Check Scam Still Operating at Craigs List Site

Fraudsters are still running the check scam on the Craig's List site, so consumers should be aware. A coworker, Peter, shared with me his experience which is instructive.

A person named "Phil" replied to Peter's ad about the furniture Peter was selling (for about $150). Peter came to me because Phil's e-mail reply seemed not quite right (typos and all):

"I really appreciate your response to my inquiry. Im interested in buying the Item from you. I would love to come and check it myself but I just got >married and im presently on my honeymoon trip to Hawaii with my wife.I would love a surprise change of furniture in our home on our return.Pls do withdraw the advert from Craigslist as i dont mind adding $20 for you to do that, so i can be rest assured that the item is held for me. I should believe it is in good condition as stated. I will be making the payment via a Check, which my secretary will mail to you. I'll be picking the item from you with the aid of my mover. My Mover will be coming to pick it from you once the Check has been cashed. Pls I will need both your full name and physical address along with your phone number to issue out the payment.
Thanks,
Phil"

Is Phil a scammer? It's a little hard too tell at first, but the above e-mail had some clues. A person really interested in the furniture would come buy and look at the furniture before offering payment; and perhaps negotiate the final price (if the furniture had some dings or tears). Phil was operating without seeing the furniture.

Peter was understandably uncomfortable with giving Phil his address information, but he wanted to sell the furniture. Phil and Pete traded a couple more e-mail messages (Peter's attempt to determine Phil's true level of interest), and Phil ultimately sent a check via FedEx -- for $2,600 and made out by the American Math Society, a real organization.

Correctly, Peter started watching his credit reports for any irregularities, placed Fraud Alerts on his credit reports, and contacted both FedEx and the American Math Society (AMS). Both organizations know about the scam. So far, nobody can find Phil.

According to the About Scams page at the Craigslist site, the check scam works like this:

"Most scams involve one or more of the following: inquiry from someone far away, often in another country; Western Union, Money Gram, cashier's check, money order, shipping, escrow service, or a "guarantee"; inability or refusal to meet face-to-face before consummating transaction"

Here's the payoff part of the scam:

"A distant person offers a genuine-looking (but fake) cashier's check... value of cashier's check often far exceeds your item - scammer offers to "trust" you, and asks you to wire the balance via money transfer service; banks will often cash these fake checks AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE CHECK FAILS TO CLEAR, including criminal prosecution in some cases!"

Is the $2,600 check real? Of course not. At some point, Phil would have asked Peter via e-mail to wire him money covering the different between the bogus check amount and the price of Peter's furniture; and Phil would have quickly disappeared. Peter would have been stuck with a bogus $2,600 check, bounced-check fees by his bank, and out $2,400 (the money wired to Phil for the difference between the bogus check amount and the value of Peter's used furniture).

But, by being alert with some healthy skepticism, Peter avoided all of this and didn't get scammed. A word to the wise: fraudsters attempt this check scam with other organizations' names besides the AMS; on other online-ad sites besides Craig's List, and on job search sites; and fake parking ticket scams. So, be alert and warn your family, friends, and neighbors.

Comments

[The Dave]

A friend of a friend got caught in one of these that went a bit further, so although this is second hand, it fits the scam like a glove, with one twist.

She listed a mobile phone worth $400+ on Craigslist, the scammer actually arranged to have the item picked up and shipped to them.

It's a fun twist, leaving the victim not only out the money, and possibly defending criminal cheque fraud charges, but also without the original item.

The scammers used a local courier company who delivered the item to UPS where it was promptly shipped overseas. The shipping company then attempted to go after her when their cheque bounced too, although they were good enough to back off once they realized she was even more of a victim then they were.

[Jackie]

yes, got be careful! I was looking for a rental on craigslist last year. the ads showed the actural address with a lot cheaper monthly rent for the area. my 1st email response was instructing me to go over have a look at the house from outside since she and her husband had to move in a rush due to job relocation. then the 2nd response told me that I need to contact her husband who was working at oversea to send one month rent as deposit (cashier check only), that was when I became cautious. then I just kept the game going by writing them back requesting references and local contacts - sure they dissapeared...

[George]

Dave and Jackie:

Wow! Thanks for posting comments with variations of this scam. That's good information for consumers to know.

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Nidia Hiroms]

My son just experienced this as well, however the item was COD and the buyer was out of state said he would cover the freight shipping charge as well. This "Chris Tate" sent cashier's checks that looked totally real, only come to find out that they were stolen cashier's checks. My son is out $1500 and UPS Freight is out $488. There is ongoing investigation into this. By the way, these were wheels that the "buyer" now has.

[Al]

Thanks to posts like this and ones on other sites, I also successfully avoided being scammed by someone who wanted to send me a cashiers check for a couch without coming to see it. He also offered to wait until the check cleared before calling to arrange pickup of couch. Definitely shady and too questionable to proceed. I cut all ties immediately when he asked for my name, home address, home number, and cell number. BE CAREFUL!

[Jimmy]

I had a guy email me the same scam. I declined to proceed, but have been signing his email address up for as many genital herpes and gay/lesbian support group email newsletters I can find online.

[George]

Jimmy:

Thanks for taking the time to submit a comment. I appreciate that. I can imagine your anger and feeling "mugged." However, the contents of your comment I find inappropriate and misleading. I am leaving your comment on the site so others can learn from it.

Craig's list users should always report fraud to local law enforcement. There are help pages within the Craig's List site directing consumers about the appropriate action to take.

If the postal mail was used, consumers should also report the scam to the Postmaster at their local Post Office. And, if fraud was involved, consumers should also file a report with the FTC. See the Resources page in this blog for links.

Signing up scammers to e-mail alerts from other groups does nothing, is spam it and of itself, and burdens those groups with excessive email requests. It may make you feel good, but your comment about gay/lesbian support groups is offensive for these and other reasons.

Hopefully, your future comments will be more thoughtful, more relevant, and productive.

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[George]

Al:

Thanks for your comment. I am glad that you were able to avoid getting scammed. Stay alert and forward the good word about how the I've Been Mugged blog can help you from getting scammed.

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Isaac]

Hi, I've got the check but through Dave Whelan looking for math tutor its the same description and same people to deliver the money dont fall for it. This guy is looking for a math tutor for his son and he doesn't even call you come on!!!!

