I put one of my videocameras up on Craigslist, because I simply see no use out of it. Between my ultra cheapo camera and my prosumer Giganto, my video needs are simply fulfilled. So I put it on Craigslist, and on the same day, I got three offers. I was pretty stoked, since I was going to use the money from the camera for an Xbox or something, but as the day and messages progressed, I realized something - I was being scammed.
So without delay, here's the first scammer.
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Hello my friend,
I saw your equipment at Craigslist, hope his in good condition and still for sale get back to me Asap...possibly with your PayPal email..thanks.
Regards
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Didn't think much of it, so I responded normally. Then...
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I think is fast via PayPal cuz it guarantees transaction safety and is easy to pay and receive money online, But am currently now on conferenced meting with my family so i can not be able to provide you a cash payment pls am sorry for any inconvenient that will cost you..but i will like to send the item to my son in oversea and i will pay you the total cost of the item including the shipping cost.. in which i can add you $150 for the shipping cost...i would have come to bring you a cash..but dew to that, i think is impossible for me to pay cash except PayPal..You can get back to me with your e mail link to your PayPal so i can process the payment as soon as possible..okay..thanks
Regards
Mr Jeff.
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This raised a few flags, due to the spelling and grammar problems. And anyone who calls himself Mr. Jeff ought to be put under suspicion anyhow. Then there's the "bonus", whereby he's willing to pay 150 bucks for shipping, which is a perfectly reasonable amount for shipping -- if you're sending a capsule into space. Anyhow, there were too many things bugging me about it but I foolishly gave my paypal address anyway.
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Yes i will like to process the payment now and immediately you get the confirmation from PayPal kindly shipped the item asap..thanks..here is my son name and address below..
Name...Onu Pius
Address...Sw9/1128a orita challenge, odo ona elewe road, opp olowo ifon
compound.
Country...Nigeria
City......Ibadan
State....Oyo
Zip code..23402..okay and hope to here from you as soon as possible..okay
I have trusted in you and i know you are a kind of seller to me...thanks
Regards
Mr Jeff.
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And the circle is complete. Nigeria sure has a lot of rich people with open trusts and bank accounts. Needless to say, I will probably reject the payment from paypal and ignore all further emails.
The second email started out more normal...
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Hello,
This email is to notify you about my intrest in buying your posting on craigslist. I will be expecting your response if you do still have the item for sale, i will also want you to tell me more about its working condition.
I will be expecting to hear from you soonest.
Thanks for your time...
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But was followed up by this.
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Thanks for your prompt email.
My Name is Vincent Lummy an IT specialist based and worked in Halifax Canada. i have intrest in buying your posted item on craigslist and the price is very ok by me. I would have preferred to get your money out to you in person and inspect the item, but due to distance between us i will not be able to make your payment in person. I will get your money out to you through WESTERN UNION Money Transfer and your money will be available to be cleared at any western union payment outlet around your location. To get the money cleared you will go to western union payment outlet with the payment payment transfer details, (MTCN NUMBER) and the answer to the test question, this are the information you need to get the fund cleared at the western union payment office. If you do want us to finish this business i will be expecting to hear from you with all your needed info for payment (NAME,ADDRESS AND VALID PHONE NUMBER), this are your info to make your payment with weste! rn union.
I will be expecting your email.
Concerning the shipping of the package i have shipping account with DHL courier i can send them to get the package picked at your place or you take it out to their location for drop off. Let me hear from you so that we can get things done with this business soonest...
Thanks...
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I don't think you can be in IT with that kind of grammar and spelling. Maybe so. Nonetheless, it's got scam written all over it.
The third was a little weird too, a trade for time share in some resort. It's like... WHAT. How is that the same as money?
So I might be reposting the ad later. Sigh.
