REPORT A SCAM Be wary of overpriced 'payments' WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK

The scam: Alan had a couple of motorcycle seats up for sale, so he went to Craigslist .

[Richard_in_S_Whi tehall]

This article doesn't do a good job of explaining *why* this is a problem. This situation is analogous to the Nigerian money scams. Scott's check will likely bounce, and Alan would be stuck for the amount he sent off to Scott's so-called "shipper".

Even if Scott's check doesn't bounce, Alan then becomes a money launderer; Scott could have paid his "shipper" directly but did not.

Mr. Darragh, next time I suggest you explain the potential crime more thoroughly.

[Professor Kaos]

Alan posted his goods to sell for $125 and Scott e-mailed with an amazing offer: He would send a check for $1,800 and Alan could cover his selling price and add another $50 for his troubles.

Sucker.

TANSTAFL.

Learn it.

Live by it.

[Pachacutec]

How many times do people have to be told, "If it sounds too good to be true.....?"

[Kelly7]

Most scams can be avoided by reading the "beware of..." information that is provided by Craigslist.
I agree with Richard. It was a bit difficult to read this article. I'm wondering if Alan deposited the check. If he did, did the check bounce resulting in a bank fee?

[hysterical]

hmm.... seems to me a good rule of thumb here is that if you are the one selling something, you should not need to send anyone money. anything else smacks of a scam.

[Kelly7]

When I was selling an item, I had a woman request that I go to an office store and spend $20 for a blank check form to be used for an "e-check" that would be printed off of my own computer. Yeah, right!(Gee, she doesn't know ME, either. You would think she'd want to check out the item personally!) So I emailed her back that I only do "cash and carry" transactions.

[me too]

I recieved a similar message in response to something I was selling earlier this week. I can't believe that there are people out there who fall for stuff like that.

[Get A Job]

When posting on Craigslist, add a line "Cash Only". these scammers don't even try then. I've gotten MANY of these emails before I added those 2 simple words. Some people really need to get a life and GET A JOB (besides ripping people off!)

[Kelly7]

Get A Job wrote:

When posting on Craigslist, add a line "Cash Only". these scammers don't even try then. I've gotten MANY of these emails before I added those 2 simple words. Some people really need to get a life and GET A JOB (besides ripping people off!)

Thanks for the advice. It gets annoying wasting time with the scammers.

[Ogre]

Landlords should be aware of similar schemes too. Its not unusual to get an inquiry from a fellow who claims to work for a multinational and will be here with his family for a couple of years. He will send you a "company check" and ask you to send the difference back to him. I usually contact the company to see if there is a local project and verify the individual as well as to let them know they are being ill used.