Craigs List Check Scam

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Hello I'm New here! Joined: 21 Mar 2007 Posts: 9

Typical story - had something to sell on Craig's list - someone responded - said they were sending a cashier's check and would arrange for shipping. Since their grammar (at the time) was not the typical broken mess that I usually see with the scams, and I've had large items shipped that I bought online so not so strange, just a little strange - I think maybe - I send mailing address. I did not remove the ad from Craig's List as the person requested. I'm not that gullible. Check didn't show up - I sold item to first person to show up with cash - so item was sold to someone else. I sent email to tell them the item was sold and never mind. They then sent check anyway. I got the envelope the other day via UPS - I haven't opened it. I sent email telling them I was sending it back to the return address. Then got the bad grammar broken English email asking me not to - "please do not return it or the 'client' who sent the funds would not release the funds" (uh-oh) did I have anything else to sell, or better yet, just cash the check and keep $100 for my trouble. (double uh-oh). I didn't deposit the check. But I did get an email with instructions to deposit it immediately and get back with them. Followed up by an email wanting to know if I deposited the check. (triple uh, oh)

I am pretty sure this is a scam. You think? Smile

I just don't know what to do with the envelope and the check inside.

I do not think the legal authorities could do anything about it. Hard to track I would imagine. I'm guessing UPS doesn't care.

Does this sound like a typical fake cashier's check scam?
Is it OK to throw away the envelope and check?
In the off chance that this was a legitimate attempt to purchase the item I had for sale - should I keep the check and envelope, return it to the sender? I don't want to get in trouble for not completing a sale but I'm pretty sure, without opening and looking at the "cashier's check" that this is a check scam. I mean really who in Missouri would buy a bath tub from someone five states away? Though it was a very nice tub and even with shipping it was a great deal. Wink

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Hellish Taskmaster Joined: 31 Dec 2008 Posts: 527

I believe there is a check collection competition here. However, you need a premium membership to enter. How much is the check?

Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 1:59 am

This is pure 100% Craigslist Fake check scam!

The lad has your personal detail so we strongly suggest that you drop him like dead weight. Do not respond to any more of his emails!

There's nothing to stop you from keeping the check as a trophy provided that you deface it somehow like writing "FAKE" across the front of it. If you do throw it away, tear it up first.

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 21 Mar 2007 Posts: 9

So you think it's ok to actually open the envelope. I have no idea what amount but I am dying to find out.

No where near do I have the cajoles to bait these creeps - but I do enjoy reading the adventures posted here.

I just figured I let him or her fade out and away. Can't imagine anyone falling for that bull, but I guess it happens enough to be cost effective for these guys. Pity.

Thanks.
Patty.

Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 3:43 am

There's no foreseeable danger in at least opening the package. Unless of course the lad is masquerading as a Craigslist scammer in order to send out biological weapons via courier parcels. But a person would need to be in the deepest throes of paranoia to believe that. Twisted Evil

Lads like to have healthy victims who can easily travel to the nearest western union agency.

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 21 Mar 2007 Posts: 9

LOL.

It's for $1550 more than the tub I was selling. A check from a legitimate commemorative coin and jewelry company. I should be mad, she said she was sending a cashier's check. What a rip off. Laughing

Hmmm. a buyer in Kansas, a UPS envelope from Missouri and a check from a California company.

Oh yeah, it is a rip off. Rolling Eyes

If she hadn't lied about the shipping arrangement and refuse to give me the name of the shipping company - I probably would not have thought about it much. Since her instructions stated there was a new law that I had to pay the shipping company at the time of the pick up (say what?) - I wonder how she was going to convince me to send her the difference when the time came? Do these people not think that a seller might verify a check from a company as legitimate?

I could see how someone could fall for this. I mean if I was desperate for the money or stupid or greedy or ignored all the warnings posted everywhere on every internet sales site...

Shouldn't someone alert the real company that someone is forging checks from them? I guess given the scope of the problem there is probably not much anyone can do.

Seems sad to me. Confused

Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 1:17 pm

You could always say that there was a problem with the check, that it wasn't enough or whatever and see if you cen start getting some in the 5 figure range. Have some fun with it... if they are trying to get you but you know their game then they cannot dupe other people who do not know what they are up to.