How does this scam work?

[Jaybird180]

My wife decided she wants a two-wheeled toy. We found a deal on Craigslist that was very intriguing and I replied. The conversation was moved off of CL and transferred to email-email direct replies, which is slow BTW.

Everything about this screams SCAM, WASTE OF TIME.

The scammer's goal seems to be to get me to disclose my full name, address and telephone number. The stated purpose is to make transaction arrangements via "eBay Services" (whatever the heck that means - I'm a Verified Ebayer anyhow). What do they do with that information to scam you? I've pretty much already told the scammer to pound sand, just wanting to understand the wyles of Satan.

 

[steingar]

Run away, its a scam. Recently hit one of these myself. Plenty of good sellers on Craigslist and Ebay, it shouldn't be that hard to find the right bike. Of course, if you're talking motorcycle there are dealers. You might wind up spending a bit more (you might not) but if they have what you want why not?

 

[ElPaso Pilot]

My wife decided she wants a two-wheeled toy. We found a deal on Craigslist that was very intriguing and I replied. The conversation was moved off of CL and transferred to email-email direct replies, which is slow BTW.

Everything about this screams SCAM, WASTE OF TIME.

The scammer's goal seems to be to get me to disclose my full name, address and telephone number. The stated purpose is to make transaction arrangements via "eBay Services" (whatever the heck that means - I'm a Verified Ebayer anyhow). What do they do with that information to scam you? I've pretty much already told the scammer to pound sand, just wanting to understand the wyles of Satan.

They're likely looking for your bank/credit card info to quickly drain under the guise of their phony "eBay Service" link.

A very similar email is listed under Craigslist's scam list:

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

Actual scam emails sent to craigslist users:


First of all I want to thank you for your interest for my car. I sell it at this price($2,980.00 ) because I have been divorced recently. Now the car is in my property and as a woman i don't need it. This car is in excellent working conditions, no scratches, flaws or any kind of damage, slightly used in 100% working and looking conditions and comes with a clear title.
From the beginning you have to know that for the payment I request only secure pay, I prefer the payment to be done using eBay services. We will use a safe payment method because I am affiliated at eBay and I have a purchase protection account for $20,000.00 The final price that I want for this car is $2,980.00 including shipping and handling.

If you are interested in buying it please provide me your full name and address so I can initiate the deal through eBay.

I will wait your answer very soon.

 

[JOhnH]

I probably miss out on some good deals, but this is why I stay away from Craigslist.

Besides, I'd much rather buy from someone local that owns a brick & mortar store, even if it does cost more.

 

[steingar]

I probably miss out on some good deals, but this is why I stay away from Craigslist.

Besides, I'd much rather buy from someone local that owns a brick & mortar store, even if it does cost more.

I have zero sympathy for motorcycle dealers, and prefer to buy on the used market from the person who's been riding the motorcycle. But my current bike I got form a dealer, it was the only used one I've been able to find in a year. Of course, I was a bit picky about the bike...

 

[Jaybird180]

They're likely looking for your bank/credit card info to quickly drain under the guise of their phony "eBay Service" link.

A very similar email is listed under Craigslist's scam list:

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

So they send me a Phishing email to send me to a phony eBay site where I enter my payment info and BAM! They got one !?!?!

 

[JOhnH]

I have zero sympathy for motorcycle dealers, and prefer to buy on the used market from the person who's been riding the motorcycle. But my current bike I got form a dealer, it was the only used one I've been able to find in a year. Of course, I was a bit picky about the bike...

I guess the fact that a good friend of mine, that I met at a Rotary meeting, owns a dealership makes me trust him. And even if I am going to buy from an individual, I would still prefer to find one local.

One source of entertainment that I used to get from Craigslist was when I posted a help wanted ad. Boy, the crackpots that responded to those were actually funny. I never knew how many people with 20 years veterinary technician experience were willing to relocate over 2000 miles for a $15/hour job. And they were the legitimate sounding replies. I've had everything from strippers and brick layers to those with multiple PHDs apply for a job cleaning litter boxes. (I tried to hire the stripper, but my female staff and my wife threatened to walk out).

 

[steingar]

Just sold some old cameras and lenses on Craigslist over the long weekend, they were salvaged from one of Mrs. Steingar's relatives. I was actually quite pleased with the experience.

 

[Jaybird180]

I bought a Bowflex from CL a few months ago. The seller turned out to be legit. He was a cop, ironically. He owes me a pin, but I'm not too worried about it, but he did stop communicating. I guess I shouldn't have paid full asking price.

 

[Zeldman]

I guess the fact that a good friend of mine, that I met at a Rotary meeting, owns a dealership makes me trust him. And even if I am going to buy from an individual, I would still prefer to find one local.

One source of entertainment that I used to get from Craigslist was when I posted a help wanted ad. Boy, the crackpots that responded to those were actually funny. I never knew how many people with 20 years veterinary technician experience were willing to relocate over 2000 miles for a $15/hour job. And they were the legitimate sounding replies. I've had everything from strippers and brick layers to those with multiple PHDs apply for a job cleaning litter boxes. (I tried to hire the stripper, but my female staff and my wife threatened to walk out).

You didn't tell them you are just trying to help her get a normal life with a real job? :wink2:

 

[Archammer]

So they send me a Phishing email to send me to a phony eBay site where I enter my payment info and BAM! They got one !?!?!

Exactly! The email will have all the markers and layout of an actual eBay email, but the link will not go to eBay, it will go to eScay.com (ex.). It will look just like the eBay payment site, and you'll enter in all your info. They'll drain your account, and stop answering contact because they'll be spending your money on hookers.

 

[N747JB]

Exactly! The email will have all the markers and layout of an actual eBay email, but the link will not go to eBay, it will go to eScay.com (ex.). It will look just like the eBay payment site, and you'll enter in all your info. They'll drain your account, and stop answering contact because they'll be spending your money on hookers.

and blow

 

[bflynn]

My wife decided she wants a two-wheeled toy. We found a deal on Craigslist that was very intriguing and I replied. The conversation was moved off of CL and transferred to email-email direct replies, which is slow BTW.

Everything about this screams SCAM, WASTE OF TIME.

The scammer's goal seems to be to get me to disclose my full name, address and telephone number. The stated purpose is to make transaction arrangements via "eBay Services" (whatever the heck that means - I'm a Verified Ebayer anyhow). What do they do with that information to scam you? I've pretty much already told the scammer to pound sand, just wanting to understand the wyles of Satan.

Good instinct.

I hit one of these a while ago and I proposed that the most secure means of transferring payment was for the two of us to meet up, for him to hand me the item and me to hand him cash. They didn't go for it.

I think if I do it again, I might turn it around on them and ask them to fill out their information on their website. Then they can have fun draining their own bank account and answering questions from the the bank when they detect the funky activity and suspend their account...

 

[denverpilot]

Bought another business' four post square hole telcom rack off of CL recently and saved the company over $400 on it vs ordering it delivered by Graybar or similar. They had closed an office and it was stashed in the way, in the corner of their PC lab.

I'm definitely with the group that says if they won't meet and exchange cash in person, CL deadbeats aren't worth messing with.

Sold a couple of vehicles on CL. It's nice finding serious buyers with cash ready to hand over.

Best use of CL is getting rid of workable but useless to you things in the free section. I can't believe some of the stuff people were basically racing each other to my house to pick up. Especially old furniture that isn't worth enough to even put a price tag on it. There's always someone willing to drive 50 miles to pick up old furniture. It's amazing.