Honda Rincon with Trailer Raises Eyebrows

Part of the hard part of doing this blog is determining when someone is scamming you, but the "too good to be true" adage must always play a part in your decisions. 

Take for instance the note below from Susan Dobbins. Sounded plausible all the way through, until I saw these phrases: "The price is low because I want to sell the ATV's very quickly. My husband died 2 months ago and I along with my daughter we decided to sell the house and move to my sister in Fort Collins, CO. I can't afford to take days off my work for this sale so i'm trying to sell them online." And this one: "Please send me your full name, shipping address and your phone number. Yahoo Autos will notify you all the details about the shipping and payment."

I live in Texas and the original ad was posted in the Austin Craigslist. I thought it was a local transaction. Once the Denver/Fort Collins element was introduced, red flags went up everywhere. Also, notice how the license plate on the vehicles are conveniently cropped out.

I'm wondering if other people are seeing this scam in their local Craigslist sites?

I'm not saying this is a scam, but it has many elements of one. All the indicators are there.

I sent a note back to Susan telling her I only deal with local sellers.

Note from Susan on the day after I inquired about her ad:

Hello,
Thank you for your interest in purchasing my ATV's. The ATV's with trailer is in perfect working condition, garage kept, with nothing mechanically wrong - like new! If you decide to buy it, you'll receive all the papers, owner manual, keys, a buy-sell contract already signed by me. For this transaction I want to use Yahoo Autos because I want to have a smooth and fast transaction. The ATV's is at the shipping company warehouse in Denver, CO and from there it will be shipped to buyer's address. You will have to make the payment to Yahoo Autos and they will hold the money until you receive the ATV's. ONLY AFTER you receive the ATV's and you inspect it (for 5 days) they will release the payment to me. The inspection time period will begin as soon as you receive the ATV's at your requested address. During all this time Yahoo Autos will hold the money into a trust account. So, this is not a blind transaction, you can see the ATV's before decided to buy it. In this way we are both protected. The final price is $2,525 with shipping costs and insurance included. The price is low because I want to sell the ATV's very quickly. My husband died 2 months ago and I along with my daughter we decided to sell the house and move to my sister in Fort Collins, CO. I can't afford to take days off my work for this sale so i'm trying to sell them online.
If you are really interested in purchasing the ATV's please send me your full name, shipping address and your phone number. Yahoo Autos will notify you all the details about the shipping and payment. 

I will appreciate an answer as soon as possible.
 
Thank you!
Susan Dobbins

P.S.: Below you will find a full desription and the pictures i have taken for this sale. Please take a closer look before you decide.

2 Atv's 2005 Honda Rincon with Trailer
Engine size: 650 cc 
Transmission: Automatic 
Exterior color: Red 
Drive train: 4-Wheel drive 
Vehicle title: Clear 
Trailer: Included
Package deal for 2 Atv's and trailer ready to go anywhere you want. 

HIS ATV: 1 2005 Honda Rincon loaded with warn winch,ITP tires and wheels,2 inch lift kit complete skid plate and rock guards,front warn bumper/brush guard

HER ATV: 1 2005 Honda Rincon Loaded with warn winch,ITP tires and wheels complete skid plate and rock gaurds, front warn Bumper /brush guard  

OUR TRAILER: 1 2006 Anderson 16 foot  tandem axle trailer painted to match with aluminum wheels and electric brakes
2 atv's and 1 trailer and numerous spare parts

Also included are spare misc parts such as oil filters,oil, cv boots, misc o-rings etc.
Both units have been perfectly maintained and only amsoil synthetic lubricants have been used,all items and systems operate as designed, adult driven and never wrecked or used under water. Annual service performed.
Units have normal light scratches from normal use, no damaged or cracked plastics, no torn seats, all mechanicals work perfectly, hard to beat Honda quality, 1 unit shows more hours than are actual because the key was left on for an extended period of time.

Henry Thamara Loves His Wife

Reader says he thinks this is a scam. yes!

