Craigslist Fake Check Scam, Someone Must Think I'm a Complete Idiot!

[Zoneboy]

3 weeks ago I ran an ad for about 500 magazines on Craigslist. I placed the ad just after 3:00am and within 20 minutes I had a reply. http://www.xenerga.com/images/FlagIcon_red.jpg #1.

I priced the magazines at $400 negotiable, He said was ok with the original price and didn't offer any less. http://www.xenerga.com/images/FlagIcon_red.jpg #2, Nobody is going to settle on the original price when the ad plainly says negotiable.

He said he was going to send a check and that I was to keep $400 for the magazines plus an extra $50 for my troubles and send the balance to his shipper. http://www.xenerga.com/images/FlagIcon_red.jpg #3, He didn't bother to ask how much the shipping was.

He did in fact send me a check by overnight UPS as seen here:
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo283/tzgames/ScreenHunter_02Apr202249.gif

http://www.xenerga.com/images/FlagIcon_red.jpg #4, Notice anything suspicious?

To sum it all up, This clown told me to cash the check and keep $500 for myself, I was then to go to Wal-Mart and get a moneygram for $4000 and send it to his shipper in Reading, PA who would come by and pick up the item.

http://www.xenerga.com/images/FlagIcon_red.jpg #5, I guess the idiot didn't think I'd be smart enough to have the check verified and of course it had more bounce than an over-inflated basketball.

After doing more research, I found out that this scam has been going on for quite a while but it was the first time that someone tried make me a victim. I still have the check and even though I can't cash it, I may consider framing it. :lol:

[Waterston_Fan]

Okay just for those who get into that kind of situation. How do you research it? Do you go to the bank and see if they can locate this person?

[Zoneboy]

Okay just for those who get into that kind of situation. How do you research it? Do you go to the bank and see if they can locate this person?

Google is your friend. ;) Seriously though, it was a big help. I called Penn university about the check and they were well-aware of the scam. Mellon Bank is legitimate but they have no account there.

[HuntingtonM15]

Wow, that is insane. I remember seeing a case like that on People's Court a few years ago. The defendant was such a moron, and could not comprehend that he had done anything wrong by cashing the check.

[PZelda]

The numbers say $4,500 but the words spell out $4,005. FAIL.

Sucks that scammers like that guy are soooooo rampant on CL, but good on you for seeing through it!

[Zoneboy]

The numbers say $4,500 but the words spell out $4,005. FAIL.

My bank said that if the check were legit they would give me the amount spelled out.

[Jude The Obscure]

Sad that such people think they can get away with that.....but sadder still are there are people who FALL for it everyday.

Good detective work, Charles!

[Janice]

This is what's going on in Boston.

http://news.bostonherald.com/

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