Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

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Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

posted @ Wednesday, June 03, 2009 7:38 AM | 70 Comments

Forgive the distraction…I couldn’t help it. I get frustrated when I see these things in the world I live (interwebs).

My wife and I were in the market for a truck. We decided on a particular model and started watching local Craigslist postings. One came across our eyes that we simply couldn’t believe…it was a recent model truck with 24K miles and was listed for less than half of what others were listing. Both of us knew either one of two things happened: 1) major typo in the guys listing or 2) scam. But just in case we wanted to clarify. There was no phone number/name listed (scam alert 1), so we used the craigslist email. Here’s the listing in question:

Now, granted this isn’t really even the style we were looking for (pimped out rims, lowered), but if it was legit then we’d be able to turn a profit maybe :-). We knew it wasn’t though. Below is the email I sent:

Okay, what's the catch? a 24K miles 2005 loaded for $10,000?! Salvage title?
If not, does it have tow package with brake controller in cab? what is a disability package?

Then we got a reply:

Subject: Re: ford f-150 supercrew - $10200 (phoenix)
From: "Hickman Bobby, Tech Sgt." bbobby.hickman@gmail.com

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in my car.This is a 2005 FORD F150 SUPERCREW
4x4, 8 Cylinder 5.4 Liter, Gasoline engine,Automatic
Transmission,Non-Smoker,clean title!! The car has only 24,000 miles on
it,VIN# is : 1FTPW14515FB48400 .

Here you can find more pictures of the car:
http://s597.photobucket.com/albums/tt58/fordfordsalfor150/
(if the above link does not work copy and paste it into a new web browser
window).

The car has been well taken care of, always kept in the garage.Flawless
exterior/interior condition,no scratches and no dents.It has never been
involved in an accident.The engine starts and drives like new and the paint
looks great.It comes with US clear title which will be signed and notorized
in the buyer's name.Have all keys and manuals.

I'm an US Air Force Tech. Sgt. currently stationed in Germany.The car is
here with me. It was bought in the US and shipped to Europe, but it was
never permanently registered here, the car is still registered in the US.The
car is for sale locally as well, but there are slim chances of this to
happen. In order to be able to register this car here in Germany the buyer
would have to pay very high import/custom taxes that will double the price.
So I decided to sell the car back in the US.

The price is $10,200.00 including shipping from Germany to the US and
delivery to your home address.

So if you decide to buy this car or need further information please get back
to me as soon as possible.

Thank you
Tech.Sgt.Bobby Hickman

Hmm, US military (scam alert 2 – playing off patriotism), car is overseas (scam alert 3), still registered in US (scam alert 4), and cost includes shipping back to US (scam alert 5). At this point we’re at defcon 4 with scam alert. We chuckled and continued our search. But remembering how much fun I had reading Ebola Monkey Man (NSFW) I decided to have some fun. I mean, this person wasted my time, why can’t I waste his right? :-). Since the posting had a note about ‘disability equipped’ I further inquired:

Can you send me pictures of the disability access package you have?

To which he responded:

The car is in excellent condition,no mechanical or electrical problems.It drives very very smooth.

I will have the car shipped from Germany by an US Air Force cargo plane so there won't be any additional shipping costs. Also I will arrange for a truck to transport the car to your home address or, if you like, you can pick it up from the nearest airport in your area. The shipping will take 6-8 days, depending on your location.Shipping will be door to door,to your home address,somebody must be home when the car arrives to sign for the reception.The car will arrive with all the papers and documents required for registration and the keys. The clear title and the bill of sale will be already signed by me.

The payment will be done through eBay.You will send the money to eBay and as soon as the payment is confirmed they will notify me to proceed with the shipping. I will ship the car, you will receive it and you will have 5 days for inspection, both the car and the paperwork and the option to accept or reject the car.The inspection time period will begin as soon as you sign for receiving the car at your requested address.During all this time eBay will hold the money into a trust account.So, this is not a blind transaction,you can see the car before decided to buy it.If you are satisfied with the car and decide to keep it you inform eBay about this and they will release the money to me. If the car is not as advertised and decide not to keep it eBay will refund you the money, no questions asked, and shipping back the car will be my concern. I think this is more than fair for the both of us.Please take in to consideration that I will get paid only after you receive the car and make sure everything is as agreed.

If you agree with these terms and you have the money, send me your full name and the address where you want the car to be delivered to and I will initiate the transaction with eBay. You will receive all the transaction details from them.

I will appreciate an answer as soon as possible.

Thank you
Bobby

I’m loving the start of this because he’s ignoring my inquiry. Oh, and ebay…we’re now at defcon 6 people. But of course I kept it going:

Can you please send me pictures of the disability package that you listed in your listing?
Also, where is the vehicle currently registered? In which state in the US?

Quick response this time (perhaps only an hour):

The car does not have any disability .It is fully equipped.

Hmm, he doesn’t get it, okay, time to have more fun.

Thanks for the quick reply Bobby.

Your listing says "disability equipped" in the description. I'm trying to understand what that is. I'm assuming it means something to do with equipment that allows for a wheelchaired person to drive it easily and it stores the chair automatically in the truck bed. I'm not disabled, but I am thinking this might be cool in case someone with a wheelchair needs to borrow my new truck for some reason. Can you help explain to me what this means?

