Selling my CL on Craigslist - How do I detect a scammer?
06-22-2010, 10:41 PM
#1
Above n Beyond
Thread Starter
Selling my CL on Craigslist - How do I detect a scammer?
I've had some bites on my CL on Craigslist, but how do I know they are legit bites? Take the below for example. Do you think this is fake? Why would they want to buy it "today" after not hearing more about it or wanting to see it?
I've received some obvious spam ones like, "Hey I like your car. Will you go to www.xxxxxx.com and price me an insurance quote?" Stuff like that is obvious. This one below I am unsure of. What I DO know is that when I don't reply, they don't follow up.
I've received some obvious spam ones like, "Hey I like your car. Will you go to www.xxxxxx.com and price me an insurance quote?" Stuff like that is obvious. This one below I am unsure of. What I DO know is that when I don't reply, they don't follow up.
Anabella <info@accelgymnastics.com>Add to Contacts
To: sale-dawez-1805183728 <sale-dawez-1805183728@craigslist.org>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** CRAIGSLIST ADVISORY --- AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY
** Avoid: wiring money, cross-border deals, work-at-home
** Beware: cashier checks, money orders, escrow, shipping
** More Info: http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams.html
Is it still available?
This is my work email so please contact me at : stuart999@comcast.net
i thinks it's inviting
I am really really interested, I want to purchase it today
Thank you
To: sale-dawez-1805183728 <sale-dawez-1805183728@craigslist.org>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** CRAIGSLIST ADVISORY --- AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY
** Avoid: wiring money, cross-border deals, work-at-home
** Beware: cashier checks, money orders, escrow, shipping
** More Info: http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams.html
Is it still available?
This is my work email so please contact me at : stuart999@comcast.net
i thinks it's inviting
I am really really interested, I want to purchase it today
Thank you
06-22-2010, 10:52 PM
#3
Above n Beyond
Thread Starter
^Agreed but the only reason I thought it 'may be' legit, is from the email address is from a common domain. I just dont want to waste my time replying if these bozo's are not even real. lol
06-22-2010, 10:54 PM
#5
Evil Mazda Driver
Any schmuck can get a Comcast e-mail address; it doesn't automatically mean they're legit. Also, any time they call the item 'it' and not by a descriptive name (i.e. 'car' or 'Acura') chances are it's a scam. The way I filter it out is to ask some investigative questions. For example I reply by asking them when they want to drop by and see the item or what part of town they're in. No response? It was a scam.
06-22-2010, 11:07 PM
#6
Above n Beyond
Thread Starter
^Good point. I did reply one time when I was naive and they did not reply. Figured it was scam.
Also want to mention, their subject was "Advert of your CL". hmmmm maybe I'll just email them.
Also want to mention, their subject was "Advert of your CL". hmmmm maybe I'll just email them.
06-22-2010, 11:08 PM
#7
Oh Hullow
its very simple. just schedule a time for them to buy the car that fits your schedule. tell them to meet you in a very public place close to home (for your convenience) but not at your home. If they show up and buy it end of transaction. if not, you realize didnt lose more than a few minutes of your time.
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06-22-2010, 11:11 PM
#8
Oh Hullow
i sold my tl on craigslist to somebody really interested in the car. hes a cool guy he still texts me a year later telling me all the mods hes doing to the car. anyway, he showed a lot of interest and was anxious to get it. we met up he had cash in an envelope and we completed the transaction. we met at the dmv and he got his registration done and drove it home. i gave him a few pictures and had a good description of the car on craigslist. he only took a quick once over of the car before buying it off of me.
06-22-2010, 11:14 PM
#9
Matt
Join Date: Apr 2006
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I sold my wifes Si on craigslist 30 minutes after listing it. I was very descriptive in the ad, lots of pictures. He knew he wanted before he even test drove it. If its priced right, it can be very hassle free.