Here is the email folks take care

Dear Tutor ,
Thank you for the email,i want my son (Frank) for the
tutorial.He is of 13yrs and friendly , he is gentle and handsome and
ready to learn whatever you can teach him , he lives with his mother
in phillipine and i want him to come to the states and spend his
holiday with me so that he can learn more about Algebra In Maths very well as that is where he needs extra tutoring because i
do not want him to be behind his mates. i hope you will be able to
take care of him and tutor him well ,I have made contacts with my
wife and son concerning the arrangements of the tutoring and it's ok
by them.

ABOUT THE TUTOR AND TIME:

You will be teaching him 3 times a week , 2 hours a day
which will be 6 hours a week, i am going to pay for the first two
weeks which will be ($1000) just for you to know how serious it
is,also i want you to know that he will arrive in the states by May
30th, so you will be teaching him Maths once again, so i want you to
tell me the days you will be available during the week also the time
, so i will know your full schedule for the 6 hours in a week ok ,
also let me know the best library around you that will be comfortable
to meet you, so that i can contact the nanny that i have employed to
cater for him and watch after him and the nanny can be bring him
there, i want him to study more about what he needs to know while he
is in the states and he speaks a little bit of english but no too
perfect....smiles.... so you will be patient to explain and teach him.
We lived in south dakota for 4 years and i gave birth to him before
my wife took him along to phillipine ,so i believe he can speak a
little bit . About the time you will be teaching him, i don't know if
weekends will be convinent for you , FRI , SAT, AND SUN ? Just asking
any way , if its ok by you , Then you can email me back with time
schedule for the 3 days, remember 2 hours a day. ( BUT HE WILL BE IN
THE STATES FOR 2 MONTHS WHICH I WILL BE SENDING YOU YOUR PAYMENT
WEEKLY)

PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT:

Am a very busy type, i work in a factory & i work a
lot , so I want you to know that i will be sending you the payment
in form of cashiers check for your payment, which you will get the
check soonest ,also i will send you a tracking number of UPS courier
service , I will mail the payment to you as overnight deliver because
i don't want any delay about this tutoring , i want my son to start
the tutoring as soon as you can help ok ,Moreso i will be needing
your TRUST AND FAVOR in the part of the nanny that will be bringing
him to you at the library location you will provide , also the nanny
will be taking care of him in feeding and other things , i have
already contacted a nanny that stays close, and will be in charge of
this , So i will be sending you a check of ($4000),so you will
take out $1000 and send the rest $3000 to the nanny via western union
which i will be giving you the nanny name and address where you will
be sending the money to as soon as you get the check payment ,You may
be wondering why the nanny money is much , Just that she will be
feeding and taking care of Frank while they will reside in a hotel
near you with her for the 2 months and the nanny will also hire a
Driver to be bringing them to you & the nanny will be paying the
driver as well from the money, I hope you can understand this now .
So i will want you to email me your full name and address for the
check to be delivered to you on as soon as it's been processed so
please do email me your full correct address and don't send a po box ,
so that the payment won't get lost ....

HERE ARE THE DETAILS I WANT YOU TO EMAIL BACK SO THAT THE CHECK CAN GET YOU:

First name...................
Last name....................
Address Line 1(No Po Box)...............
City.........................
State........................
Zip/Postal code..............
Age..........................
Home phone...................
Cell phone...................
Current position in Occupation...........

I hope all these arrangements're ok with you , if so do
email back as soon as possible so that i can make the arrangement for
the check asap , Dont make any mistake when sending your details
,because i dont want the payment to get lost, also i believe you will
be good to teach my son and my son will be also happy to learn , he
loves to play a little , but he listens to correction and He is easy
to learn.
Regards,
Mr Dave Whelan

[John Bennett]

We recieved a check from UPS.No note or nothing about why we recieved it. The check looked good, was from A legit college in the midwest.Signed by a professor working there. The return address on the envelope was from a business in texas.Everything look good except why were we recieving this $2600 check. Believe me it was tempting to cash , But the rule of if it looks to good it probly is. After making some checking around we found out about the scam.
So please beware.
John

[George]

John:

Thanks for sharing your story. Glad to hear that you didn't get burned. Those checks are always fraudulent. Pass the word about the check scam and tips at the I've been Mugged blog.

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Andre Sanders]

If it's not cash or a certified check (but even still, I would rather have cash) don't do business with anyone on Craigslist. The "green" needs to be "seen" to be "redeemed".

[Jen]

I thought I would share a recent experience. I posted my wedding dress and received a response regarding the final payment and condition. I told them the condition and final price and this is what I got back:

Thanks for your prompt response.. I am very much satisfied with the
condition and price of the item and I would like to make an immediate
purchase of the item. So i will advice that you withdraw the ad from
the web.

Pls, i will like to know how you intend to proceed on this, but i
would prefer that i issue out a certified check to your location and
upon the confirmation and clearance of payment, my shipper will come
for the pick-up at your location.

I would really have loved to come for the viewing of the item but
since i am not chanced my movers will. If you are okay with this,
please do get back to me with the following details so i can make out
payment IMMEDIATELY.

1: Your Full Name to be on the payment
2: Your Address and zip code
3: Your mobile number or cell phone number

I would forward all your details to my secretary to make the payment
out to you fast...i am on a business trip right now, and would be busy
for sometime, i would be check my email time to time to check your
message.

thanks

I tried to tell myself that I really don't care what they are doing with it, if they are willing to send the money whatever. I gave them a PO Box at 9:30 pm the next morning I knew something was fishy, investigated it more and it sure was so thinking I owed them an explanation I said sorry I changed my mind about this. They then responded that the certified check was sent last night. That was my final red flag, there is no way a certified check could have been sent at 9:30 pm!

This is another response I received from another individual:

Okay plz get back to me with your name and address please no P O Box so that i will send you a CASHIER CHECK and negotiations with a shipper to come and pick it up from you..Thx alot and God bless you.

Best Regards.

And here is the final one.

Nice...i am shipping to my store and paying u via PayPal and i will be
taking care of the shipping by adding an extra $150 for shipping
with the original price so kindly get back ASAP thanks

I just put this item up on Saturday and I can't believe all of these.

Craig's List does encourage you call the FTC and make a complaint so these scammers can be tracked down!

[George]

Jen:

Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad that you did not get scammed or "mugged."

