I recently listed a car for sale on craigslist and other local classified ad services.This is one reply I got, which is clearly an attempt at scamming:
From: Dave Smith <goldenwum12@yahoo.com>Subject: [The title of the classified ad for the car]Hello,I just viewed your car posting on craigslist and i have interest on it i will like to know the present condition and two more pictures of the car before i proceed with the transaction.Thanks
Problem is, the scammer is not very smart. I did not posted pictures to begin with, so there are no more pictures. So, I sent this reply:
From: meTo: Dave Smith <goldenwum12@yahoo.com>Pictures attached.
I intentionally did not attach any pictures. A genuine buyer would have noticed this of course. Instead, the scammer proceeded with the next step, revealing his true intent:
From Dave Smith <goldenwum12@yahoo.com>To: meHello,Thanks for your reply i got all your information about the car and am ok with it, i will be making your payment today i need your full name and address to make your payment today through electronic check i will handle the shipment myself.All what you need about the mode of payment is to get a Blank check paper and magnetic versa ink to print the check, the check will be sent to your email and you get it printed from it. You can get this materials from the following stores.1. Office Depot2. Office Max3. Staples Store 4. Stationery Store5. Compusa.When you get this materials you can print the check out and immediately after the printing you can then get the check cashed at your Bank or any bank of america branch around you I will wait for you to confirm and clear the check.The payment will be in excess as i will want you to contact my shipper with the excess fund for shipping the car after you must have confirmed and cashed the check.i will wait for your bank to clear the check so you can deduct your own money and send the excess fund to the shipper via Western Union Money Transfer so as to cover the cost of shipping the car from your place to it's destination. I will add extra 100$ for the purchasing of check paper and magnetic versa ink.For more information about the mode of payment you can check the website www.qchex.com and know more about it .Dont worry i will handle the shipping myself with my shipper. you can IM on this ID goldenwum10@yahoo.com or call me on 9145954296 for more information.Thanks and God Bless
This is a classic scam where a fake cheque is sent to the victim for more than the amount owed, and the difference is to be wired to the scammer.
Contents:
Comments
AEB (not verified)
Same scammer?
Sun, 2007/09/23 - 16:19The email below must have been sent by the same person who tried to scam Mike, as the city & phone number are the same. He (she?) is getting smarter, as the initial email asked for details about our specific item. I assume that later emails will follow the pattern of issues with the shipping company needing payment upfront. My questions are: how does the e-check clear the bank if it is a scam, and is there somewhere to report this?
thanks for getting this out in the open!
"From: bill jack [mailto:nnbill49@hotmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, September 22, 2007 6:46 AM
Hi,
I will handle the shipment my self ,my shipping company will come for the pick up in your home all i need you to do is just to buy Business Check Paper with Magnectic Versa Ink, at any Shopping Mall or Stationery Store for just $20 which i will add to your asking price.They are also avaliable at Office Depot or Staples at same cost.Once you have purchase the supplies email me your full name and contact address for the Echeck today.I will wait for your bank to verify and clear the Echeck before we proceed with shipment.Please Email me back and let me know if this helps.
Best Regards
BILL JACK.
44 Stelton Road, Suite 330,
Piscataway NJ 08854
732-733-2052"
Anonymous (not verified)
Same Scammer
Fri, 2007/11/09 - 15:49I have also dealt with this person as of today. I have went back and forth with this person about my post on craiglist of selling my hot tub. He has given me the same address and name as some of the others of Bill Jack. This person even sent me a link of the program to purchase for recieving the e-check and looks legit. Although, I have checked with the local office companys and computer software companys and the insticheck program does not exist. This person is apparently changing the name and/or occasional pieces of information. This person did not although ask for me to send back any differences of money sent. I even offered the person to pay through paypal or wire transfer, which is just as easy and would not do it. Here is the email and address that he has sent me; just like the others.
