Craig's list scam/spam alert thread?

[clerkkent]

I've often seen Craig's list postings, or had responses to my Craig's list posts where it was sketchy , and after doing a little googling, it appeared to be scammy/spammy. For example, posting a really unique bike that would be advertised for sale in multiple markets with little information as to where it exactly is.
Weeding out the Nigerian colonel responses, and the generic 'is it still for sale?' or 'how much is it?' responses is fairly easy, but others are more challenging. This week, I got a response to one bike ad with "Is there an age range for this bike? I’m planning to give it to a 14 year old as a gift. " .. okay odd question, but I responded. one day later, for another bike, from a different responder, I get "Is there an age range for this bike? I’m planning to give it to a 14 year old as a gift. " ruhroh.


I think it would be somewhat useful to have a thread where people could check if a responder is running the current scam of the month, and share new ones with the group. Thoughts?

 

[yoothgeye]

Like you said "Is the item still available" or similar are easy to deal with, if it looks a little more authentic, but still generic I just reply with "Where are you located?" and that usually gets the bad ones off the line.

 

[wheelhorseman]

The spammers are getting crafty. Now seems they take alittle more effort and somtimes ask about what you are selling specifically. EXAMPLE...Do you still have the bike for sale. ALL my CL email replies get spammed

 

[slacker]

Bam! What jayblok said. And if you have issues with a scammer or weirdo, Google Voice allows you to block numbers.

While we are on the subject of Craigslist, how many of you Google the phone numbers or email addresses of potential buyers? I had an email from a guy recently, and for some reason, it didn't sit well with me. I did a little cyber-snooping and found the guy's Myspace page (people still use MySpace?). Turns out the guy is in a notorious Chicago street gang! His page was full of drugs and guns and all other manner of gangsta nastiness. Just something to consider when doing business online.

 

[mikeeebikey]

I have been getting this;

"Your ad makes you sound so real, I want you to check me out so follow the link and get my digits, please call soon. This is for real, I am new in town and want to meet exciting people like you!"


From an ad that said, I have 2 heavy duty steel front 26 x 1.75 wheels, in great shape, run true, roll free, straight axles and come with nuts for $15.00 each.

Sometimes pictures are attached, thankfully they don't know how to send images, just attachments.
I don't want to see youngins, under 35 no thanks! I'm checkin out most yer grandma's!

 

[B607]

This high tech scamming is getting way over my head. I better stick to flea markets. Gary

 

[yoothgeye]

I've had a lot of luck selling items on Facebook, there are about 10 local sale groups on Facebook, some for kids clothes and toys, some for all items, some for guns and 4x4s and guy stuff. It's a lot easier to buy and sell like that since we are in a small community you can usually find a connection between someone buying/selling and one of your friends.

 

[kingfish254]

I started adding this to all of my postings. If I get a "is it available" reply, I flag it as spam.

"If you see any of my listings still posted, then the item is still available! Too many SPAM bots do nothing but ask if something is available, so please ask more in your response, so that I know you are a human and not a Nigerian bank scheme. Thanks, "

 

[froggy99]

great info. I've bought on cl but never sold anything and as the herd is starting to take over I think its time to start selling. How many bikes ARE u allowed to have in the house before u get the "ultimatum"? Personal best 20. Although Trinity/phat rat knocked out 3 in one shot.

 

[clerkkent]

I am heavy duty, in great shape, run true, roll free, am straight and come with nuts. That's why my significant others loves me.. so she says. :mrgreen:

I have been getting this;

"Your ad makes you sound so real, I want you to check me out so follow the link and get my digits, please call soon. This is for real, I am new in town and want to meet exciting people like you!"


From an ad that said, I have 2 heavy duty steel front 26 x 1.75 wheels, in great shape, run true, roll free, straight axles and come with nuts for $15.00 each.

Sometimes pictures are attached, thankfully they don't know how to send images, just attachments.
I don't want to see youngins, under 35 no thanks! I'm checkin out most yer grandma's!

 

[mikeeebikey]

Bahahahhahaha! At risk of bending forum rules I LOL at your post!
I used to have a "haha," already typed up in my documents for the spammy "do you still have it," e-mails; It read like this; Yup shur du, I live at 109 cuntry bumkin lane, rednecksville, al. Kay now pay tenttion do dese derectuns, turn off creepy don't turn here road onto my drive road, it's dirt and bumpy so be careful, watch out fer the dump by ol Joe's. In fact when you pass ol Joes shack do not look at him, no eye contact, he still ain't over deleverence and dem boys not getting to keep Burt Renolds, they did get him fair and square and all. But anyhow, steer left and don't slide into the dump cause we put our poo there to. Once you pass the smell I'm up the road a peace.

I am heavy duty, in great shape, run true, roll free, am straight and come with nuts. That's why my significant others loves me.. so she says. :mrgreen:

I have been getting this;

"Your ad makes you sound so real, I want you to check me out so follow the link and get my digits, please call soon. This is for real, I am new in town and want to meet exciting people like you!"


From an ad that said, I have 2 heavy duty steel front 26 x 1.75 wheels, in great shape, run true, roll free, straight axles and come with nuts for $15.00 each.

Sometimes pictures are attached, thankfully they don't know how to send images, just attachments.
I don't want to see youngins, under 35 no thanks! I'm checkin out most yer grandma's!

 

[Voyager Al]

I state on my CL ads to reply WITH A PHONE NUMBER, or I delete. And I explain why. I wont call ya, but wont reply without a number. That has solved alot of BS. No number, it gets deleted. A number, I reply. after that, I will give MY phone number, and it progresses from there. I have traded MANY motorcycles, traded a bassboat,sold 25 bikes in the last 2 years, and tons of other smalls. Its a no-brainer. Phone number, or no reply. Now, I still delete alot, but no problems ,at all....