[aninjamom]

I recently posted a pair of items on this and another site for sale. I got an inquiry from a "James Bradley" and responded. Then I got this:
"I Would have loved to come over to check the condition of the item but
i am currently not in town.
But it okay My Movers can come and pick it up once i send you payment
I am from New York but i am currently on a trip to London for a
conference meeting, my
movers can come and pick up the items once i pay. I'll be offering you
extra $50 to your
money as the best offer and i hope you will keep this item for me
i will be making the payment with a Cashier's Check.
My Movers will come over to pick up once check clears!"

I simply declined, although I was temped to say something nasty. The red flags in this email are: a. Despite the "English" name, this person obviously doesn't speak English. b. He's in another state/country, so can't come over. (I'm selling furniture?) c. He says he'll pay MORE than I am asking, and wants me to hold the item - trying to hook me. d. He wants to pay with a cashier's check, even though I specified cash only. If I had accepted, I would have received a cashier's check for several hundred more than my price, with an excuse and a request for "change" sent back to him, or given to the "movers". In a couple of weeks, the bank would discover that the check is counterfeit, and I would be out the real money I sent him, plus possibly the item I was selling if someone actually picked it up. Don't fall for this people!

[retiredguy123]

I agree that this was obviously an attempted scam, but you sure have made a lot of assumptions. I never cease to be amazed at how some people would actually fall for these scams, but apparently they do.

[ColdNoMore]

The reason this type of scam is successful, is that a lot of people don't know that a cashier's check is NOT a guarantee that the money is legitimate.

Here is a list of things to do to limit your chances of getting ripped off.

craigslist | about > scams

- Don't accept cashier/certified checks or money orders - banks cash fakes, then hold you responsible.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by ColdNoMore

The reason this type of scam is successful, is that a lot of people don't know that a cashier's check is NOT a guarantee that the money is legitimate.

Here is a list of things to do to limit your chances of getting ripped off.

craigslist | about > scams

Nice information ColdNoMore.

[aninjamom]

I didn't make any assumptions, I learned from other's mistakes. I don't like making them all myself!