re: Craig's List scams have moved on to Facebook marketplace...

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Fun with miscreants

What's Mark's modus operandi? Here’s a transcript of an actual email exchange. First, Mark posted a radial saw for sale on Craigslist for $500.

Scammer: Hello, what’s the best price for the 16-inch radical arm saw (Dewalt) -- $500?

Mark: $1,000

Scammer: Is the price firm and the condition good?

Mark: Yes, price is firm unless I get higher offers before you pay and the condition is not so good.

Scammer: Great. I’ll be glad to buy from you. Pls provide me with your name to make your certified check to in payment for it. Also provide the mailing address to have it delivered in mail tomorrow. Pickup arrangement will be made after check is confirmed clear at your bank. Looking forward to do business with you.

Mark: OK, just so you know, the truck that picks it up has to have a forklift, 2 stank hooks, and a clift bar in order to get it on the truck.

Scammer: That’s OK, will make the necessary arrangement for pickup.

Mark: I need confirmation from your shipper that they have the necessary equipment.

Scammer: Yes, just confirmed.

Mark: Sorry, that was too quick. I need written confirmation from an actuarial warranty accountant that the equipment can handle the load and configuration.

Scammer: I will send you check, OK? Just send me your address. I will send you check for $3,000, you deposit and keep $1,500 (an extra $500 for your trouble), and then send the other $1,500 to my shipper via Western Union, after my check clears.

Mark sends the scammer all bogus information, often including the address of the White House, Scotland Yard, or some other famous address, along with the personal details of James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, and so on. The scammer sends a “certified bank check” that he hopes Mark will deposit in his bank.

Most people think the “check” clears simply because the bank accepts the check deposit. The scammer hopes the person deposits the check and sends the extra amount (real money from the victim’s bank account) via Western Union. A few days later the bank voids the bogus check.

If you fall for the scam -- Mark isn't done having fun yet. A few days later, the scammer checks in:

Scammer: Did you get the check?

Mark: I just moved. Can you send to my new address?

Scammer: [Usually no reply for minutes to hours] Yes, what is your new address?

Mark sends them another bogus address, sometimes asking for the check to be sent via certified mail to waste a little scammer money.

Scammer: Did you get the check?

Mark: Yes, thank you. Unfortunately, I ran out of money and had to spend the money you sent me. I also sold the radial saw. Someone else offered me $4,000. But if you send me another $2,000 for my $6,000 18-inch radial saw, I will give you the amount I owe you. Plus I just moved again, but this time I think I’m staying. My Internet access is sketchy, so we may have to use regular mail for future communications.

And so on. Mark is able to get these scammers to participate for weeks and weeks, each day getting them more frustrated and angry. I know what Mark does isn't terribly productive, but his antics have probably persuaded a scammer or two to find another line of business.

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