Sale On Craigslist Scam: How It Works
Say you’re trying to sell a personal item online, such as a mobile phone, laptop, book, couch, fridge, oven, boat, car or bike. Literally, pretty much anything.
You post an ad on Craigslist. Within minutes, you receive a text message or email similar to the one below (let’s assume you’re selling your phone, locally):
“Hello, what is the last price for the phone and hope is in good condition? Are you the direct owner of the phone? Get back to me soon, Kurt Michael“.
Once you answer affirmatively, “Kurt” continues by asking if he can pay by Walmart or PayPal credit card (see below). He justifies this option as he claims to live somewhere else. If you say yes, he will tell you what to do:
“You will provide me with some details of the Walmart or PayPal credit card then I will load money on the card for you to be able to withdraw it as cash… Go apply for the Walmart credit card… You will really like it as its very easy to buy things with it. Let me know once you get the card.”
Needless to say, he will want the numbers of your card, the CVV, and the expiry date – in order to “fund” the card, so you are paid.
Alternatively, he will ask youy what bank you deal with, so he can transfer you some money. For that, he will need your account number, routing number, etc. As you can imagine, once you give those details away, “Kurt” will max out your card.
When we asked “Kurt Michael” what’s the address we should mail the phone to, he gave: 380 Vista Court Drive Plano, Texas, 75074. Apt 3316.
Sale On Craigslist Scam: How To Avoid
It is a red flag every time somebody wants to buy a large item without seeing it. Another one is if the “buyer” refuses to have a phone conversation. Sell your item locally, face to face with your buyer.
Keep in mind that scammers also change their fake names all the time, so it doesn’t help if you’re sending him a link to this article saying that he is been exposed. He will just use a different name that is not just listed online.
Sale On Craigslist Scam: How To Report
Make your family and friends aware of this scam by sharing it on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:
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I reported this scammer when I wanted to sell a dresser. I since moved and felt it was safe. No. Craigslist did nothing and knew about this scammer. This scammer does not know what he is dealing with-being I am a former detective from Philly. I hold Craigslist responsible and will hear from my attorney. I don’t need to be reminded of the newest scams every week that comes out. I only posted my email and got a response right away that should be monitored by Craigslist.
i posted a car for sale on crimes-list oh sorry Craigslist and like you said 1 minute later i received a text message I’m interested in your car can set a time to look at the car .but first you need to have avr report , and only from this website . so finally i did and set to potential buyer and now nothing i mean i had 30 text messages back and forth . so there is other person that also needs a report but the one i got wasn’t good enough it had to be from this other website svl report (soft vehicle lab) record. so if i had guess this is the people running their own websites looking on selling site for unsuspecting sellers and drive business to their sites . now they have my cc info and names address .