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Richard Casey]

I was contacted by "Kristina Khadka" of Glen Carbon, Illinois about a set of books I was selling on Craigslist for which "she" was willing to pay a sum beyond my asking price of #200. She also would include additional $$$ to cover the shipping cost and I was instructed to return whatever $$$ was left over. I found Kristina Khadka's name on a BMX bicycle blog where "she" attempted essentially the same scam. Long story short, I just wanted to put out there the two names that were used, "Kristina Khadka" and "Faye Hawkins." The street address given for Ms. Khadka and to which the money was to be sent is:

Kristina Khadka
38 Julie Drive,
Glen Carbon, Illinois 62034

[George]

Richard:

I and the I've Been Mugged readers thank you for the warning. I also encourage you to report this scam to your local U.S. Postal Inspector and to Craigs List.

George
editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Suzanne]

I found a link on another site that describes word for word the interaction with the person on craigslist who was going to buy a piece of furniture from me. He sent me a check for $3,500!!! wanted me to cash it and give the delivers money when they came.
I have not cashed it, I sent him this website with his scam and I havent heard back from him.
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/general-chatter/128654-craiglist-scam-take-second-warn-your-friends-loved-ones.html

[connie powers]

recently i listed an engagement ring on craigslist immediatly i got a response from fabian gomes he sent me a company check for 3550.00 the ring was 300.00 wanted me to take 200.00 more for my trouble and after the check was cashed call his shipper and western union the money to her melissa i called the company the check was written on and found it was bogus and thank the lord i didnt cash it the whole thing just looked too good to be true and it was

[George]

Connie:

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm glad that you didn't get burned.

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Bret]

My wife ran into this same story on Craigslist. She has given out our home address and the check is "on its way". We are now trying to figure our next move. I have read good suggestions about reporting to Craigslist, FTC, USPS, bank on the check and the local authorities. We are also concerned that this person has our home address. Any other thoughts on that? Has anyone been contacted by these people once they realize they are not going to get their money. Thanks for any info!

[Sharon J.]

Wow, I just received almost the exact same email! The first email simply said "I'm interested, do you still have the dress?" While I wanted to write her back explaining why it seemed like a scam I realized doing this may help her improve her technique!

my warning signs:
1) I'm selling a wedding dress and she said she trusts my judgment without giving me any info about herself to know if it would fit
2) while capitalizing correctly in so many places, some of the "i's" are capitalized while some are not which leads me to believe she copy & pasted before editing to fit my post
3) the email address and name had no facebook or myspace account and the name "Victoria Givens" brings up porn sites
4) not only is she out of town, she's ALSO on "official assignment"
5) who would pay a mover for a dress when the dress is $150, and if she's not going to try it first and have it altered anyway, why not walk into a local store grab one and go?!

here is her response to my saying I still had the dress:

Dear Sharon,

Thank you very much for your quick response. I would really have loved to come try it on before actual purchase, but i cannot as i am out of town in preparation for the wedding and on official assignment which puts me in a very tight time frame. So i would like to buy it off from you relying on your judgment. My method of payment would be through a Certified Check.
Please let me know the final asking price so i can make arrangements.
NB: please provide me with your name and address to which the Certified Check would be sent so we can rap this up real quick as the wedding is just around the corner. I also want to inform you that there will be an excess amount of funds on the check which you will forward to my mover(for shipment purposes).As i will handle the shipment myself through my mover who will come down to pick up the dress at your place as soon as payment is confirmed and received.

Kind Regards,
Victoria

I decided to try and get more info, already knowing it was a scam:

Dear Victoria, I'm sorry you're on a time limit. It's nice that you trust my judgment but being that you are on such a time frame will you be able to have the dress altered or just put it on and go? I would hate for it not to fit. How tall are you and what size do you wear?

Also do you live in CT? and how much would I need to forward your mover?
Thanks,
Sharon

her reply:
Dear Sharon,

Thanks for your swift response. The check you are receiving is coming directly from my uncle as a contribution towards my wedding and I don't know how much he is gonna send to you but whatever the amount on the check, you only cash it, deduct your money and send the rest of the money to my mover. I await your immediate response about your full name and address as you want it to be written on the check. I have a seamstress to alter the dress for me if there's any need for that.

[andrea]

Here is an email reply I received after placing an ad on Craig's List to sell a used wall unit...

I knew it was a scam right away and didn't fall for it, but if you got something similar to this email PLEASE BEWARE AND DO NOT AGREE TO GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT!!!

"Hello,
Thanks for the prompt response to my inquiry. I hope it is in a perfect condition as I'm highly interested in it and I am really okay with the pics i saw at craigslist i will have love to come and take a look my self but i am a very busy man i hope you understand ? due to the distance i will like to make an instant purchase but if there is anything wrong, you can kindly let me know and we can fix things up. I don't mind paying additional $50 for it in order for you to take the ad down from craigslist and also to be assured that it is already mine.

I will be paying you with a certified check and it is going to be sent to you via courier service which is going to be mail to you as soon as possible For the payment, I'm going to need your details as follow

**Full name to be on the payment
**Your home or office address which the payment will be delivered to
**And your phone number in order to facilitate the payment asap.

I'll be responsible for the pick-up and the pick up money will be included in your payment to avoid delay and to enable pick up company to schedule an appropriate time for the pick-up at your location after check has been cashed,as i have other properties to be moved alongside with yours.

Thanks and I'm waiting to hear from you.
Regards
DAVID BRANSON"

[andrea]

Hi, this also happened to me a couple of years ago...

I was selling a pair of concert tickets and put them up on craig's list the day before the concert date. However, i got an email the day AFTER the concert already took place saying that the buyer was very interested in buying these tickets and would pay more than face value for them.

Since I'm not a moron, I knew no one in thier right mind would pay more than face value for a pair of tickets to a show that had already taken place, so I just went along with it to see what this scammer was up to. So I gave them my address and they sent me a "certified check" for $1500.00!!! Just for fun, I took it to my bank to see if it was real and of course it wasn't.

JUST WANTED TO ADVISE EVERYONE OUT THERE WHO MAY HAVE RECEIVED ONE OF THESE VERY CLEVER EMAILS....PLEASE DO NOT FALL FOR IT!!!!!!!

REMEMBER, IF SOMETHING SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, THEN RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!! THERE ARE TONS OF SCAMMERS JUST WAITING TO STEAL YOUR MONEY AND ROB YOU BLIND AND THEY DON'T LOOSE A WINK OF SLEEP OVER IT!!

BE SAFE AND PLEASE BE SMART!