----- Forwarded Message -----From: Henry Thamara <h.ilovemywife.uk@gmail.com>Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2012 5:44 PMSubject: Rental Advert

Hi,
I'm interested in your property for rent on Craigslist. I'll like to know how much you're asking per month and security deposit,Total move-in fee plus other vital information's about the property.I am relocating from Woolwich London due to my transfer to the states,so do be aware I can't have the chance to inspect the home personally but let me know if it's possible for me to rent based on pictures and descriptions you have for me.In View of this,I will like to know if it will be available for move-in by 20th Of March. 2012.

(1) Are you the owner or a Realtor.

(2) How close is it to Shopping malls,Banks,Airport,Grocery Stores etc?

(3) Is This property furnished?

(4) Will Utilities be included in the monthly rent?If No,How much do you think it would cost per month? And also,Would it be on my name?

(5) What condition is the property in currently?

(6) Is It Close to Libraries?

Your urgent response will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
+447024029347+447024028050

Jack Rooney Wishes You a "Nice and Rewarding Day Ahead"

Reader sends in this one. How sweet of old Jack:

Date:   Sat, 25 Feb 2012 11:27:57 +0000From:   jack rooney <jackrooney02@gmail.com>
Thanks for responding in earnest, I am indeed exhilarated with the condition.  I am interested and will like to make an immediate purchase, so kindly remove the ad. on Craigslist, I will not mind adding an extra $25 for you to close the ad on craigslist so that I can guarantee I am the potential buyer.  I would have loved to come take a look but my schedule is really tight, I am sure you understand.  I will also want you to know that I will be paying via Certified Check, and it will be sent to you via courier service. You don't need to bother about the shipment, as that has been taken care of...... So I will need you to provide me with the following information to facilitate the mailing of the check.

1. Full Name on the check2. Address where payment will be sent to not p.o.box (because my courierservice does not deliver to p.o box)3. City4. State5. Zip Code6. Phone Number

 Once again, I want you to be rest assured that you will not be responsible for shipping as I will have my mover come over as soon as you have cashed the check.

Have A Nice & Rewarding Day Ahead

Caesars License Company Check 02600953 is Fake

Reader shares experience with "Caesar's License" Issued Check:    

 In searching the internet to determine if I had become another statistic in the long list of "craigs list scam-ees", I found your page offering folks to share their experiences of being scammed in hopes of saving one more gullible (but desperate) soul from the pit of doom! 

     My first (and last!) experience with craigs list was about a month ago.  I posted a few items with pictures and brief descriptions. Imagine my delight when I was contacted by email that I could make some fast money by selling one of these items at wwaaayyyy above and beyond the asking price!  Call me naive when I tell you I did respond to him/her with questions of my own... still not realizing there was never gonna be a sale at any price.

     Because I was a bit leary of the authenticity of the buyer's "odd" circumstance that he/she was so far away and would have to send someone to pick up the item, that's when I did some fact-finding at the craigs list website.  It was as if I had been chosen to become the poster child under the SCAM section warning folks "Do Not Do What This Girl Did!"  Not only did I quickly remove my posted items and closed the account, but I made a vow that day to stick with the tried-n-true local newspapers and thrift papers for my advertising.

     Now, fast forward to this week.... When I arrived at home yesterday, there was a FedEx envelope addressed to me.  As I opened it, a check -- made out to me, with my address, and a $2,350.00 dollar amount -- from a company in Florida I'd never heard of.  My first reaction was "It's from a loan company wanting us to come sign a loan for that $$ amount."  I almost threw it in the trash.  Nothing on the check or the envelope showed an explaination of what it was for.  When folks are gullible and desperate enough, common sense is thrown out the window.  

     Today, I did a Google search for that particular company where the envelope came from.  In fact it is a legitimate company in Florida that deals in selling jewelry and estate properties.  Well, I have neither... so my next call was to the local Better Business Bureau.  The lady I spoke to there was sympathetic, but couldn't really help me without actually seeing the check.  She suggested I take it to my bank and they would be able to verify if it was real or fake.  I didn't want to wait that long.  So, my next call was to the phone number listed at the website of the estate property & jewelry buyer.  By the way, the check was written on a Bank of America bank in Las Vegas, Nevada.

