I posted on Craigslist and a scammer replied.

[cokebottle10]

I posted a wheel chair hoist for sale on Craigslist for $125. Within an hour someone texted me about it. They asked more about the cost and payment than the lift (red flag #1) They asked about sending a check because they were from out of state. (red flag #2) I said that only if I can go to the local bank and cash it. He said that he would send a cashier’s check from his bank. (red flag #3) a cashier’s check arrived for $1943.70 (Big red flag #4) So I asked him if he wanted me to send it back for another check for the correct amount.

In the mean time I found the bank on line and called them about it. They said that it is a scam and has been going on for about a month. Two things missing from the check security strip and phone number. But otherwise it looks very real. With perforated edges and instructions on the back. Mico printing and feels right. Now I want to waste his time.

He said to go ahead and deposit it and tell him when it clears. I need to pay the shipper in cash when he picks it up. I thought that he would ask me to send him the money? I said I will be back in town late Friday and will deposit it then. On Saturday he said that his bank shows that it has cleared. (hard to do when I haven’t deposited it) and to check on line. I told him that the funds would be available on Monday. But I was going out of town and had to leave by noon. If you can’t pick it up before then, then you will need to wait until I get back next weekend. He said that he would check with his shipper. He then said that they will pick it up Monday morning. I said that my bank opens at 9am and I still have to pick up the rental car. I will be back at home at 11am but I can’t wait past noon. He said okay.

I went to the police department and asked if they could have some at my house around 11am and they said most likely no one will show up but they will be there anyway. Just before 11am he texted me and said that the shipper would not come until he gets the payment and I should send it to the shipper. Shoot!! I was really looking forward to him showing up with the police there. Anyway I texted him back and said that we both know the check is fake and I hope I wasted his time. Now is the time for me to block you. Goodbye asshole.

I just wanted to share this so someone else doesn't waste there time or get ripped off. All cashiers checks should have a banks phone number on them but don't call that number look it the bank on line and call that number.

Thanks, David in Fletcher NC.

[Alpha Dog]

New federal laws need to be passed to go after these criminals and lock them up for life.  When nothing is done it will only get worse.  Jeff Sessions go after these folks.  Make it known on all the news.

I applaud your effort Cokebottle.

[Gryphon Rider]

I thought it was funny someone from Texas was interested in my beater advertised for $650.  And it wasn't like the car was rare or collectible or anything.

[Hooter]

Nothing new....common procedure for these idiots.

[cokebottle10]

The cop called the number that I had for the scammer. It was a service to hide you true cell phone number. The first number he gave me was a LA CA. exchange. The second on was in MD. the tracking number on the UPS package with the check came from FL. The fake check was Pueblo CO. and he wanted me to use Walmart to send the money to KY.

I wish there was a way to shut these guys down.

Thanks, David in Fletcher NC.

[Robert]

Indian police arrest alleged ringleader of IRS scam

http://money.cnn.com/2017/04/09/news/tax-scam-india-arrest-ringleader/


Sagar Thakkar, 24, was detained in Mumbai after arriving on a flight from Dubai on Saturday.
News of the scam broke last October when Indian police raided nine calls centers -- eight in Thane in Maharashtra -- and arrested more than 70 people on suspicion of posing as IRS agents to steal cash from U.S. citizens.

[gordonv]

the tracking number on the UPS package with the check came from FL.

You answered my question, UPS.

I had learned from a ebay scam purchase, that if the person uses the USPS for his scam, we can now get the FBI involved in the law enforcement side of things. Since he used the Federal post office to run his scam, he made a Federal crime in do it.

You did good, you made him spend money and waist time on someone who wasn't deceived, that he could have spent on someone more gullible.

[Bighead]

the tracking number on the UPS package with the check came from FL.

You answered my question, UPS.

I had learned from a ebay scam purchase, that if the person uses the USPS for his scam, we can now get the FBI involved in the law enforcement side of things. Since he used the Federal post office to run his scam, he made a Federal crime in do it.

You did good, you made him spend money and waist time on someone who wasn't deceived, that he could have spent on someone more gullible.

Most think tHe PO is run by the government but not true it is put up for bid every few years and is unionized. Although it still does fall under the Federal crime status.

[Hooter]

Put a motorcycle up for sale and the scams start immediately.  The profile is the same, a text may be sent full of mispelled words and poor sentence structure. Usually using PayPal and a shipper. It's all the same crap.

[Ramie]

There are those that take the time to mess with the scammers.

http://www.boredpanda.com/funny-phishing-scam-emails-dot-con-james-veitch/

[gregk]

When I post something on Craig's list I specify to call an that i will not respond to text messages. Don't know but I don't seem to get scammers.

[Rams]

Recently tried to buy a 53 Chevy Pick Up.   Beautiful truck.

All I asked was, send me some pics of the rust prone areas.   Cab Corners, rocker panels, frame attachment points, easy stuff.   The seller continued to send me beautiful pics of the pick up from many different angles but, not what I repeatedly asked for.   Then, he offered me free shipping from New Jersey.    I said wait, your ad indicates the truck is in KC, MO?

Oh, I'm in the military and on orders to ship out.    The truck was one heck of a good deal had it been real.     Told him that I would only purchase it after a very detailed inspection and I would pay cash upon getting it and a clear title and that, I would transport it myself.   Wasn't interested in his free shipping.    That's when he told me that he wouldn't do the deal any other way than through PayPal and that the shipping was already included.   Oh, the truck was not available for inspection until after he received payment.    Told him I was born at night but, it wasn't last night.

Needless to say, the deal did not go forward.   

[gregk]

Wow Ramey that sounds pretty FD up for sure. Glad you wrote him off.

[sutterhome]

Car scam has been going on for a long time, car looks great usually only asking 2100.00 free shipping from some military base  and they want you to send them some prepaid credit card or something weird. Also they are working a vacation rental scam, again with nice pictures and asking you to pay only by paypal person to person or walmart pay..not sure what that is.Either way don't do it. You have no protection with paypal person to person.