Is this a scam?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by John Bear, Mar 4, 2012.

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  1. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    It is such a small amount, but there is something that just feels odd about this, and I wonder if anyone has thoughts or experience. I put a big old barbecue grill up on Craigslist for $60. Got a prompt reply asking if it was still available. I said yes, and then got the following. It is hard to imagine working the counterfeit money order scam for $60 (or $90) bucks, but why this approach? Thanks. -John
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    Am glad it's available. I'm going on a business trip to London but I will instruct my assistant to prepare and mail your payment which I'm sure you will get in about 5 - 7 business days. I'll add $30 extra for the delay. I can only pay via money order as am going on a business trip now so send me your info (i.e full name, mailing address and your phone number) so payment can be mailed out immediately. I will also make arrangement for pick-up which will be after you must have received and cashed the payment. Awaiting your info.
    Thanks

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  2. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    www.scamwarners.com • View topic - Listing site scammer - [email protected]

    I generally just google a part of the message to see if there are hits out there that match, here I just used ((with the quotation marks) "Am glad it's available. I'm going on a business trip to London but I will instruct my assistant to prepare and mail your payment which I'm sure you will get in about " and I also googled (with the quotation marks) "m glad it's available. I'm going on a business trip to London but I will instruct my assistant to prepare and mail your payment which I'm sure you will get in about "

    Sure smells like a scam :)
     
  3. b4cz28

    b4cz28 Active Member

    I get that email all the time, total scam.
     
  4. eilla05

    eilla05 New Member

    Yep scam...just weird to do it for a BBQ girl....lol
     
  5. MISin08

    MISin08 New Member

    I work in fraud detection at a bank and it's a little surprising to see the scam at $90. I would bet if you bite the money order will be for $900 and there will be another "story".

    The "business trip to London" is a classic part of the ploy -- a detail to throw you off and make you think you are dealing with someone important and reputable and play to our human desire to be helpful. I raise my eyebrows at: someone who flies to London and has an assistant bothers to pick up an old grill on Craigslist? They travel internationally and don't have online banking from their smartphone and multiple ways to pay you? Really?

    I suggest you offer to meet the assistant in a public place if they'll bring cash and see how quickly the story changes :)

    Phillip
     
  6. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Exactly....scam all the way.
     
  7. alocsin

    alocsin New Member

    BlueMason, that is a great way to find out if something is a scam. Thanks for that idea.
     
  8. emmzee

    emmzee New Member

  9. Yeah, That's definitely a scam. Here in The US, I've learned that just about any email response that has to do with money exchanges and delays of payment are bound to be a scam. Hope all goes well for you!
     
  10. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Yeah, just like your signature.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 18, 2012
  11. ryoder

    ryoder New Member

    I use freecycle. Just give it away. Don't sell it. I have given away hardly used lawnmowers, edgers, couches, furniture etc. These people really need it and charity that comes from the heart is really the best kind.
    You don't need the 75 bucks.
     

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