     As I explained about the check -- asking why would I get such a check for such a large amount -- the lady quickly asked had I ever posted anything on craigs list.  I confirmed that I did about a month ago.  I could almost hear the sorrow in her voice as she tried to break it to me gently... "Dearie, it's a scam check.  Someone intercepted our account and we have since closed that one and have created a new account.  So that check is no good.  I'm so sorry."  I couldn't help but chuckle as I said, "Well, I couldn't imagine someone sending us that kind of money for nothing!"  I thanked the sweet lady for her time and determined that I would not be the last one in this line of scammed victims.

     So, if there is a way to block out my address on the check before posting it at your webpage, feel free to show it to the world!  And if there's some way you can help others beware of such evil before they run to the bank to cash their real-looking check, then I say GOOD JOB! 

     Thanks in advance,

     NAME OF READER  (aka "Gullible Gertie"!!)

Fog Scott Profile on Facebook. Really!

A note from reader about correspondence with "Fog Scott." Note that the scammer says they have a Facebook page. I went to Facebook and there is a "Fog Scott" with a military profile pic. Interesting it says he is from Budapest, Hungary, but went to school at West Virginia University. I've never heard of a Hungarian named Fog Scott. Usually they are named something like "Lazlo." Look at Fog's friends on his Facebook page. Very odd assortment of friends for someone from West Virginia. Makes me believe this is a scammer's infiltration of Facebook with a fake identity.

Anyway, here is the note from the reader: 

I was contacted regarding a posting I made to sell a piece of equipment for the visually impaired.  I was asking $2000.00  I continued with I would not help with anything.  He pays for item and then he could pick up from my place of business. Just thought you might want to add this to your list.  After his last email I found your info on the net and copied him with "Sound Familiar" "We are done"

Note from Fog:

Thanks for your mail. Am interested in buying this and i will like to know the last firm price so consider me as your favorite buyer as i will like to have some more pictures if you have them. I would be glad to pay for it as soon as possible though i will not be available to come for an inspection due to my flexible schedule. I will be paying you with my PayPal Account because it's attached to my Bank Account and its safe and very secure way to make payment online. If my mode of payment is accepted kindly email me with the information below to proceed with the payment.

1) What is the condition?

2) Are you the First Owner?

3) Your PayPal Email Address

4) Your  Picked Up Location Address

Get back to me with your address so i can forward to the shipping company to schedule an appointment with you for pick up. I have a private pick up agent that will come for the pick up after payments has been made. And if you don't have a PayPal Account, you can easily go to www.paypal.com and sign up. its very easy. I await your reply as

Fog Scott

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

-----Original Message-----

From: fog scott [mailto:fogscott023@gmail.com]

Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 6:29 PM

Subject: Re: Visually Impaired Reader - $2000 (Snellville)

I was just about to make the payment when i had this little problem with the picking up,I got an email from my agent..i taught i included that in my previous email.he said he won't come and pick up the item unless i pay him the agent commission fee first in order to be able to schedule a pick up time ,and my pick up agent head quarters is in the US and all commission payments made for pick up, from anywhere in the world is sent to their head quarters in the US and the only form of payments they accept is western union money transfer and i tried to pay online but i will need a credit card which i didn't bring along, and there is no post office(there is usually a western union section in have to ask you to help me with the pick up fees, i will include the $800 they charged to pick it up and take it my home(1st class treatment), to the payments i will send through paypal. After i have made the payments and it has been confirmed by paypal, i will need you to help me send the $800 to my pick up agent through western union money transfer, the western union money transfer can be made at a post office near to you,there is always a western union agent in most post offices or online at www.westernunion.com .I will be making the payments shortly and will email you as soon as it has been done Regards

fogscott

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: fog scott [mailto:fogscott023@gmail.com]

Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 7:21 PM

Subject: Re: Visually Impaired Reader - $2000 (Snellville)

i will pay for the agent and i will add the agent cost to your money and u will just help me send the money to my agent because there's no western union here please help me god will  help u and your family thanks

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

-----Original Message-----
From: fog scott [mailto:fogscott023@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 7:45 PM
Subject: Re: Visually Impaired Reader - $2000 (Snellville)

yes will dont have western union u can check me on facebook my name is fogscott am working for united state army and will are on mission here in iraq and i want to buy this for my family