06-22-2010, 11:16 PM
#10
Above n Beyond
Thread Starter
Definately a scammer....mother *#*&#&
I emailed this person back saying "Where are you located and what method of payment do you intend?"
They replied....
I click on the link and my computer popped up a message saying "Do not click on this page as it is unsafe to view". haha what a mess. This is EXACTLY why I posted this thread.
I emailed this person back saying "Where are you located and what method of payment do you intend?"
They replied....
Hello
please confirm the price and that this is the item we are talking about:
http://www.craiglist.org.pts62.com/1805337850
I can come view it tomorrow. I have cash in hand.
Thanks
please confirm the price and that this is the item we are talking about:
http://www.craiglist.org.pts62.com/1805337850
I can come view it tomorrow. I have cash in hand.
Thanks
Last edited by UNCTYPE-S; 06-22-2010 at 11:18 PM.
06-22-2010, 11:25 PM
#11
lol, it happens. I've yet to fall for those tricks since I usually check the link before I actually click it, but I don't do it 100% of the time. Also just use common sense and think about it.... craigslist always tells you to never ship, don't do escrow, avoid certain checks (or all of them, I think).
06-22-2010, 11:49 PM
#12
Needs more Lemon Pledge
I would be leary of taking cash. Complete the transaction at the bank. Have the buyer use his/her cash to get a cashier's check from the bank IN YOUR PRESENCE. Then you deposit the cashier's check into your account.
Otherwise you could be presented with either counterfeit bills or a fake cashier's check.
Otherwise you could be presented with either counterfeit bills or a fake cashier's check.
06-23-2010, 12:06 AM
#13
Can't you just look for both the watermark and the security thread on the bills? Might take a while, but....
06-23-2010, 12:08 AM
#14
Needs more Lemon Pledge
No effing way I am trusting several thousand dollars to my untrained eye. Let the bank take the risk.
06-23-2010, 12:33 AM
#15
The other thing I'm also scared of is tire kickers and joy riders. I was planning on including a "no cash = no test drive" clause. I don't know if their credit rating is garbage or not if they plan on getting a loan so at least if they have a few thousand I know they're somewhat serious or at least not some broke ass bum trying to get a free test drive.
06-23-2010, 12:45 AM
#16
Moderator Alumnus
Any schmuck can get a Comcast e-mail address; it doesn't automatically mean they're legit. Also, any time they call the item 'it' and not by a descriptive name (i.e. 'car' or 'Acura') chances are it's a scam. The way I filter it out is to ask some investigative questions. For example I reply by asking them when they want to drop by and see the item or what part of town they're in. No response? It was a scam.
I install/fix Comcast for a living. Never once have I seen a comcast email spoofed.
The guy that emailed you (UNC) could be legit.
06-23-2010, 12:57 AM
#17
Needs more Lemon Pledge
The other thing I'm also scared of is tire kickers and joy riders. I was planning on including a "no cash = no test drive" clause. I don't know if their credit rating is garbage or not if they plan on getting a loan so at least if they have a few thousand I know they're somewhat serious or at least not some broke ass bum trying to get a free test drive.
Bring your current insurance card (and I am going to call to verify it's valid) and full cash for the car and I am going on the test ride (duh).
06-23-2010, 01:03 AM
#18
Actually, you have to pay for comcast email account. You receive your email account by signing up with comcast high speed internet. So, not anybody can get it. I wouldn't be surprised that there is a possibility to spoof a @comcast.net email. But the chances are slim to none.
I install/fix Comcast for a living. Never once have I seen a comcast email spoofed.
The guy that emailed you (UNC) could be legit.
I install/fix Comcast for a living. Never once have I seen a comcast email spoofed.
The guy that emailed you (UNC) could be legit.
So in case something goes wrong, their insurance will cover it? I figure either way I'm going to have insurance of course.... though sometimes it might not be full coverage, if its only liability on a really old car or something.