[George]

Bret, Sharon, and Andrea:

Thanks for sharing your stories and for taking the time to submit a comment. I am sure that these will help readers who encounter this site page.

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Iris]

Hi,

Well unfortunately for me I didn't read these before I fell into this mess. I realized once the check came for an amount way over what I was asking but not before I gave my name and address. So I'm not out anything but my name and address. So, my question is what can happen with them having just my name and address? Should I be worried?

[George]

Iris:

Thanks for sharing your experience. I realize how scary this can be. It is probably not a problem that the scam artist has your name and address, since these check-scam artists seem more interested in tricking consumers out of their money rather than other forms of identity fraud. However, it is wise to review your credit reports (and bank statements) for any errors or fraudulent entries. The resources page in this blog contains links to both the credit reporting agencies and to the official free credit report site.

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Peter]

Good to read from you and i believe we can continue on this transaction because i don't like to beat around the bush and am not here for games,I am buying this item for my son that was just transfer INTERNATIONAL to study more,i would have loved to see the item so as to see clearly of what am buying, but due to my time been occupied by my job, i would not be able to do that and i want you know that i am doing this business with you with all trust and i will be responsible for the shipping and handling cost and i will be adding $150 for the shipping cost.,All you have to do now is to send me a money request via PayPal as for me to confirm if your account is still active or not or you get back to me with your PayPal registered email account as for me to remit the payment.Please get back to me as soon as possible if you are still interested to further with this transaction.I will be looking forward to read from you.I will also like to know the condition of the item.

[James Tanner]

Yes...I just got one of those also from a Mr. Brahm. Here's what he had to say:

--------------------------------------------------------------------Hello,

Thanks for the swift response, just to let you know that am okay with the condition and price of the item, am ready for its purchase and my form of payment will be by sending you Check via UPS next day delivery.

I'll be responsible for the pick-up and the pick up money will be included in your payment to avoid delay and to enable pick up company to schedule an appropriate time for the pick-up at your location after check has been cashed,as i have other properties to be moved alongside with yours.

I would have really love to come for the viewing but due to my work frame that might not be possible,but if you have the pics,might want to have a good look. Please do get back to me with your full name and address including your cell and land number so i can make out payment.

Regards......

[John Vargesko]

mr brahm is still operating on craigslist as of 1/11/2010 . The email address he is using is [email protected] .Fortunately I always do a google search on anyone I deal with who is not a personal friend or a close friend of one of my close friends !

[John Vargesko]

I got the same email as Mr. Tanner btw

[Joey]

mr brahm just tried to scam me too. still using the same email address thank god for google and yahoo search engines.

[Sharon]

I just experienced the same thing with [email protected] - he was offering to send me a check for a futon we are selling just based on pictures. He offered to come pick it up. When i told him we needed to speak by phone he said he could not because he was on "work inspection". I declined to sell to him and asked him not to contact us further. Hope this is the end of this character.

[George]

Joey and Sharon:

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I am happy that you didn't get scammed. This coming week, I will write about how the check scam has migrated to a wire transfer scam. These criminals are persistent!

George
Editor
ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Renee]

I have recently been getting email from the same scammer but yet to get a check. However he does have my #, address etc. No account info though thank god. His day will come for sure and I hope to be there when it happens.

[Bloodhound]

Thank god for google search engines. As instinct had me google his name and business.... I was so happy to see all the blogs and almost mugged people! Karma is going to get Mr. Brahm!!

[George]

Everyone:

I'm glad that Bloodhound and Renee didn't get scammed. Bloodhound also raised a good point. If you receive an e-mail or snail mail that you aren't sure is legitimate or not, it is often wise to Google the name, phone number, and/or company name in that mail message. If it is a scam, chances are other consumers and services have already encountered it.

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Linda]

Hey this is happening to me right now on two different things one is a job offer, and one is for the sale of something i posted on crigslist. same type of scam!!! look i got them dangling, is there a way we can take these guys down???? will the FBI Help with this it is fend fruad!! with banks right?? Not sure what to do can any body help me with this?? I can be reached at my email [email protected]
Sincerely
Ms.Linda

[George]

Linda:

1. Reporter spam email account to your Internet Service Provider
2. If an employment web site was used, report the spammer to that employment search site.
3. If surface mail was used, report the spammer to the Postmaster at your local U.S. Post Office
4. Report spammer to Craigslist. Their site has instructions.

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Sebastian]

Mr.Brahm just offered me a check for my fridge as well. He sadi he would send the check and somebody would come by and pick it up.

[Arlen McDaniel]

I would just like to let yall know that this is still going on.. by MR Brahm... [email protected]..

Re: 97 S-10 2wd 4L60E Transmission - $500 (Ottawa)
Sun, February 7, 2010 3:45:36 AM
From: mr brahm Add to Contacts
To: Undisclosed Recipiant

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello,

Thanks for the swift response, just to let you know that am okay
with the condition and price of the item, am ready for its purchase
and my form of payment will be by sending you Check via UPS next day
delivery.

I'll be responsible for the pick-up and the pick up money will be
included in your payment to avoid delay and to enable pick up company
to schedule an appropriate time for the pick-up at your location after
check has been cashed,as i have other properties to be moved alongside
with yours.

I would have really love to come for the viewing but due to my work
frame that might not be possible,but if you have the pics,might want
to have a good look. Please do get back to me with your full name and
address including your cell and land number so i can make out payment.

Regards......

--
would love to know if this item is still up for sale?

[George]

Arlen:

Thanks for the alert and update. I am sure that all I've Been Mugged readers appreciate the alert. A variation of this scam involves tricking consumers to wire money to overseas accounts (instead of cashing bogus checks). To learn more about this "money mule" scan, read:
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/01/money-mules.html

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[john]

Just happened to me as well i thought he was for real but all i gave him was my cell number. he cant do anything with that can he? He wanted my adress to send me a check but i dint give that to him

[George]

John:

Thanks for sharing your experience. I doubt that this crook can do any damage with just your name and email address. Crooks like these are primarily interested in finding the next gullible consumer who will cash their bogus check and write them a good check.

Congrats to you for belng alert!

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Jordan]

I just fell for one of these scams, sort of, I just gave them my name and address. After much thought I checked about CL scams and here they are almost word for word. I assume I'll be getting a check for WAY to much money. Thanks everyone for posting your stories!

[Ex-Felon Girl]

I have been having these same issues but with the job postings. I am out of work right now and I am trying to find a job and craigslist came to my mind. I applied for many of the jobs posted. All I would get back were replies asking me to click on a link and get a credit check and then email back my score. I am like what do you mean a company is not going to let you tell them your score. It was a scam to get my personal information. I also applied for a personal assistant ad. The guy wrote back to me and his emails were really off and I had to look it to it. I found out this was a scam too. I gave up on craiglist and wrote a blog about it. Here is the link to the blog http://www.exfelongirl.com/2010/01/job-ad-scams.html.

I have not been back to craigslist again until earlier last week when I needed to post my furniture for sale because I am moving and do not want to haul it. The only replies I have been getting from the listing are people with bad English wanting to send me a certified check for more than my asking price. I was thinking to myself now why would anyone in their write mind want to buy something from a complete stranger with out check it out first? I looked up scams on craigslist in google and got this blog. I am glad I found it. Craigslist needs to put more effort into fixing this problem.

[tele-me]

i just received a check in the mail for way too much money on a car i was selling to mr. brahm. thank you for letting me know it was a scam. i looked in to it. his real name is michael harr lives in san diego ca, and the # listed for him is 915-440-0875. i got that from a vacation scam website when i typed in beckamstore in google search. hope this helps

[Jo]

I have also been in one of this scam, luckily, me and my bf are not morons and looked at the check carefully before taking any further action, and I also called the sender to verified if they ever send out a check. The email was awfully similar, but the thing that gave me the red flag alert was that the person who issued the check, her ssn was on the check, I mean come on! But yeah, everyone shoul be careful of these scams!!!!!!!

[Laura Stankorb]

I post the following only to show that Mr. Brahm, AKA Michael Harr - as per further research on other scam sites, is still in full operation. Furthermore, he has become more sophisticated in his language (no more misspellings!) and manner of address, making much more reasonable statements than before. In fact, the only matter of concern on my part was his claim that he was not able to see the item in person. However, this was not a definite tip-off as the piece that was for sale was: genuine, well documented, and priced far below the true value. It was certainly conceivable that a well-informed, knowledgeable antiques dealer may have made such an offer sight-unseen and based only upon the pictures.

Surely, he will eventually use another name/email address, etc. and it seems important for people to be able to recognize the style of his particular scam. Hopefully, if recognized, the community can be apprised of his evolution/name change/etc.

From: mr brahm ([email protected])

Hello,

Thanks for the swift response, just to let you know that am okay
with the condition and price of the item, am ready for its purchase
and my form of payment will be by sending you Check via UPS next-day
delivery.

I'll be responsible for the pick-up and the pick up money will be
included in your payment to avoid delay and to enable pick up company to schedule an appropriate time for the pick-up at your location after check has been cashed,as I have other properties to be moved alongside
with yours.

I would have really love to come for the viewing but due to my work
frame that might not be possible,but if you have the pics,might want
to have a good look.Please do get back to me with your full name and
address including your cell and land number so i can make out
payment.

Regards.


--
would love to know if this item is still up for sale?

[Laura Stankorb]

ANOTHER ONE: I warned him that I would post his email on this site, thus forcing him to change his name & email. I WANT to make their lives difficult. sucks for them that way.

From: [email protected]
> To: [email protected]
>
> >
> Is the item avaliable???If Yes i am very much satisfied with the
> condition and price of the item and i would like to make an outright
> purchase immediately so i will advice that you withdraw the advert
> from the web.Pls i will like to know how you intend to procedure on
> this okay but i would prefer that i issue a certified check in us
> dollars to you after which my shipper will be coming over for the pick
> up once you have gotten that.I read through the advert and am okay
> with it so please i will like you to provide the following info so
> that i can ask my secretary to issue the payment
> asap.
> 1.....Full name to write on the check
> 2.....Full address
> 3.....City
> 4.....Zipcode
> 5.....Home & Cell Phone to contact you
> kindly get back to me asap. regards
> Matt.ollard

[Laura Stankorb]

Yet another:

[email protected]

BEWARE!

[Earl]

MR. BRAHM STILL TRYING TO SCAM. - Mr. Brahm still seems to be in scamming mode. Besides his [email protected] email, he also used [email protected] in communcating with me regarding a couple of items I had listed on Craigslist. After googling "beckamstore" I realized he is a scammer. I may have found this out a little too late. He has my name, address, and cell phone number. I will be checking my credit reports and placing a Fraud Alert them.

[John]

Mr. Brahm is still out there, replied with the same email on two different items. Something smelt fishy, but with your help, we avoided this "Mr. Brahm" from scamming us.

[Mia]

wow - thank you posting [email protected] -- just got an email from him interested in purchasing an xbox.

[Leekirk]

I posted a craiglist for a piano. In less than 30 min I received an email asking if it was still available.
I responded yes. The next email asked for name, address and cell phone, and arrange for the pickup no inquiry of the piano, condition etc. I emailed back that this was a cash transaction only and it was stated in my ad also. Have not heard from Albert Thomas. The english seems just a little off and the "I" is not capitalized. Beware folks, they are sneaky people.

[sandy isleib]

I'm selling an antique wicker set. Got the very same email response as you all here from Mr. Brahm last night. Something just didn't seem right. Thank you all for this site! I sent info to him, but just recalled it. I will ignore further emails from him. Jerk!

[craig johnson]

I just received this from my craigslist post, I will take the check to the bank to be verified. The scammer uses the name Chris Gehron at least in his e-mails. Just keeping everyone informed, thanks!!

"Am very grateful to your response to my mail and I hope the item is in good condition like it stated because I have taken a close look at the advert and am completely satisfied, . I'll want you to remove the advert from web and consider this item is sold to me, I'll be paying via Certified check and the check will deliver to you in next two days
So i want to be the best offer by adding $70 to your money and i hope you will keep this item for me with the following info to issue the check."

"Your Full Name
Contact Physical Address not p.o box
City and State with Zip Code
Cell phone number"

"I will like you to know that you will not be responsible for shipping i will have my mover to come over as soon as you have the check,and i will get back to you once my secretary made the payment out to you."

[George]

Craig:

Thanks for sharing the latest version of the letter from the fake check scammer. I and I've Been Mugged blog readers appreciate the update.

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Lynda T]

I got the exact same email as Sharon J. regarding my wedding dress. The only thing different was the buyer's name/email address: Britttany Sheehy ([email protected]). So if anyone googles the email or this email address, hopefully they will come across this page and recognize the scammer. I was suspicious when waspy named "Brittany" was sending me poor English emails.

[Marie]

Lynda T, thanks so much for posting the email address [email protected]. I just got an email from her(?) regarding the wedding dress I'm selling on Craigslist. I saw that the name associated with the email was "Britttany Sheehy" - including the third "t" in the first name, which tipped me off and so I googled it.

[Em]

Same thing just happened to me regarding a bed/mattress I'm selling in the Storrs area:

"Dear Emily,

Good Afternoon and thank you very much for your quick response.I would
really have loved to come and see it before actual purchase, but i
cannot as i am out of town in preparation for the wedding and on
official assignment which puts me in a very tight time frame. So i
would like to buy it off from you relying on your judgment. My method
of payment would be by Certify Bank Check.Please let me know the
final asking price so i can make arrangements.

NB: please provide me with your mailing address so we can rap this up
real quick as soon as possible. I also want to inform you that there
will be an excess amount of funds on the payment which you will
forward to my mover(for shipment purposes).As i will handle the
shipment myself through my mover who will come down to pick up the
Furniture at your place as soon as payment is confirmed and received.

Kind Regards,
Brittany"

[Numismatic]

Yes these things will happen in life. Especially if you are not paying attention also we can not expect the police to be smart enough and assume they will be understanding that there are some people who are not online much and don't think fast about these issues.

I wrote an article not long ago about something like this here is the link if anyone is interested in learning some more about check scams.

http://webupon.com/security/craigslist-check-scams/

[cjstarling]

If you ever try to sell or buy anything on Craigslist beware of these types of emails. This was one of many bogus emails this person sent. The email address came from [email protected] (Shaun Collins) who supposedly lived in Sanford, FL. Fortunately I'm smarter than these guys but too often people fall for this stuff.

Hello ,
Thanks for your reply,let me know so i could just instruct my secretary to issue out the payment alongside with other payments because I got several items am buying so my secretary will be issuing out various payments out i will get back to you immediately yours is sent out. ,i want you to remove off the add from www.craigslist.com so email your full name, home address, city,State and phone #.
Cash OR Deposit the check ,the funds will be available within 24-48hrs so you can withdraw your money because i urgently need the item so i want you to get it ready and available immediately after you cashed the payment for my mover to come for pick up.I will notify you the payment tracking # so please kindly get back to me immediately after you received the payment.

Sincerely Regards
GOD BLESS YOU

[Anna]

I got the same type of message about a wedding dress I was selling on craigslist from a guy who now calls himself Gordon Maxwell with an email address of [email protected] and look out for his "shipping agent payment department" Penny Atterton [email protected]. after receiving a tracking number from Gordon, I followed it on UPS. It was intercepeted and re-routed to another address on the day it was supposed to arrive. I let Gordon know I didn't receive the check and it was re-routed to another address. I advised him since I did not receive the money I was relisting the dress. I did not hear anything back from him but the fake cashier's check from Citizens Bank came 6 days later than he claimed it would and was for $1,200 over the selling price of the actual dress. I had been very suspicious and googled - cost courier service pick up wedding dress - to see if I could find out how much a courier service would actually cost to pick up a wedding dress and found this website. Thank you all for sharing your stories as well. What a life saver it has been! Also, thinking why on earth would someone pay more for a courier than the actual dress costs. Besides, someone could have bought the dress brand new right from a bridal shop for less than this person was paying for the dress and the courier. What a scam. Seller Beware! Sell only to locals on craigslist.

Below are some of his emails just in case you received something similar.

"Hello,

I am interested in the Wedding Dress you posted on the classified ad and I will be glad to purchase the Wedding Dress from you and I hope you will love to sell it for me. I am gordon maxwell and I'm interested in buying the Wedding Dress for my daughter that is why I am searching through the Classified ad and I cam across your Wedding Dress and I find it lovely, I hope to hear back from you if you are interested in selling the Wedding Dress.

Gordon"

More notes from the fake Gordon Maxwell....

"Hello,

Glad it is your first posting and I would love to buy the dress and thanks for the reply to the interest I have in the dress and I am glad it is still available, I am very much interested in it. How much do you want to sell it and what is the present condition of the dress? I will love to have some more details of the dress too. How many times is it worn? What is the length and size?

Gordon"

Another.......

"Hello,

I had concluded with my daughter on buying the wedding gown. The link of your ads had been sent to her but I will like you to send me more picture as well as details of the wedding dress and she really likes the wedding dress. I'm interested in buying this gorgeous wedding dress for her wedding ceremony and we are in a top gear of preparations, Which means buying a wedding dress, is very important to her. She is very okay with the price, size,and the designs. Sending more picture will be awesome. I am satisfied with the amount I saw on the classifed ad website. I would have been happy to travel down for the pickup and take a glance on the wedding dress or pay via paypal, but I'm kind of busy with a project that was awarded to me. and I'm out of home for the past few weeks and some other preparation for the wedding ceremony because I'm a single parent. We both really like the dress and I'll instruct on sending payment via certified united postal money order {which I purchased from the post office}or a certified cashier check . I would had love you to send the dress via a courier service but my daughter insist and she gave an instruction that she wanted someone ! I mean a picker to come for the pick up from your location or a public place of your choice so that the picker can handle it with care and do some other things on the dress with dry cleaning. The Money order that will be sent will include your payment for the wedding dress and for the picker.
After Money orders clear your bank. An agent will be picking the item up from your location. Excess funds for the shipment will be sent to the agent. I'll email her contact to you as soon as you received the payment via FedEx/UPS. How should your name appear on the Money order and what full home address should I mail it to and your phone Number I should be able to contact you, I mean With your valid phone number. Kindly consider the wedding dress sold to me.

Cheers and God Bless

Gordon Maxwell"

Another........

"Hello

How are you doing today and I hope you have removed the ads from the classified website. I will be glad to hear from you.

Gordon."

Another............

"Hello

I am sorry I did not write you. I sent out your payment on Saturday as we have discussed earlier. I hope you can write me back. Here is the tracking number (). I hope to hear from you soonest.

Gordon"

Another.............