Recycling "Willing and Ready" Phrase Over and Again

One thing I notice, time after time in scammers emails, is the phrase "I am willing and ready to purchase it right away." If you are receiving an email from someone with that phrase it's likely you're receiving an email or text from a scammer. Here's another one from a reader:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: steven merlin <ste013mer@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Feb 21, 2012 at 1:40 PM
Subject: Re: New Living, Dinning, and Bedroom for sale with Picture - $2000 (Malden.MA)

Thanks for your response, I am quite okay with your price, I want you to understand that I am willing and ready to purchase it right away and i will offer you the price,so please withdrawn the advert on Craigslist as sold and  consider me as your favorite buyer,Note that I have a shipper/mover who handles my shipping arrangement anywhere in the world,they would be coming for the pick up, after you have received your payment, which would be made through PayPal, If this is acceptable,as I am an Marine officer and am at work right now on the
sea and i can only pay you through PayPal at the moment as I do not have access to my bank account online,but I have it attached to my PayPal account,so get back to me with your PayPal email address in order to proceed with your payment and if you don't have a PayPal
account you can easily set up an account with PayPal on www.paypal.com.

1) The pictures
2) What is the condition?
3) Are you the First Owner?
4) Your PayPal Email Address
5) Your  Picked Up Location Address

Get back to me with your address so i can forward to the shipping company to schedule an appointment with you for pick up. I have a private pick up agent that will come for the pick up after payments has been made.
Thanks and i will look forward to read back from you.

Here's First Report of Scammer Using Text Messaging to Respond to Craigslist Ad

Reader responds by TEXT MESSAGE with scammer for wedding dress:

I posted a wedding dress for sale on Craigs List. Then I got this text from phone number 605-644-6059...... 

Hi this is Tyler Blauw i saw the posting of your wedding dress on craigslist and i will like to know the condition and how much you are offering it last.

She replied by text:

Wedding dress is new & never worn. I am selling the dress and veil for only 275.00.

Tyler replied: 

I want to purchase your dress as soon as possible for my daughter before her engagement/ wedding ceremony which is fast approaching... I will be paying you through a bank certified check so that you can have your cash in hand before shipping the dress... I will wait for your bank to confirm and clear the check before we proceed with the shipment. I will need your full name and address to mail the check to you and will be adding extra 50.00 for shipping,, Tyler    

I replied: 

Where would I be shipping the dress to? 

 Tyler replied: 

To ohio so text me your info to send the check asap. 

Then the reader says:

"I then told him to address the envelope to Phil and gave him the address of the leasing office at my trailor park. I told him to make the check payable to my maiden name. Something still didn't feel right, so I googled the name and your site came up. THANKYOU! THANKYOU! THANKYOU!

"And by the way, area code 605 is South Dakota, NOT Ohio. I will be contacting law enforcement when and if he sends the check. THANKS TO YOU, I WON'T BE CASHING IT:) Please make people aware of the new name and phone number he is using too."

More Scam Email Addresses

pherrysmith01@gmail.com
Lives77now
billyjohn05@gmail.com
jroymeas47@aol.com
mr.jones464@gmail.com
micgib6689@googlemail.com
elijoe01@gmail.com
 katediano@gmail.com

Vacation Rental Scammers Give Themselves away with Multiple Return Addresses

Here's a reader who communicated with Joshua Smith, Mitchell Erin, Crystal Ward, Jessy Mandy about vacation rental:

Hi Joey, Thank you for your valuable information.  We have a vacation rental and just sent our name address and phone number to a Joshua Smith, who said his wife's employer in England's was mailing a certified check, etc.  I should have listened to my common sence, but I thought, "What harm can come from sending my address and phone number?"  Then I received a similiar email with almost exactly the same wording.  The first email would come very simply as an inquiry like, "Is April 2nd available?" But not specific dates like April 2nd through April 5th? Then when I responded back, "Yes", The next email I received was sent with an entirely different email address. At this point I did not respond back. But am now wondering what they can do with my physical address and phone number!
Here are the scamming email addresses so far: Marie Bennett, (romi_nancy@hotmail.com), Mitchell Erin (crystal.ward25@gmail.com), jessy mandy (jessy.mandy2@gmail.com), and the verdict is still out with Dr. Robert.  Thank you if you can help me if there is anything I can do at this point.