As a matter of fact am really interested to purchase your item and am ready to buy it
now.The easiest way for me to pay is probably Electrnonic Cashier's check which is E-Check
draw from my Bank(Bank Of America) I have no problem with you waiting for the E-Check to
go through at your bank or anything..Read more about it from http://www.InstiCheck.com...
here is a thing from the E-Check: You will probably need to buy Business Check Paper 3 in 1 or
Versa Check, at Shopping Mall,Stationery Store,Office Depot or Office max.And it cost
$20.Once you purchase the business check paper.I will email you the check and you will have
it printed.then proceed to your bank and cash the check.I will wait for your bank to verify and
clear the Echeck before we proceed with shipment.As my Bank Operator informed me that it
will clear immidiately at your bank.Which is Conforms to All American Banking Association
rules and standards this is to stop C.O.D.
Let me know if this helps
Bill Jack
I can only make the payment throught electronic cashier's check,due to the nature of my
profession,
and there short notice traveling jobs, I had to leave town and will be back in a week,and also
the
E-check is new technology and is very legit and fast,if you know are still willing to sell the
item for
me,proceed to purchase the Business check paper,and let me know the cost of the check paper
because
am going to pay for it..
So don't worry about the shipment,the item will be pick up by Private shipping company. Get
back to
me when you purchased the Business check paper..
Thank
Bill Jack
174 Lackland Ave
Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-733-2052
Anonymous (not verified)
Another Scammer
Mon, 2007/09/24 - 08:49FYI
Here is another scammer using the same technique: Brandon Collins
Mike (not verified)
Another Edward
Mon, 2007/09/24 - 10:15I got two responses to a snowblower ad from John and Ed, the same guys as previously mentioned:
>>>
On 9/19/07, john bill wrote:
Hello seller,
Please get back to me concerning the item posted,i am interested in buying..Is it still available for sale?
Thanks
John
>>>
On 9/19/07, Michael Reynolds wrote:
John,
Sure is. Is there a time that you'd want to see it?
Mike
>>>
On 9/20/07, john bill wrote:
Hello,
Ok fine,I am still interested in buying .I will be responsible for the
pick up.I would like to
make my payments with either a Bank certified check or a personal
check.But then, i would like to know which is more convenient for you
.Pls get back to me with your name and address to be on the check and
the convenient check payment method you want..I will be responsible
for the pick up.My mover will contact you after check clears at your
bank and schedule a pick up time. Sorry i am being too forward..I
really need it
Thank you
>>>
On 9/23/07, Edward Whelton wrote:
Hello,
I am interested in your item,hope the the item is still valiable for
sale..
Edward
174 Lackland Ave
Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-733-2052
>>>
Date: Sun, 23 Sep 2007 13:09:38 -0400
Ed,
The item is located in CT. Will you be able to pick it up?
Mike
>>>
On 9/24/07, Edward Whelton wrote:
Ok,
Am really intrested to purchase your item,am ready to buy it now.The easiest
way for me to pay is throught Electrnonic Cashier's Check which is E-Check
draw from my Bank (Bank Of America) I have no problem with you waiting for
the E-Check to go through at your bank or anything.here is a thing from the
E-Check: You will probably need to buy Business Check Paper, at Shopping
Mall,Stationery Store,Office Depot or Office max.And it cost $20. Once you
purchase the business check paper. I will email you the check and you will
have it printed. then proceed to your bank and deposite the check. I will
wait for your bank to verify and clear the Echeck before we proceed with
shipment. As my Bank Operator informed me that the check will use two or
three before the check will clear at your bank. Which is Conforms to All
American Banking Association rules and standards this is to stop C.O.D.
Let me know if this helps
Edward
174 Lackland Ave
Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-733-2052
Sniper (not verified)
Another Scam
Thu, 2008/09/18 - 12:27-----Inline Attachment Follows-----
Hello over there,
How are you today and how is work over there? I saw your item
you posted on craigslist and i am interested in buying the item.
Please let me know is the item is still available for sale and the
present health condition.I will like to tell you that i will be paying
with a Bank Certified Check in US dollars.I live in California and i
will be responsible for the shipping, And as for the shipment my
shipper will come for the pick up at your location upon your
confirmation of receiving the payment and I want you to keep the item
for me and don't want you to look for any other buyer.My address is
11750 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD WESTLOS ANGELES , CA 90025 United States
I would have love to come down for the pickup, but i do not have
chance to do that now due to my job but am satisfied with your
discription of the item i will like you to give me your contact info
for me to mail your payment.
1....Your full name to be on the check
2.....Your full contact address to send the payment to (Not PO Box)
3....Your zip code
4....Your mobile or home phone no to reach you.
Have a nice day and hope to hear from you soon.
Richard Williams
Anonymous (not verified)
Edward is a busy man LET'S BUST HIM!!!
Mon, 2007/09/24 - 11:37I got the EXACT same email from Edward Whelton...
Hello,
I am interested in your item,hope the the item is still valiable for sale..
Edward
174 Lackland Ave
Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-733-2052
To: ed_whelt08@hotmail.com
Yes, the tank is still available. Attached is the detailed list. It seems like alot, but It is a very detailed list. Hope it works for you!
XXXXX
XXX-XXXX
Ok,
Am really intrested to purchase your item,am ready to buy it now.The easiest way for me to pay is throught Electrnonic Cashier's Check which is E-Check draw from my Bank (Bank Of America) I have no problem with you waiting for the E-Check to go through at your bank or anything.here is a thing from the E-Check: You will probably need to buy Business Check Paper, at Shopping Mall,Stationery Store,Office Depot or Office max.And it cost $20. Once you purchase the business check paper. I will email you the check and you will have it printed. then proceed to your bank and deposite the check. I will wait for your bank to verify and clear the Echeck before we proceed with shipment. As my Bank Operator informed me that the check will use two or three before the check will clear at your bank. Which is Conforms to All American Banking Association rules and standards this is to stop C.O.D.
Let me know if this helps
Edward
174 Lackland Ave
Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-733-2052
I of course didn't respond.
I did fill out a complaint for on the FTC website
Hope he gets busted!!
shaan (not verified)
car scam
Mon, 2007/09/24 - 20:08Hey thanks for the posts. I got a similar email and I knew it was a scam right away, but emailed the buy back just to see where it goes.
Hi Shaan,
My client has approved to buy your car.I wish to let you know that a cashier check is to be made for the order, but as a result of an earlier cancelled order. The former company where my client made an order refused to make a cashier check of your exact amount ,they said they can only make out ONE cashier check in respect of the cancelled order according to the company policy.
Now our client has instructed that the cashier check be made in your name provided you will return the difference to her to take care of shipping ,agent fee and other expenses.
PAYMENNT INFORMATION
The check is in the amount of ($17,000) As soon as you receive payment,you are required to deduct the agreed cost of your car which is ($9,150),and send the balance of ($7,050),to the agent via money gram international transfer to enable her start making
arrangements for pick up.
PICK UP ARRANGEMENTS.
As soon as the agents receives the balance, she will book a flight and also call you to make arrangements on the day to come for pick up.
As soon as the check gets to you, you are required to deduct the cost of your car, and send the balance to the agent.
Your information should be in this format below, to avoid mistakes, since we are talking of money...
PROVIDE ME WITH THE FOLLOWING DETAILS FOR PAYMENT INFORMATION
Anonymous (not verified)
Ray Borell sent me this one...
Tue, 2007/09/25 - 16:44Sounds Good.
I will like to proceed with the transaction asap and my mode of payment will be via Electronic Cashier Check drawn on my bank (Bank Of America) as there are too many scams on internet with bogus Money Orders and personal checks,The electronic cashier check will be sent to your email so all you need to do is purchase a business check paper at any Office depot or stationary store to print the check and immediately when you print the check proceed to your Bank to cash or deposit the check,the Business check paper cost $20 only but i will offer you $50 to purchase the Business check paper and for accepting my mode of payment.I should have handled this myself but i am not available to do this now i am currently away for my company seminar that is why i want you to do this to facilitate the transaction.
The car will be picked up from you by my shipper so you don't have to worry about shipment of the car also i am in no rush to pick up the car till funds are cleared at the bank.
Electronic Cashier checks is fast,secure and best method of payment because it is instant once you purchase Business check paper all the process of printing and cashing of the E-check can be done within 2 hours.