"Hello

I want to inform you that the check had been delivered to your house address today via UPS courier service and here is the tracking#() for the check package and you can check it out on www.ups.com. Contact me as soon as you receive the check, once you receive the check please cash it at your bank instantly or you will be ask to deposit the check for 24 hours and come back for the cash the next day, and then you can deduct the money for your item plus extra $50 which is a miscellaneous for you and you are to wire the remaining funds to my shipper via Western Union Transfer, so that she can be able to come and pick up the wedding dress . This fund will be used in off setting the cost of the shipment that as undertaken for me recently and they will be needing a part of that to come over to your place for the pick up. My daughter will be glad to wear the wedding dress.

Below is my shipping agent payment department to wire the remaining balance to via western union money transfer and you can contact her directly here. [email protected].

Penny Atterton
13671 HWY 28
City: Whit well
State.Tennessee
Zip code..37397


Note: That the western union transfer fee should be deducted from the remaining balance.

As soon as you have fund send out via western union transfer, kindly get back to me with the western union transfer details on the transfer receipt as below so that my mover can schedule for the pickup of my item by tomorrow..

1}.Sender's name and address
2}.MTCN numbers {10 digits}
3}.Amount sent after deducting the transfer fee.
5}.The exact time and location that you will be available for my shipper to come for the pickup of my item at your place by tomorrow.

Please let me know at once if i can trust you to have the excess funds sent to my shipper because I have lots of goods to be picked up for me aside my transaction with you.I will be expecting your email with a confirmation on this issue at once. I will be very much glad to hear from you soon.

Thanks.

Gordon Maxwell"

[Jennifer Robinson, Chris Begyn]

We just got a Craigslist ad reply on a Wheel Horse tractor we are selling from a "Mack Whitfield." at [email protected].

He claims he's a very busy "Marine", etc. etc.

The Marine reference is what really ticked me off, so that's the biggest reason why I replied how I did, which I'm posting for everyone's enjoyment. ;) (This idea I got from another site regarding Craigslist scammers.)

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Here's the scammer's reply to our Craigslist ad:

Thanks you for the response according to the description, am ok with price and condition pasted on cl. I am ready to make instant purchase.My mode of payment would be in CERTIFIED CHECK and i will arrange for a local pick up as soon as you get the check, because that is the only inconvenient means for me and due to my work frame i can not be able to get there and i promise everything will go smoothly.I really wish to be there to check out the item but i don't have chance cause am very busy person (US MARINE). Concerning pick up, i will arrange for it after you receive the payment and it clears...get back to me with below info so that i can proceed with the payment immediately if you are selling to me.
Full name
Physical Address
City, State Zip code
Phone number
Update will follow after the information is been supply to know the Actual date that the check will sent,I will give you an update on the payment..I will be more happy if you can withdraw the ad from craigs and called me your favorite buyer.Thanks

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

AND here was our reply to the scam:

Mr. "Whitfield",

Your offer sounds fabulous. Please send full payment at your earliest convenience to:

FBI Denver Federal Building
Room 1823 - 18th Floor
1961 Stout Street
Denver, CO 80294-1823
Phone:303-629-7171

Once payment has arrived & the funds have been cleared, your shipper can meet me at the address listed above for pick up of the equipment.

How’s that sound?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I honestly doubt my reply does any good, but I got at least a little bit of satisfaction by sending it, along with a laugh or two. Hopefully people will research these emails from these rip off artists & find sites such as this one & maybe save themselves from harm.

[George]

Jennifer Robinson:

Thanks for sharing your experience. I agree that it's particularly irritating when scammers and identity thieves try to impersonate military personnel. Your reply provided a chuckle, too. It is perfectly logical for an on-duty military person to order a tractor.

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[James]

We got a reply to our posting about some living room furniture. This guy used two different e-mail addresses. The first one was from [email protected] and it only asked if the item were still available for sale. The follow up e-mails were sent from [email protected]. After the first reply from "Collons Johnson," I replied stating that I would deal only with cash, he responded with an increased offer. After the second e-mail I informed "Johnson" I was contacting the local authorities, FTC and Secret Service... I haven't heard back from him yet. Below are the two e-mails from him:

Subject: Re: Living Room Furniture - $700
From: collons johnson
Sent: Jan 11, 2011 01:00:36 PM

Hello
I appreciate your response to my inquiry. Am interested in buying it
from you. I would love to come and check it myself but I just got
married and am presently on an honeymoon trip to Hawaii with my wife.
I would love a surprise change of furniture in our home on our return.
Please do withdraw ,with immediate effect, the advert from Web as i
don't mind adding $50 for you to do that, so i can be rest assured
that the item is held for me. I should believe it is in good condition
as stated. I will be making the payment via a Certified Check, which
my secretary will mail across to you. I'll be picking the item from
you with the aid of my mover. My Mover will be coming for pickup once
the Certified Check has been cashed. Please I will need both your full
name and physical address along with your phone number to issue out
the payment.
I await your urgent response.
Regards.
Dr Johnson

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Living Room Furniture - $700
From: collons johnson
Sent: Jan 11, 2011 09:59:34 PM

Hello,
I want you to understand that the transaction is on as my secretary
as mailed the check payment already, but there was a slight error i
guess we can handle with care. Instead of the actual amount, $700 for
the furniture, she made out the check for $3700. She claimed that was
what i requested but she didn't get that straight. So once you have
the check, please cash it and deduct the money for the item plus $20
that for your running around expenses. The excess fund should please
be sent to my mover via western union, this fund will be used in
offsetting the cost of the shipment she as undertaken for me recently.
friday would be nice for the pickup.
**Please email me at once to let me know i can trust you to have the
excess funds sent to my mover immediately the same day check is
received**
I hope to read back from you very urgently.
Most Sincerely
Dr Johnson

[Kelly B]

Just happened to us!

We are selling some furniture on Craigs list. My husband received an email stating that "Brian" wanted to buy the furniture. He was satisfied that the condition was good and he wanted to add $30 to the price to make sure he gets the furniture and that we remove the advert immediately. He didn't want to see the furniture in person. At first I thought he was a furniture wholesaler or something. Then he wrote that he will send a certified check immediately and send his mover to pick up the furniture. He just wanted our full address, name, and phone numbers. When we were hesitant and wanted to talk to "Brian" on the phone, he claimed he was too busy to talk on the phone. When we sent a second email claiming we were interested, but wanted to discuss it on the phone, he then stated that he was hard of hearing and was unable to speak on the phone. Obviously we were extremely skeptical.

I looked up Craigs list scams and I found this site. HUNDREDS of posts about the same exact scam. Hard to believe there are so many scum bags in the world. Be careful and trust no one!

