Craigslist Fake Check Scam, Someone Must Think I'm a Complete Idiot! - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 04-20-2009, 11:18 PM

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. That was red flag #1.

I priced the magazines at $400 negotiable, He said was ok with the original price and didn't offer any less. red flag #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. red flag #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:

Red flag #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.

Red flag #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.

Waterston_Fan · 04-20-2009, 11:21 PM

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 · 04-20-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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?

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 · 04-20-2009, 11:29 PM

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 · 04-21-2009, 12:32 AM

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 · 04-21-2009, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PZelda

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 · 04-21-2009, 12:52 AM

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 · 04-21-2009, 08:12 PM

This is what's going on in Boston.

http://news.bostonherald.com/

.

04-20-2009, 11:18 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,416	Craigslist Fake Check Scam, Someone Must Think I'm a Complete Idiot! 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. That was red flag #1. I priced the magazines at $400 negotiable, He said was ok with the original price and didn't offer any less. red flag #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. red flag #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: Red flag #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. Red flag #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.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads. Last edited by Zoneboy; 02-15-2013 at 06:48 PM.

04-21-2009, 08:12 PM	#8
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Speaking of Craigslist.... This is what's going on in Boston. http://news.bostonherald.com/ . Attached Images

04-20-2009, 11:21 PM	#2
Waterston_Fan Eternal Member Eternal Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 26, 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,195	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?

04-20-2009, 11:29 PM	#4
HuntingtonM15 That Bothers Me Moderator Forum Star Join Date: Jun 20, 2003 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 11,060	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.

04-21-2009, 12:32 AM	#5
PZelda Two Valeries! <3 Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 15, 2002 Location: I'm STILL missing NYC. :( Posts: 78,223	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!
	__________________ Cheers behind the couch!

04-21-2009, 12:52 AM	#7
Jude The Obscure Retired Eternal Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 10, 2006 Posts: 7,520	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!