Scammers Want Tutoring Lessons

The offer of tutoring services draws scam attempt:

From: mid way  midwayltd010@gmail.com

Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 6:24 AM

Subject: Re: TUTORING SERVICES - ALL SUBJECTS (Chanhassen)

Hello,

 Thanks for getting back to me and everything sound good to  me, Am Mide Waylex by name, my daughter is coming  for an holiday in  your (CITY),Her name is Victoria and she is 14 years old .I want her to be busy in the time of the day, because i will be in CANADA for business trip  for a month that is why i  want her to be lesson, Am okay with your price and i have decided to let her attend to your lesson and she will be coming 2 hour in a day in the Afternoon, also get back to me with you own convenient time and days you want my daughter to be  coming in 3 days in a week and when you will be available to start with my daughter next week, i haves Someone that will always drives her down to your lesson center..I will be happy if you can help my daughter because my daughter is highly interested in your  tutor lesson and she can't avoid to miss it..and i will be happy if you can show her some love thanks Kindly get back to me with your information below to be on the check.....

FULL NAME
Full ADDRESS WITH ZIP CODE....(not p.o box) YOUR CELL PHONE NUMBER...(i can
text you)

The reason why i need the information is that the payment will sent to you  through Ups Or FedEx Courier,So that the courier can deliver the payment to you. Hope you understand me now.Thanks and hope to read from you soon 

 Best Regards

Mide

Another note from a happy reader:

Hi

I follow your blogging with the user name XXXX.  I signed up today after I googled information received in an email about a rental we posted. Thank you for creating and maintaining it.  You saved us a ton of money! Here is the email we got from the fraudulent operator today which prompted my google search.

My best to you, XXXX

From: Gary Fisher <rayfisher42dit@yahoo.com>
Date: February 12, 2012 8:42:58 AM PST
Subject: Details
Reply-To: Gary Fisher <fishergrayed8@yahoo.com>

Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will like to proceed with the  renting process, i would like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me. I would also be needing the following information so that the cashier's check for payment of the deposit of $1600 can be processed and posted to you soon.

Name:............
Address:.............
Phone number(cell and land):............

I want the 12 months lease to start on the 1st March 2012, i  also want to notify you that i have in the mean time arrange with an interior decorator who will be handling the purchase of furniture, entertainment system and other appliances that i will need in the property,they will as well be in-charge of moving down my luggage down to the States.So the cashier's check of $6100 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $1600 and you will forward the rest to the Decorators  so i can have the place all prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed on arrival.

Also for familiarization I Am Gary Fisher, 35 yrs old,a British citizen, I work with Apex insurance, as a loss adjuster agent, I am a Christian, reserved in Nature and i do not keep pets. I look forward to meeting you and hope to have a good relationship as a tenant with you. I await the details. you can reach me at this number +447045780240
Below  is my present landlords information for reference :
       Mark Lebon
       19 Godstow Road, London, , SE2 9AT
       UNITED KINGDOM
       EMAIL:arklebonmet@yahoo.com
You can also call my employer at the number below to verify employment.
        (Richard Shwe  +447573833225)
Thanks a bunch.

---

To: Gary Fisher <rayfisher42dit@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2012 2:28 PM

Dear Gary,

thank you for the email, but the Bungalow rents rather quickly and I worry that it would not be available upon your arrival.

the monthly rental is 800.00 us dollars.  The move in is first months rent and an equal security deposit making total move in 1600.00. there is no lease it is month to month.  Utilities are included in the rent there Re no extra costs.  we do not show inside photos due to privacy issues.

You can always email me before you come and I will update you on the status.  If the current Bungalow is not available, maybe another one will come up for rent.

my best to you,

On Feb 11, 2012, at 11:43 AM, Gary Fisher <rayfisherdew45@yahoo.com> wrote:

Thanks so much for your response.I would like to get some more details about the property
i am inquiring about.I am currently in the UK and i am relocating over to the US to do a survey for my employer (Apex insurance Inc),as we are about to open an office in the State,
due to the fact that i can not be present to inspect the Property,
i would like you to give me the below detail

# I need full details including address of the property and pictures
if available
# Monthly rentals/security deposits
# If utilities is added to monthly rent
# When the property would be available
# Mail me the total move in cost

I await your response soon.
Regards.

Vacation Rental Ads for Apartments in Walham Grove and Candam Used by Scammers

Here's a very good note from a reader providing the clues that tipped off the scammer's attempt:

 

Hi,

I am planning a vacation in London so me and my firend saw some vacation rental ads on craigslist. I wrote to an adv for an apartment in Walham Grove, my friend to an adv for an apartment in Candam. The same person wrote to us from two different e mail (the one who answered to me  is attached here and uses the mail reservation@hfh-mail.co.uk) the one who answered (with same text!) to my friend was reservation@vacmail.net.

The name of the person behind these ads is the same: Colin Fraser.

We think it is a scam because first of all the price of the apartment is too low for how both the apartments look like, and where they are located. If the same person owns the two apartments why should he write from two different e mails? Moreover the mail I received has the extension hfh-mail.co.uk very similar to the extension that the true site home for home has, but it is not the same. In order to confirm the house they ask us to pat a small amount through bank transfer.

The ads are still on Craigslist.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Short & Long Term Properties. <reservation@hfh-mail.co.uk>
Date: 2012/2/12
Subject: 3 br apartment in Chelsea

Hello,

Your chosen comfortable three bedroom with ad # (2846825637) located on #15 Walham Grove, Hammersmith is available from 5th-12th May. Nightly rate is £80 all bills included. Bathroom products, towels and linen are provided upon arrival. And Payment is by bank transfer. The flat is clean, kitchen is well equipped with all you may need during your stay and a maid service could be provided on request for an extra charge.

We offer London black taxi services to and from the airport. This is to ensure easy and quick access to the flat. To secure this apartment, you are required to book it online, pay a deposit percentage of the total rent and a refundable damage deposit. The damage deposit is refunded on your departure date. Confirm your interest to proceed with booking.

7 nights will cost a total of £560. Deposit required is 40% of the total= £224 + £150 (Refundable damage deposit) = £374.

The address is: #15 Walham Grove, Hammersmith, White City Estate, London,
Greater London SW6 1QP.

To see the location go to Google and impute the above address.

http://maps.google.co.uk

Best Regards,
Colin Fraser.

Apt Link:  http://london.craigslist.co.uk/vac/2846825637.html

Google Turns Up a Question Mark on adeyinka006

A reader below googled "adeyinka006" and it hit the "Let's get the Craigslist Scammers" blog for the August 28, 2011 entry "Mark Smith Plays 'Instant Purchase' Game. I, nor the reader, can find where "adeyinka006" is listed on the blog entry, either in my post or the post of readers. Very strange. Nonetheless, the correspondence that the reader received is very suspicious in terms of its similarity to other scammers posts. If any one has any insights it would be much appreciated.

I did a google on the adeyinka006 email id from the message below and had one hit (for "adeyinka 006") - your blog.  However, it does not show up on the page the link takes me to.  Could it be buried somewhere in your blog?  If so, then should I take this id as being from a scammer?

This is the second email like this in a week, where there is a Reply-To and a From email id (Thunderbird shows these things by default - curiously, Outlook Express, our previous email manager, did not, by default anyway), suggesting this was sent via a forwarding id.  The interesting thing about the first one was that I received a second email from the same Reply-To id, but different From id.  After replying to that, I received a scam message similar to the ones you posted - "Please delete your craigslist post now!...And, please send (personally identifiable information) and I will send our shipper to pick up the item".

Ideally, would be nice to have a quick lookup of email ids these are coming from.

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	Brand New - Corsair Force Series 3 120 GB SSD CSSD-F120GB3A-BK - $155 (Richardson / N Dallas)
Date:	Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:04:49 +1100
From:	adeyinka006@gmail.com
Reply-To:	kenbyoung7@gmail.com

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	Re: ITSO Cubes and Bins for Storage - $150 (N of Dallas)
Date:	Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:58:03 +0330
From:	Wilke

I really appreciate your response to my email. I want you to consider
it sold, Pls do withdraw the advert from CL to avoid
disturbance,anyway I don't have time to come over to take a look
because of my Business but you don't need to bother yourself with the
shipment, I'll take care of that by engaging the services of a
shipper, hence I'll be sending a Certified check and it will be
delivered to you via United Parcel Service (UPS), so I'll need you to
provide me with the following information to facilitate the mailing of
the check.

