Craigslist Scammers
Got this “offer” on a recent ad I put up on Craigslist. It reeks of scam:
Hello, I’m lauretta, I am satisfied with the description and
condition of the item listed above by you on the Ad, Please
let me know if the piece is still available for sale and
kindly attach more pictures if available. I have a problem
talking on phone because I’m hearing impaired I look forward
to hearing from you soon.lauretta
Sent by [CompanyName] Mail
The reason I say this, is because I had a different posting earlier, and it pretty much sounded like this one, but was, literaly signed by “Mr. Young Thomas”.
Other scam tipoffs:
- The reply doesn’t actually mention the piece by name, it says things like “listed above by you” and “if the piece is still available”.
- They give excuses why they don’t want to talk or meet in person
- “Sent by [CompanyName] Mail” - I love this one… Anyone ever seen legitimate mail software that does that kind of signature?
- Your item is worth a significant amount of money. The scammers don’t want cheap stuff.
- The offer sounds like any of the tips listed here.
At any rate, I just thought I’d pass along a friendly example so that others can beware. As Craigslist says, meet in person when you sell something. And do so in a public, well-lit, well-trafficed place and don’t take checks for large amounts of money or at least don’t give up the item until the check clears.
December 18th, 2008 at 4:31 am
I would agree, it does sound like it could be a scam, but it might not hurt to reply to this person, if indeed they are hearing impaired, they can talk with you quite easilly, using a TDD operator, or via e-mail and/or msn I/M.
to me, the tip off is, “I am satisfied with…”, if they are, they can just come and buy it.