One of the things about covering the subject of scams and cons is that everyone has at least one story of how they were almost taken. Immediately after last week’s newsletter, The Snitch, went out, my friend Michael Varma contacted me with this description of how he almost got taken on Craig’s List.
“I recently was a potential victim and happy I didn’t follow through. I don’t recall if you’ve already posted one about Craig’s List scams, but I’ll share an abbreviated story.
“My wife wants to redecorate and decided to discard our one-year old, perfectly fine, nothing wrong with leather couch and love seat. I save the man-cave relaxation tools and post an advertisement on Craig’s List. At least I’ll get some beer and pizza money, right?
“Within three hours of my post, I receive a text from someone willing to buy the couch unseen at my full asking price. Score! The text conversation seemed fair upfront. They’d mail me a check, wait for it to clear, then contact me for pickup. Two days later the check arrived, but it’s for $2,000 more than my selling price. The texter said, just deposit the money and give the excess to the delivery man. What? Shipping costs should be handled by the buyer and not a good deed doer like me.
“I called Texter who answered in a heavily Dominican accent and said, “I’m at work. Can’t talk. Text me.” I was unable to clarify why a delivery from the OC to LA would cost $2,000. Heck, I’d put the couches in my truck and pocket the two grand for myself. Score!
“You’ve obviously guessed it, twas a scam. Check from a reputable bank was fraudulent.”
Luckily, Michael didn’t lose his couch and $2,000, but the lesson is something that anyone trying to sell in a marketplace such as Craig’s List should consider. There’s nothing wrong with using Craig’s List, just beware that scammers prey on unsuspecting sellers regularly in online marketplaces, turning the experience into one of, “Seller, beware.”
Do you have a scam you’ve narrowly avoided? Why not leave a comment to share?
