I thought I would post this here, since so many of us buy and sell fish, aquariums, and equipment/supplies through Craigslist or on eBay.
As some of you know already, my mom passed away last August. A few days ago, I posted her wheelchair for sale on Craigslist. In response to that ad, I got a 419 scam email this morning.
Aside from this "Mike" person asking for my name, address, and phone number. He's from out of state, needs it urgently, offers more money than I listed it for, and claims he will have some company come here to pack and ship it to him at his expense. Yeah, right.
The truth is, if you accept a money order like that and deposit it. Even a fake money order will "clear" within 3-5 days or so. It usually takes many weeks after this happens for your bank to discover it was a fake money order. When they do, they take that money right back out of your account and you are held responsible for the bad deposit. Doesn't matter if you knew it was fake or not. Plus.. if someone at the bank suspects you may have known the money order was no good and deposited it anyway, they'll report this to the police and have you investigated for fraud.
From "Mike Johnson"
My reply.
As some of you know already, my mom passed away last August. A few days ago, I posted her wheelchair for sale on Craigslist. In response to that ad, I got a 419 scam email this morning.
Aside from this "Mike" person asking for my name, address, and phone number. He's from out of state, needs it urgently, offers more money than I listed it for, and claims he will have some company come here to pack and ship it to him at his expense. Yeah, right.
The truth is, if you accept a money order like that and deposit it. Even a fake money order will "clear" within 3-5 days or so. It usually takes many weeks after this happens for your bank to discover it was a fake money order. When they do, they take that money right back out of your account and you are held responsible for the bad deposit. Doesn't matter if you knew it was fake or not. Plus.. if someone at the bank suspects you may have known the money order was no good and deposited it anyway, they'll report this to the police and have you investigated for fraud.
From "Mike Johnson"
Still Available For Sale?
My reply
Yes it is, Mike.
From "Mike Johnson" (several hours later)
Hi
Thanks for writing back,I'm cool with your final price because i do need this item urgently..let me know if you will accept payment with Money Orders as this is the only way i can make the payment because i am located in Oregon..i don't mind offering you an extra $40 for holding the item for me.
I would have loved to come take a look at it though but i will not be able to do so due to the distance but i'll really appreciate a picture from you.You may reply with your name and contact address also your phone number where you will like to receive the payment,and concerning the shippment i will handle all the shipping expenses myself via Global Express Shipping Company they will take care of the packaging and the shippment.
I shall look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thanks
Mike
After getting that message, I Googled his email address, the name of the shipping company he gave, and Craigslist scams to see what I would find. Sadly, this kind of non-local money order scan is very common.Thanks for writing back,I'm cool with your final price because i do need this item urgently..let me know if you will accept payment with Money Orders as this is the only way i can make the payment because i am located in Oregon..i don't mind offering you an extra $40 for holding the item for me.
I would have loved to come take a look at it though but i will not be able to do so due to the distance but i'll really appreciate a picture from you.You may reply with your name and contact address also your phone number where you will like to receive the payment,and concerning the shippment i will handle all the shipping expenses myself via Global Express Shipping Company they will take care of the packaging and the shippment.
I shall look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thanks
Mike
My reply.
Very funny, "Mike Johnson." I haven't laughed this hard in a long time.
No, I don't want your fake money order. For my $85 asking price + the extra $40 you offered for nothing + plus the added expense on your part for fictitious packing and shipping... you could easily buy a used, heavy duty wheelchair in "Oregon" and probably have it delivered to you "urgently."
I will, however, be happy to send you the picture you requested.
See attached.
No, I don't want your fake money order. For my $85 asking price + the extra $40 you offered for nothing + plus the added expense on your part for fictitious packing and shipping... you could easily buy a used, heavy duty wheelchair in "Oregon" and probably have it delivered to you "urgently."
I will, however, be happy to send you the picture you requested.
See attached.
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wned: I've been wanting to us that smiley:lol:
