The other day I received this familiar message from “harmmharmons@aol.com”:
“Hello, do you still have this item for sale ? When can I come check it out? Shoot me an email back as soon as possible pls I’m speech disabled though, remember to leave your name and email address when you email back.
PS: – You can just reply this email, I’m always with my computer.”
My reply was “Funny, received the exact same message word for word from one of your scam counterparts! Not falling for it. Reported.”
This morning, I received this reply (the person obviously didn’t read my response or care what I thought).
“Hello and Thanks for writing back but I’m sorry I won’t be able to come see it anymore. Had thought i was going to be in your town to come check it out but my plans got changed impromptu as am embarking on a few weeks business trip to NY tomorrow morning but However, am still interested in purchasing the item anyway.Am actually getting it for my cousin for her upcoming birthday as a gift. If you could sell it to me, I will mail you a bank official check to cover the cost and also add funds to cover the shipping to where it will be needed as soon as i get to New York.
I’ll also make arrange for a shipper/mover to handle the pick up and delivery after you might have confirmed you have your cash at hand in fairness to both parties.You can Email me back with a name, address and your phone number to whom and where the check be drawn to.I’ll be more than glad if it can be sold to me.Write back soon.
Thank you”
Regardless of how much you want to sell something, ALWAYS insist on cash transactions. A FAKE bank check may be sent to you, but when it bounces and the bank cannot get in touch with the scammer, guess who is responsible for reimbursing the bank – YOU! It’s a double loss since the scammer has already had movers pick up your item AND you must reimburse the banks for the total check amount!
Below are additional Craigslist scams I have shared. Familiarize yourself with these scams and do NOT fall for them.
- Using religion to trick sellers.
- I’ll pay you more for your item, just give me your personal info.
- I’ll pay more and send my movers to pick the item up.
- Military PayPal Scam
- I’m Speech Disabled
- Bank Certified Check Scam
- Free Apple iPad
- Free Apple iPhone
Also, check out my tips for being safe on Craigslist! Craigslist is a great place to buy and sell, just be smart about your transactions.