Proceed to delete the advert of this item if my mode of payment is accepted and get back to me asap to complete this transaction.
Regards
From: anonymous
To: rayborell012@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: Ford Explorer 1991 XLT 4X4 , 4-Door - $850
Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:35:00 -0700
The truck is still for sale.
I'm curious why you would be willing to pay more than what I listed it for...???
From: rayborell012@hotmail.com
To: sale-430701495@craigslist.org
Subject: Ford Explorer 1991 XLT 4X4 , 4-Door - $850
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:33:39 -0400
Hello,
I want to purchase your car and i am willing to pay $850 for it.
Get back to me immediately if the car is still available for sale.
Thanks
So, I responded with...
Nice try, but there's loads of information on scammer's and e-checks.
Sorry, but this fits the bill.
Thanks to all who post this information to warn people of these scams.
Anonymous (not verified)
Raymond Borell Scammer
Wed, 2007/10/03 - 11:15Same as above:
Email from idiot Raymond Borell-
From: "Raymond Borell" Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert
To: sale-438177408@craigslist.org
Subject: 1988 Pontiac Firebird - $1600
Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 19:16:33 -0400
"Hello,
I want to purchase your car and i am willing to pay $1600 for it.
Get back to me immediately if the car is still available for sale.
Thanks"
My reply was the same as above:-
"Car is still for sale, but why would you want to pay more than asking price?"
I haven't heard back, but will play along and waste his time and affort, and mine also, I guess. I hate this sort of thing.
Do these idiot scammers think we are stupid?
Anonymous (not verified)
Same Guy
Sat, 2007/09/29 - 09:52Here he is again:
Ok,
Am really intrested to purchase your thundercraft,am ready to buy it now.The easiest way for me to pay is throught Electrnonic Cashier's Check which is E-Check draw from my Bank (Bank Of America) I have no problem with you waiting for the E-Check to go through at your bank or anything.here is a thing from the E-Check: You will probably need to buy Business Check Paper, at Shopping Mall,Stationery Store,Office Depot or Office max.And it cost $20. Once you purchase the business check paper. I will email you the check and you will have it printed. then proceed to your bank and deposite the check. I will wait for your bank to verify and clear the Echeck before we proceed with shipment. As my Bank Operator informed me that the check will use two or three before the check will clear at your bank. Which is Conforms to All American Banking Association rules and standards this is to stop C.O.D.
Let me know if this helps
BILL JACK
and another:
The reason I am sending you this email is to make final reconfirmation of this and also to let you know that payment will be by check. In view of this I need you to email me any information that may be required to send the payment , as I do not want to send the payment to a wrong location lest they gets into the wrong hands.
Regarding the shipping, I have a company that takes care of the pick
up of my consignments for me and ship to my destination anywhere in the
U.S.A.,you do not worry about shipping, the company will send down a
representative to arrange the Sales documentation and the pick up from
your end for onward transfer to my destination.
I also want to alert you on the fact that you will be receiving an
overdraft payment , which will cover the money for the pickup (pickup
and shipping to the final destination) as well as the money to be paid to
the company that will take care of the pickup and the documentation
with you. So please, as soon as you receive the payment , go and cash
them immediately, deduct the money that accrues to your cost of this item
and u will send the rest balance to the Head Office of the company that
handles the shipment via the nearest Western Union agent in your area.
Deduct the Western Union charges from the balance and send the remaining
immediately .
I will give you the details of the company that you will send the
balance of the money to once I get a reply and agreement that you will
send the money via Western Union money transfer immediately you cash the
payment.
Once the money is received by the agent, the shipping agent will
contact you immediately to arrange the documentation as
well as the pick
up immediately.
So in view of the above, here are some of the details I will need
for final assurance of the payment to you.
(1) Full Name
(2) Mailing address, no p.o.box please
(3) Your Cell and home telephone number
Once you get back to me with all the above, the payment will be
issued out immediately and it will be sent to you . Hope to hear from you immediately.
Best Regards
Biker Willy
and another:
174 Lackland Ave
Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-733-2052
don't worry about the shipment,the item will be pick up by the
shipping company,let me know when you purchase the check paper.
Thanks
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