scammer from craigslist
Just out of interest I followed up with someone selling a Volkswagon on newyork.craigslist.org; the mileage was quite low and the price seemed almost too good to be true; but sometimes people need to sell a car quickly, so anyway I sent a message to the contact, a certain: ‘[email protected]’
Hello and sorry for the delay,
I want to thank you for your interest in buying my 1999 Volkswagen Beetle-New is in great shape, no engine problems, damages or hidden defects. All power and optional equipment work perfect. The mileage is 94142 and the price is $3,300. We will use eBay`s protection program for our safety. I`m a single mother with 2 children and i have problems with money, that`s why i`m selling it so cheap. Also, the shipping cost is included in price so you will only pay the price of the car. If you are interested in buying my car, e-mail me. Thanks for your interest!
Victoria Bruesberry
Hi,
The car is located in Lafayette, Louisiana (i just moved here with my new job), like i told we will use eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection, so we can both be protected and insured. Everything needs to be clarified and I do my best to take this sale to an end and I have a selective way to do this. I hope you understand. The payment will be made safely under eBay’s vehicle purchase protection program. Look how this works:
1. I will contact eBay and give them all the info about this deal.
2. They will accept the transaction and will offer their vehicle purchase protection.
3. You will send the money to eBay and once the payment is received, they will confirm to me your transfer, and I will start the shipping process.
4. You will receive your car in maximum 2 days and after you’ll inspect/test drive the car and decide to keep it, you’ll notify eBay and they will forward the money to me.
5. If by any reason the car is not as described or if you find any problems with it, it will be shipped back (on my costs) and you will be 100% refunded. I’m sure it won’t be the case because it’s a good vehicle.
You will have 7 days from the time you receive the car to inspect it and decide if you want to keep it or not. I apologize if it seems like I’m pushing on this deal but I really want to be sure everything is clarified. Please don’t misunderstand it. I’m not forcing you to complete the deal in any way. If you don’t agree with the terms stated there you can withdraw from this transaction, but if you do, I am waiting for your full name and full address so the eBay sends you the deposit form via e-mail. Thanks for cooperate!”
Does the fragmented English jump out at you? Imagine shipping from Louisiana is free! Since the shipping from Louisiana to NJ or NY is typically around $800, imagine my surprise when this freebie is offered in this email; wow so the value proposition is to take “advantage” of this mother of two children with money problems who probably suffered the carnage of Hurricane Katrina. Or its a greasy belly slimeball sitting behind the computer ready to pilfer a quick $3300 off to an offshore account. Now lets whip up a procmail recipe to keep them wasting time!
Originally published on truman.net. See the archived copy.