06-23-2010, 08:31 AM
#21
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
It's easy to filter the obvious scams. Take phone calls only.
06-23-2010, 09:08 AM
#22
I've sold my 20th Anniversary Maxima and bought an 00 Dodge 4x4 Quad cab off of craigslist. All great experiences. Its best to post a phone number in the ad your placing instead of the email address (this will definitely separately true potential buyers). I use to set up as many appointments as I could with the Maxima and always went with a friend. I always met potential buyers at the local mall or wal mart (there are cameras in the parking lot). You can always call a persons bank to verify the cashiers check. Hope it sells soon!~
06-23-2010, 09:21 AM
#24
Above n Beyond
Thread Starter
I've sold my 20th Anniversary Maxima and bought an 00 Dodge 4x4 Quad cab off of craigslist. All great experiences. Its best to post a phone number in the ad your placing instead of the email address (this will definitely separately true potential buyers). I use to set up as many appointments as I could with the Maxima and always went with a friend. I always met potential buyers at the local mall or wal mart (there are cameras in the parking lot). You can always call a persons bank to verify the cashiers check. Hope it sells soon!~
06-23-2010, 09:43 AM
#25
The Box
I've bought/sold probably 50-60 cars on Craigslist in the last few years.
You should always respond, unless they sound like complete idiots or talk about how much they love the car and how they want to send it to their son studying in Africa.
Usually by 2nd or 3rd e-mail, you'll know if it's a scam. Never ship the car, never sign over the title until the bank verified sufficient funds.
You should always respond, unless they sound like complete idiots or talk about how much they love the car and how they want to send it to their son studying in Africa.
Usually by 2nd or 3rd e-mail, you'll know if it's a scam. Never ship the car, never sign over the title until the bank verified sufficient funds.
06-23-2010, 09:44 AM
#26
The Box
I would be leary of taking cash. Complete the transaction at the bank. Have the buyer use his/her cash to get a cashier's check from the bank IN YOUR PRESENCE. Then you deposit the cashier's check into your account.
Otherwise you could be presented with either counterfeit bills or a fake cashier's check.
Otherwise you could be presented with either counterfeit bills or a fake cashier's check.
When I sold my Mazda, I had the buyer meet me at my bank and they paid off my loan & deposited the rest in my acct. That's the best way to do it.
06-23-2010, 05:11 PM
#27
Moderator Alumnus
06-24-2010, 02:46 AM
#29
Three Wheelin'
Usually by 2nd or 3rd e-mail, you'll know if it's a scam.
06-24-2010, 11:50 AM
#30
My only car is a Bus
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Republik of Kalifornia
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Being an Internet Manager what I've discovered is that if someone won't call you they are generally not serious. Doesn't always work that way, but more often than not it is true and if you're getting 50 emails it's a safe way to seperate the men from the boys.
I have to admit, when I was looking for my BMW, I would do much of my correspondence in the evenings after work. Out of respect, I never called a house after 8:00pm, so I preferred email. I had a guy actually call me a troll for not calling him (when I responded to his email at 12:35am). He lost a sale. I wouldn't assume this ^
I agree. Usually the first email spells it out, but it's a sure thing by 2-3.
I agree. Usually the first email spells it out, but it's a sure thing by 2-3.
06-24-2010, 02:22 PM
#31
Above n Beyond
Thread Starter
Here's another one....."hello seller"??? I mean, is this serious?
Prospective Buyer
Comments: Hello Seller, Do you still have the Car for Sell? Awaiting your reply or you can IM me on jb1828@yahoo.com Brenda
Name: Brenda Durhams
Email: jb1828@yahoo.com
Daytime Phone: 281-377-3923
City, State, ZIP: 77014
Comments: Hello Seller, Do you still have the Car for Sell? Awaiting your reply or you can IM me on jb1828@yahoo.com Brenda
Name: Brenda Durhams
Email: jb1828@yahoo.com
Daytime Phone: 281-377-3923
City, State, ZIP: 77014
06-24-2010, 03:02 PM
#32
Above n Beyond
Thread Starter
So after I replied to the above inquiry, this was her response...
