyers try to negotiate me down after handling the product. pisses me off to no end.
unless you are free to negotiating the price.
I prefer a set price. it's just plain easier to deal with.
p.s. - surprise surprise, this douche is a mechanic at a local tire place. I was even planning on chatting this guy up to see what kind of person he was because I want to find a trustworthy mechanic. Not likely him. The only thing I liked about this guy was that he fanned the money out so I could clearly see that it was the correct amount and didn't have to sit there and count it. I hate when a person folds it three times and hands it to me.
Multiple cameras when entering Target, I can grab some food, and there are tables and chairs so you can sit down and inspect the item and count the money. But I many sell and buy small stuff.
"the you still have it for sales in good condition"
"DO YOU STILL HAVE YOU ITEM STILL FOR SALE I HOPE IT IS IN GOOD CONDITION"
Both ask about condition on an ad that says 3 times that the item is brand new in unopened box.
A buddy of mine makes all of these scammers go through the trouble of sending their fake money orders/checks to him because it costs them printing and mailing expenses.
"Thanks for the prompt response to my email and i really appreciate it.
My name is Mr Steven M Bucks and my wife name is Mr Roseline
Bucks.thanks for responding to our email and for accepting the
offer...I have contacted my wife concerning the job and for other
purpose which she might need you for,which she told me is okay by her
,i believe you are fit for this position in as much as you will prove
yourself a reliable and good person Our arrival date should be April
2nd We are coming from Germany to the state for a honey moon but we
are currently in UK with a family friend for a party. So we need to
have a nice time in the states Moreso,she should have done this her
self but i won't want to stress herself up because she is new to me we
just got married.Lol..We will prefer you have your car available and
if dont have any, you're still welcome we will provide you one. ,I am
offering you $300 weekly and you will make yourself available every
day to our schedule from Mon-Fri, Noon-4PM. each day. Also iwant you
to know that my client who is in USA will be sending you a check/Money
order of your payment and every other necessary bills.
Get back to me with the following details of yours,
1.your full name
2. address,city/state,postal code(Pls no POBOX)
3.your phone number.
If you are okay with the offer so that the paycheck can be forwarded
to you as soon as possible and i will appreciate quick
response from you,.
Thanks and please get back to me asap
Bucks"
I am guessing that instead of a fake check for $300, they would send a fake chek for more and want me to wire them the excess or after I deposit their fake check they would claim that their travel plans have changed and ask me to wire them the money back.
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had lots of buyers try to negotiate me down after handling the product. pisses me off to no end.
unless you are free to negotiating the price.
I prefer a set price. it's just plain easier to deal with.