question for those of you who use Craigslist

[mickeym]

So this morning (well, Friday morning) I listed my dining table and chairs on Craigslist. I got an email response later in the afternoon asking if the set was still available; I sent back yes. Just a little bit ago I get this email from the same person:

Hello,
I am taking a trip today and i won't be around for sometime to see the item i believe the item is in good condition i will need your full name and complete address where you wish to receive the money order and your phone number.Immediately i receive these information i will instruct my client to make payment to you.I am offering extra US$10 You will receive payment in a couple of days.I will also instruct my shipper to come and pick the item once the Money order clears.Kindly response as soon as possible kindly take the AD from craigslist.Have a great day.
Regards.

Everything in me is screaming that this is a scam. What do y'all think? Thoughts?

Comments

[girlmostlikely.livejournal.com]

You mean a scam in that they're not really going to buy it, or that they want your address for nefarious purposes?

Tell them you'll remove the items once you've received payment and it's cleared!

[nowadventuring.livejournal.com]

It looks very shady to me. They don't even refer to the item by name, so they could just copy and paste this where ever.

Thanks for the snowflake cookie v-gift, by the way. =)

[clumsygyrl.livejournal.com]

sounds/feels hinky.

[quiet000001.livejournal.com]

I think money orders can be faked. i would probably say no.

[wovenindelibly.livejournal.com]

It's a scam. I listed a couch on craigslist about a year ago and got almost the exact same email. They also offered to pay more. Nothing ever came of it. Total scam.

[mickeym.livejournal.com]

So, should I answer them and call them on it? Do nothing? I did report it to Craigslist as a possible scam, but not sure what else I should do at this point.

[wovenindelibly.livejournal.com]

Craigslist actually has a page that says what to do! :) http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams

[fpvs.livejournal.com]

Sounds a lot like an attempt at stealing your details -> Identity Theft.

The language definitely screams some sort of illegal activity is afoot.

[call-me-loca.livejournal.com]

The thing sounds hinky, especially the bit about US$10. Why phrase it that way if you are HERE in the US? And client and shipper throw me off a bit, as well

[macbyrne.livejournal.com]

If in doubt, forget about it. It seems hinky to me.

[rainbow.livejournal.com]

that does sound like some sort of ... maybe not exactly scam, but someone unhappy with too much time on their hands who answers ads just to disappoint people

[benitle.livejournal.com]

As others have said, it sort sounds like someone's trying to steal your identity information. I'd cautious.

Thank you so much for the vgift, honey! ♥

[merryish.livejournal.com]

Total scam. "My client"??? Seriously? And they need your full address right now? to send you money? Sounds like an identity scam at the very least.

In dealing with Craigslist I have two hard and fast rules. One, I only take cash, ever, when I sell something. Two, I am never, ever alone when the person is scheduled to come for pickup. If it's a smaller item I'm selling, I don't even give them my address - I arrange to meet them somewhere public. Once a Jamba Juice, once at work.

It's harder to do that with something big like a dining table and chairs, I get that, but for safety's sake, at least make sure you have someone besides you and Matthew around at the time of handover, and be extra vigilant for a while about locking doors and windows.

I'm not trying to be deliberately scary or anything, or to imply that everybody on Craigslist is a thief or a serial killer, nothing like that. I used to use Craigslist a LOT, I think it's a great resource, and I've never had any problems beyond people not showing up when they said they would, or trying to haggle once they arrived.

I'm just saying, basic precautions, you know? Because there are nutjobs in the world, and if there are easy things to do to thwart them, it's worth it!

[sanj.livejournal.com]

SCAM. Report it and walk away. Craigslist is mostly good people, but that's an identity scam.

*hug*

[raynedanser.livejournal.com]

TOTAL scam. Ignore & block.

[rivers-bend.livejournal.com]

Mom got nearly identical mail about a bed. SCAM

Good instincts, honey.

[taselby.livejournal.com]

SCAM. Report this to wherever these things get reported.

{{{Thank you}}} for the snowflake! *mwah* And good luck selling the table.

[aislinn-tredor.livejournal.com]

Complete scam.

TOTAL SCAM

[girlnamedpixley.livejournal.com]

This is a TOTAL SCAM. Go and read this page on Craigslist about these types of emails:

http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams

The first thing you learn on Craigslist is to put "CASH ONLY" as the last two words of your listing. And stick to that -- don't deal with anyone who does not bring you cash.

The safest bet is to wait for someone to contact you with the actual name of the item you are selling. Scams like the one you got are sent en mass to all new listings, and those people don't even know what you're selling -- that's why they always say "item" instead of couch or dresser or lamp.

Ignore this person -- don't even bother to reply. Wait for someone who says "I'm interested in your table and chairs...are they still for sale?"

If they describe the item you're selling, you know they're a real person. But even then, accept cash only.

[linda3m.livejournal.com]

I don't know anything about Craigslist - sorry.

I just wanted to poke my head in and thank you for the v-cookie! *hug* That was very sweet of you.

[zortified.livejournal.com]

Totally not related to craigslist: thank you for my snowflake!