[Olaguefam5]

OMG. my 18 yr old son got a check from UPS today for 3000.00 from humana, inc in charlotte nc. The sender was barnes and noble inc from wesbury, NY and it had nothing else in the envelope with it, just the check. he told me that he was selling some speakers on craigs list for 400.00 and that he had a person that wanted them, if he could take them off craigs list and they would send him a check for the item. They even told him that the check was going to be for more ( but not how much) and for him to get his money out of the check and send the overage western union to the movers because they were not able to get them theirselves. I thought it was very odd, so I investigated it, even called the company the check was suppose to be from, and with the help of a very nice lady at humana inc, and the help of this site, we are now going to take this further to try and catch these a**holes!!!

[Jbaker1524]

[email protected]
This is another scammer, beware. I actually got the check. Called the bank and it was a closed account from Chase bank. This is ridiculous. He goes by the name Larry Silva. I have reported him to my local law enforcement, FTC and IC3. Beware of the jackholes. And Larry, I doubt thats your real name, but if you claim to be him and looking at these, rest well buddy, you tried to scam real Military personell. Your butt is going to be toast soon. Hide carefully, got some good friends with great means that WILL find you and bring you to justice. I feel sorry for all the people who you mess with, it will not go unpunished!

[ShavenYak]

I've just had "Larry Silva" offer to buy something I had listed on Craigslist, too.

I thought it was a bit odd that he sent an email asking if the item was still available less than 10 minutes after I posted the ad, but I thought it possible that he didn't pay attention to the date/time of posting, so I replied that it was. Today, over 24 hours later, I got the scam email offering the cashier's check with extra money to send to the moving company. From a different email address: [email protected], when the original message had come from [email protected].

[sarah]

i also had the same thing happen to me i tried selling my laptop on craigslist. i had it done by [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
those are the email address's of scammers. they tried to scam be paypal scam, or telling me they will send me a check. sometimes i tell them i know your a scammer and i tell them i will report you. be carefull on craigslist.

[alex]

Same scam from "Larry Silva," two email addresses:

[email protected]
[email protected]

Thanks for this post--cleared things right up for me.

[George]

Thanks to everyone who posted updates about the scam artists' new names and e-mail addresses. I am sure that I've been Mugged blog readers appreciate the information. I know I do.

George
Editor
http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com

[Kathie Kellner]

I received a scam email this morning, Aug 8, 2011, from MR. LARRY SILVA. His first email, in response to an ad I placed on Craigslist to sell my refrigerator, less than an hour after I posted it, was from "Larry Adam Rhodes" - but appeared as LarrySilva01@gmail when he sent another email. Unfortunately, he got my phone number from the Craigslist ad - but I felt it was a scam (due to Craigslist cautionary statements) and he does not have my address or other personal information. Here's his SCAM:

I'm sorry I won't be able to come see it anymore, I am embarking on a business trip this morning, I would have loved to come over to your place to set up an appointment with you but i wont be able to come anymore . I still want it anyway. If you could sell it to me, I will mail you a Cashiers check to cover the cost and also add funds to cover the shipping to where it will be needed. I'll arrange for a shipper/mover to handle the pick up and delivery so it doesn't stress you . All you need to do is to deduct the cost of your item and send the rest to the mover that will handle the shipping. I really need this, quite important and urgent. I will be more than glad if it can be sold to me. Email me back with your Full name, Address in Full and your cell phone number so that the check can be issued out to you, write back soon. Best Regards.

[ANONYMOUS]

LARRY SILVA STRIKES AGAIN!!!
(larry silva [[email protected]])& (larry [[email protected]])
He Writes...
Thanks for writing back. I'm sorry I won't be able to come see it anymore, I am embarking on a business trip this morning, I would have loved to come over to your place to set up an appointment with you but i wont be able to come anymore . I still want it anyway. If you could sell it to me, I will mail you a Cashiers check to cover the cost and also add funds to cover the shipping to where it will be needed. I'll arrange for a shipper/mover to handle the pick up and delivery so it doesn't stress you . All you need to do is to deduct the cost of your item and send the rest to the mover that will handle the shipping. I really need this, quite important and urgent. I will be more than glad if it can be sold to me. Email me back with your Full name, Address in Full and your cell phone number so that the check can be issued out to you, write back soon. Best Regards.

Ps. Am offering you additional $20 to the asking price.

watch out!

[Nmonkey]

If you receive a email like this do not fall for it, I did but luckily did not do anything with the check except turn it into local authorities and tell the man to meet me a the local police station for his check back

l really appreciate your response to my email. I want you to consider
it sold, please do withdraw the advert from CL to avoid disturbance,anyways
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 mover, 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.

First Name.........Last Name.......
Street Address ...........................
City, State, Zip Code ......................
Cell Phone Number ...........................

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 mover to come over as soon as
you have cashed the check..........Best Regards.

[Liz]

Posting to add to scam verbage and 'beware of' for all. Posted a dryer for sale on craigslist (not something worth shipping EVER).

First got an email from "betty" (betty )
"Available for sale?"

I responded in the affirmative.

Several hours later from a different email address (alberto gomez )

Hello,
Thanks for the prompt response and i will love to make an instant purchase, all i want you to do for me now is to remove the item from sales list and consider it sold to me, coz I'm going to start working on your payment and get back to you with the ups tracking number of the payment so that you can also know when to expect the payment,and
I'm going to include the shipping company fund that will be coming for the pick up of the item and some other items i bought in your area along with your payment.so you are to deduct the money for the item and extra $50 for removing the advert and get the remaining money wired to my shipping company so as to come for the pick up as soon as they receive the money..so I'll need you to provide me with more pictures and 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 mover to come over as soon as you have cashed the check* N.B UPS does not deliver to a P.O box addresses.Thanks and hope to hear from you as soon as possible...

Regards
Gomez

*Not even going to respond to this.

The email addresses they used are: [email protected] (for Alberto Gomez) and [email protected] (for "betty").

[Nmonkey]

that is exactly how mine came

[Nmonkey]

Name Jack Corno email address [email protected]

complete scam!!! do not trust!!!

[Liz]

Update from my 08/17 post.

I've had two more scammers contact me. They send from one email address, and when you hit reply another email address is populated. Here they are:
Ayo Prince - ([email protected], [email protected])
Dillion Rose - ([email protected], [email protected])