Check Scam Hits Internet Classifieds:
The craigslist check scam has made the news once again this time in the Miami area. Again luckily the craigslist seller didn’t take the bait.
54-year-old Riscalla “Steve” Stephen was trying to sell his 97 Ford Escort on craigslist for $350. He received a check for $2,800 with the ALleged buyer saying he made a mistake and asked Mr. Stephen to send the difference back.
Stephen did what all of us should do–he called the bank.
“The bank called back in about an hour and said that the check had been cashed a year ago,” he said.
What’s craigslist doing about these scammers? Just like everything else, not much.
CBS4’s Stephen Stock contacted Craiglist.com, but their management says it has nothing to do with financial transactions, but a representative does say it is aware that this type of scam has become very common sites such as Craigslist.
The spokeswoman says to use common sense and never send or wire money to someone in situations like this.
I bet you I know which spokeswoman that is.
She is right about one thing though. You should use common sense. Common sense being don’t use craigslist.
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Tags: check scam, Miami, Susan MacTavish Best
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October 28, 2007 at 4:13 pm
lana
Actually this is a huge thing everywhere there are ads placed Not just CraigsList. Not trying to take up for CL but let’s be fair this is a ongoing issue and has been for years. I can not tell you how many times I have been offered this type of sell when I had things for sell. I have even had it offered when I posted a few Free items LOL
I have reported them again and again to Yahoo, EBay, and many other online ad places including the local paper where I live. No one seems to be doing a thing about it. Cl has posts all over warming about it though as do most other ad sites. other than that what is it that can in fact be done?
Best thing is as you said Use Common sense. I mean you are selling something and get a email I wish to buy the item you are selling. heck most do not have a clue What the ad was for.
Also do not forget the other side of that coin where the folks who are sent these checks think they can get away with cashing keeping then yelling I was scammed.I say we lock them all up and call it a day.