We are trying to sell the ol' family truck. Within 24 hours of posting this 90's era gem, Lee began this text exchange. At first he thought maybe he was just a yokel who couldn't spell, type, or communicate effectively. Turns out it was just another Nigerian prince. Let's see if you can see what gives him away. I'll help by high lighting suspicious crap.
My name is Benson,am from M O,and am ready to purchase,but i don't feel
comfortable buying unseen item,but i think i have to trust you,cause am
not coming to inspect it,due to the nature of my job,can you gimme more
details about it.
Lee texts a response and asks if this individual would like a detailed e-mail about the truck. Question is ignored.
Why are you selling it,and are you the first owner,Did you bought it
new,i mean no insult,but there are tons of crappy items out there and
don't want to be stuck with something in bad condition.thanks.
Lee uses google to text a wordy, detailed message about Chuck's wears, tears, and repairs.
How much is the final price?
Umm...exactly what we listed it as?
Am okay with the condition,i can now proceed with the payment now,but my
mode of payment will be via PayPal,so get back to me with your PayPal
name and your PayPal email address,to proceed with the payment, I have
make arrangement with the shipping company they will take care of
everything after the payment has been made.
Lee brings up title and how to arrange transfer of ownership and proximity in which it must occur to payment.
Got it but i will need the pickup address so that the shipping company can calculate my shipping cost and your PayPal name
Shares some pertinent information and asks for this man's personal information. Is ignored once again.
Thanks i will have to forward the address to the shipping company,so
that they can calculate my shipping cost,i will let you know once i hear
from them.
Please i will have to wire the total funds of $2,200,into your PayPal
account,so once you receive the total money you will help me to send the
650$ to the shipper through western union.and i will add 50$ for
western union charges,i would have love to pay them myself but there's
no nearest western union here and i cant make it to far distance due to
the nature of my job and i would have pay them online but it require a
credit or debit card and i don't have either one,let me know before i
made the payment.
After two seconds of googling, we found that this con artist hadn't even bothered to find out how much it really costs to ship a truck from Logan to Missouri. It costs nearly $1,000 not $600. We ignored him for several hours, then we informed him we are not interested in shipping the vehicle.
I especially want to point out: why would someone living in Missouri be looking for a vehicle on KSL.com, which has classifieds specific to Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming? I think I could make a fortune helping idiot scammers make themselves sound remotely believable.
I would like you to pay me to get your truck. Please give me your bank account number, and i will make all of the arrangements. I will also need passwords. I would love to take your money myself, but due to the nature of my job and the distance I simply can't.
ReplyDeleteI totally didn't bother reading this warning from ksl:
ReplyDeleteBeware of Classified Ad Fraud!
KSL Classifieds is meant to be a local service for those in Utah and the immediately surrounding areas. However, individuals outside of the country will frequently contact sellers or post their own fraudulent ads. Do not be misled! These are not honest people with exceptional deals, but criminals trying to take your money. Watch for the following signs:
1. Buyer/Seller explains that they are currently out of the country.
2. Buyer/Seller offers to pay with a money order or cashiers check for significantly more than the asked for price.
3. Buyer/Seller explains that a third party or service will pick up or deliver the item.
4. Email inquiry is poorly written, generic, or strange sounding.
5. Offer is simply too good to be true.
(Looks like Benson nailed number 3 and 4)