Full name on the check.
Full Physical address to post the check
City, State and Zip Code
Home & Cell Phone to contact you.


Note that the payment will be shipped to your address via UPS NEXT DAY
AIR SERVICE and I will like you to know that you will not be
responsible for shipping i will have my shipper  to come over as soon
as  you have cashed the check*

N.B UPS does not deliver to a P.O box addresses.Thanks

Scammer Tries To Rent Their House Out to Craigslist Reader

Here's an interesting note from a scammer renting a Colorado house from their West Africa abode:

Hello,

Thanks for your email, I personally own the house, we want our property to be well taken good care, and there are some Precaution in which i do give out to tenant willing to rent my house which brings about safety of a home, so please don't be offended. But if you are still capable of renting my house the precaution goes this way..
 
             You must keep my house clean including the surrounding, you must know the way in which you use the stove so as to avoid fire outbreak,you must not disturb the neighbor. We decided to rent out the property due to our transfer to (West Africa).  My Family and I just traveled to Nigeria for a program Empowering Youth to Fight Racism, HIV/AIDS, Poverty and Lack of Education with Dove Christian Fellowship International on a Missionary Work, so we are renting it out since we need someone to take good care of the property on my absence and the house will be available for a period of 5 years. The program is taking place in four major countries which are Uganda, Japan, Haiti and Nigeria. Have this in mind you must know the kind of person that i am. Nevertheless i am giving you this Precautions because of what corresponded between me and my last tenant. The keys and documents are with us here in West Africa ... so i will need to ship them to you before you can occupy the house but you can drive by the house anytime to take a look.
 
           We will be away for a while that is why we made up our mind to put up our house for rent to whom ever that will take good care of it. Please i want you to note that i spent a lot on my property that i want to give to you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own. Utilities include Water,Trash,Sewer,Gas and Electricity etc and all untilities are included for six (6) months of move in. The money is not the main problem but i want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up. I also want you to let me have trust in you as I always stand on my word.

Address: 12642 James Ct, Broomfield, CO 80020, USA

Pets are Welcome!!!
Rent: $700
Security Deposit: $700
Living Building Square Footage:  1280
Number Of Bedrooms:        3
Number Of Bathrooms:       2.00
 
SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATION FORM BELOW:
 
RENT APPLICATION FORM.
Name (First name/ Middle name/Surname ) : __________?
Phone # :__________?
E-mail :__________?
Best time to call :__________?
Marital Status:__________?
How many proposed occupants :__________?
List all in addition to yourself including approx age :__________?
Present Address :__________?
City/State :__________?
Will you have pets :__________?
Please describe Breed, size :__________?
Personality of pet :__________?
Preferred move in date :__________?
Intended length of lease:__________?
Do you agree to pay the payment before you move in:__________?
Earliest possible date of deposit payment:__________?
Length of previous tenancy :__________?
Present occupation :__________?
Are you a section 8 applicant :__________?
Do you work late night :__________?
Do you smoke :__________?
Do you drink :__________?
Your picture or pictures __________?

Please feel free to ask any questions you do not understand and i will be looking forward to receive your email as soon as possible. As i am not around to show the inside, you can go check out the house and the neighborhood from the outside and get back to me if you really like it  for more information. Please respond ASAP.
 
For more inquiries, Here is my cell phone number, call or text me ASAP +234-808-398-9796 OR +234-805-946-9838
 
Best Regards.
COOPER CARTER.

"Kelly Rowland" and "Myer Kim" Names Used by Scammers

Reader gets approached by not one but two scammers, wasting her time. Here's the reader's note to me:

I recently posted an ad on craigslist to sell some furniture and received 2 emails inquiring about the ad.  They asked if they item was still available and if I could  provide additional details, even thought i specifically stated that the ad would be removed once sold and posted all information and pictures about the furniture.  So i answered their emails and said the item was still available, to which I received the following responses.  They said that they would pay for the transaction using paypal and that they would hire a shipping company that would pick up the items.  I immediately became suspicious when they refused to answer my questions and did not contact me by telephone, so I did a quick search for cragislist scams and found emails that had the exact wording as the one I received.  I wish to contribute to your blog that I found online, so that others do not fall victims to these scams.