Thanks for the quick response,I am okay with your asking price.I am buying this for my personal use.My form of payment will be by PayPal.I would have really love to inspect it but due to the nature of my job that might not be possible but my shipping agent will have that done once we have completed the transaction.
I insist on paying you via paypal because I don't have access to my bank account online as I don't have internet banking, but I can pay from my paypal account, as i have my bank a/c attached to it.
I'll be responsible for the shipping cost/pick-up and the pick up money will be included in your payment to avoid delays and to enable pick up company to schedule an appropriate time for the pick-up at your location after funds has been received as i have other properties to be moved alongside with yours. All i will need is your PayPal email address to make the payment and then I will make arrangement for pick up.I will be expecting your email.
Mrs. Brenda Durhams.
What a joke 
Thanks for the quick response,I am okay with your asking price.I am buying this for my personal use.My form of payment will be by PayPal.I would have really love to inspect it but due to the nature of my job that might not be possible but my shipping agent will have that done once we have completed the transaction.
I insist on paying you via paypal because I don't have access to my bank account online as I don't have internet banking, but I can pay from my paypal account, as i have my bank a/c attached to it.
I'll be responsible for the shipping cost/pick-up and the pick up money will be included in your payment to avoid delays and to enable pick up company to schedule an appropriate time for the pick-up at your location after funds has been received as i have other properties to be moved alongside with yours. All i will need is your PayPal email address to make the payment and then I will make arrangement for pick up.I will be expecting your email.
Mrs. Brenda Durhams.
06-25-2010, 11:05 AM
#38
I've bought/sold probably 50-60 cars on Craigslist in the last few years.
You should always respond, unless they sound like complete idiots or talk about how much they love the car and how they want to send it to their son studying in Africa.
Usually by 2nd or 3rd e-mail, you'll know if it's a scam. Never ship the car, never sign over the title until the bank verified sufficient funds.
You should always respond, unless they sound like complete idiots or talk about how much they love the car and how they want to send it to their son studying in Africa.
Usually by 2nd or 3rd e-mail, you'll know if it's a scam. Never ship the car, never sign over the title until the bank verified sufficient funds.
I have sold a ton of things on CL, from cars to motorcycles to large equipment and furniture... plus little things as well.
When posting an ad, I always put "No Shipping, No Paypal. Payment to be made in person via bank check at my local branch." If it's a smaller dollar amount item, I change the payment to say "Cash only, in person" or something similar.
Doing that has really cut back on scam emails. I rarely get any at all since I added those statements whereas beforehand, it was fairly common.
06-25-2010, 11:48 AM
#39
Three Wheelin'
The sad part is that people fall for it...people who don't use the internet much for commerce are preyed upon by these trolls of human beings. My colleague was a phone call away from wiring money for a "half price" Toyota Corolla
By the way, another tip-off for scammers is the Yahoo name...I received correspondence from a random email like 12ert345@yahoo.com and the sender's name was "Adams Butt". Hmmmmm.
By the way, another tip-off for scammers is the Yahoo name...I received correspondence from a random email like 12ert345@yahoo.com and the sender's name was "Adams Butt". Hmmmmm.
06-25-2010, 01:13 PM
#40
Above n Beyond
Thread Starter
^That's who this lady is. She has a yahoo account.
So she said she can have her shipping company pick up the car and she will paypal me the money.
I said, "let me know if your shipping company is willing to pick my car up at the xxxx Police Station." Here is a the address......
That will probably be her last email to me.
So she said she can have her shipping company pick up the car and she will paypal me the money.
I said, "let me know if your shipping company is willing to pick my car up at the xxxx Police Station." Here is a the address......
That will probably be her last email to me.