Scammer 1:

Myer Kym

Email: myerkim10@gmail.com and crlmeyer01@gmail.com

First email from Myer:

Greetings,

I'm interested in your add you posted on CL. So I want to know if it's still available for sale and will like to know more details about it?

Second email from Myer:

I so much appreciate your response to my earlier mail. I wish to let you know that I'm satisfied with the condition. Like I said there is no doubt I'm going to purchase it. Therefore I want you to consider it sold by withdrawing the advert from craigslist. Note that you will not be responsible for shipping and handling. My Shipping Company will come to your location for pick up. Kindly provide me with the address where it will be picked up so that i can forward it to the Shipping Company to calculate the cost of pick up for me. Please get back to me as soon as possible so that i can proceed with the payment via PayPal.So get back to me with the following details:

Your Full Name:

The Pick Up Address including Zip Code:

Your PayPal email address for the payment.

Thanks and in anticipation of your response.

Best Regards.

Scammer 2:

Name: Kelly Rowland

Email: gbolike104@gmail.com

First email:

Hello.Let me know if the item listed is still for sale???

Second email:

Hi,

Thank for the prompt response to my mail,my secretary will be

processing and mail a certified check to cover the cost of my purchase as am completely satisfied with the advert.I will need the details of whom & where to mail the certified check.It will be delivered by the United Parcel Service within 24 hours.Please note 'United Parcel Service' do not deliver to P.O.Box addresses

1.Name to be on the check

2.Home address

3.Mobile #

Kindly delete the posting as am totally committed to buying from you to save me cost,my mover will be coming over for the pick up right only after the payment as been delivered and i want you to understand that,i will have love to call but am a deaf and only uses a hearing-in paired phone the relay so please send me a email you leave a message on my voice mail (281) 756-7993 it will be delivered as an email to me as well.

 Thank you.

-----

I hope this helps you warn other people not fall for this scam. 

Employers Who Don't Want to Interview

Employers who don't ask for interviews are red flag to reader. I wonder if they send the employee a bogus check for the errands or for the weekly salary and ask for an overage to be sent back to them. We'd be interested in learning more about that if anyone knows. Here's what the reader said, followed by the scammers' note:

Hi, I got this email from an ad i responded to on Craigslist in DC, I'm pretty sure It's a scam, since the "employer" didn't request an interview, and asked for the exact same info and questions that a lot of the other people on your site posted.

Dear Applicant, I got your application resume. I'm looking for someone that can be trusted and reliable to work very well with good understanding. This position i am offering is home-based and flexible, working with me is basically about  instructions and following them, my only fear is that i may come at you impromptu sometimes,so i need someone who can be able to meet up with my irregular timings. As my Personal Assistant, your activities amongst other things will include;

Primary Responsibilities:

* Creating orders/pick slips/invoices/credit memos.

* Processing return authorizations for me as needed.

* Running personal errands.

* supervisions and monitoring.

* Scheduling programmes, flights and keeping me up to date with them.

* Acting as an alternative telephone correspondence while I'm away and when needed as i am hard on hearing that is why computer works for me. Making regular contacts and drop-offs on my behalf. Handling and monitoring some of my financial activities as the case maybe.

Basic wage is $400 Weekly

I'm sure you'll understand I tend to have a very busy schedule at this  point. Please note that this position is not office based for now because of my frequent travels and tight schedules, it's a part-time work from home for now and the flexibility means that there will be busier weeks than others. I have reviewed with your Resume and I think I am impressed with it and would like to give you an immediate trial, so if you are interested kindly get back to me.  As I have been checking my files and schedules and would need someone urgently to run some errands for me this week/next week, while I am away. I will have some funds sent to you to complete the errands and would get back to you with more information on that, get back to me with your Personal/Contact Details such as:

FULL NAMES:

ADDRESS,Include Apt # If Available(No PO.BOX please):

CITY:

STATE:

ZIP CODE:

HOME PHONE #:

MOBILE PHONE#:

EMAIL ADDRESS:

SEX:

AGE:

PRESENT JOB:

Thanks in anticipation of your prompt response

Yours Sincerely

Kennon Wiston

Kennon Wiston kenwis102@gmail.com