This sounds like a great deal and my wife and I are excited. Do you have any pictures of the radio area? I love music and want to make sure the radio is a good one. That's important to me.

For the sale, can I use something other than eBay? Isn't that for auctions only? Sorry for the question, but I've only used eBay when looking for vintage train parts for my Lionel set.

Thanks in advance for the reply and information!

And I mean the above in no offense to anyone disabled. Clearly this is a scam and he took the listing from someone else. Here’s the reply from the latest:

The car does not have any disability!!!!!!!!!!

Now I’m laughing because he doesn’t even read his own listing. My follow-up:

Hi Bobby,

I know there is no disability, but in your listing you have a feature (next to power windows, etc.) that the vehicle is "disability equipped" -- is that incorrect and there is no disability equipment feature (like a wheelchair life)? I've decided if there was I wouldn't want it.

Thanks for the fast reply. I'm eager to start the transaction -- you didn't say anything about eBay either. Can't we use some other service that doesn't charge me money?

-th

This is too great. After a while more, here’s his response.

Hi,
The payment will be made through eBay. I'm under Contract with eBay which states that we can close the deal using their service.Very Important, Only after you will receive the car, eBay will release the money to me.

The money will be sent per ebay instruction and you will give the payment details only to eBay. They will verify the payment and when the money are confirmed they will notify me to proceed with the shipping process. After you receive and see that the car is the one you want, you just notify eBay to give me the money.

In order to start the deal I need YOUR FULL NAME and SHIPPING ADDRESS so I can register the transaction with eBay. They will let you know what you have to do for the payment.

Thanks!

Um yeah, you still haven’t answered my questions. Now I’m getting frustrated :-)

Bobby,

With respect, you still haven't answered my questions. Your listing talks about 'disability equipped' and you haven't explained that. Also, you haven't answered where it is registered in the US so I can make sure I can transfer the title.

I'm eager to begin the transaction, but you aren't answering my questions about the car. Does it have a full size spare tire?

After a day on this one, I think the scammer had some help – here’s a reply with my answers. Now keep in mind, I’m Tim and he’s Bobby yet this was a reply sent to me (the italics parts were in a different collor as well…cut and paste):

Hi Bobby,

Is a misprint.The car is in excellent condition,no mechanical or electrical problems.The car is registered in UT.

Send me your full name and the address where you want the car to be delivered to and I will initiate the transaction with eBay. You will receive all the transaction details from them.

I will appreciate an answer as soon as possible

Dude, if you are scamming…get your folks right. I often wonder if scammers learn from others? All you have to do is read Ebola Monkey Man and you could be a better scammer I suppose. I proceeded to reply with a fake address with Nick Burns as the name to receive it and a totally made up address in Arizona. After a bit, the scammer replied:

I got your info and I will initiate the transaction through ebay,they will let you know what you have to do for the payment.Get back to me as soon as you receive their invoice.You should hear from them within 24 hours

It’s amazing to me that despite the obvious risk here that some people actually fall for this. In fact, Craigslist puts up a giant banner that specifically warns on this:

Craigslist scam warning

In the meantime, I set up a different GMail account and sent the scammer (via the craigslist email) a note asking if the truck was for sale. Within a day I got the EXACT reply as the first time I inquired with my real identity. I mean, c’mon who would respond to an email that was ‘anonymous.mailbox@gmail.com’ – seriously! In the meantime I hadn’t heard back from the ebay transaction and I responded with:

I haven’t heard anything yet and am eager to complete this sale. Please don’t tell me you sold the truck :-(

Yes, I included the emoticon for sincerity. The scammer responded that I should check my spam folder for information from eBay (ooh, the irony in that statement). I assured him nothing was there and to start it over. I instantly see this in my inbox from support@vppsafepayment.com (which is hilarious…go visit that site…um Google Sites…nice—I totally trust you, where do I send my money?! lol):

Like the name I provided? And the address? There is no Bartsville, AZ…and 85003 is somewhere downtown Phoenix I’m sure…holy crud man, take a moment to verify! Oh and I’m buying from Bobby Hickman, but the account holder is Harrison Macpherson!?!?

Further investigation of the “central fax number” reveals so many other scams happening like this one also claiming to be a US Army person. This is unbelievable. Seriously…there are no more defcon levels left to reach…we’ve hit scam meltdown at this point. What amazes me is that people fall for this. There are so many signs of wrong, deceit, lameness going on that I really do feel sorry for people who think these are legit!

I decided to see if I can pull an Ebola Monkey Man style picture out of this scam and send the scammer this note:

My wife is very nervous about this transaction through ebay and wants to be assured the truck is still in good condition. She wants a recent picture of the truck, with someone standing in front of it (perhaps you in your uniform?) holding a sign with the current date. That will make her more comfortable sending the money through ebay. Can you send us that picture?

I tried to convince her everything was fine, but she insists. She's a little crazy I think, but she has the money as I'm not really employed and just play computer games all day long anyway, so I have to listen to what she says.

-th

In the meantime, over in ‘anonymous mailbox’ land, the scammer continues sending the same email about shipping via US Air Force, etc., etc. Seriously…I am just laughing that in the inbox of the scammer these messages are showing up from “Anonymous Mailbox” as the person. Unbelievable.

At this point, I have decided I don’t have any more time to waste on the guy and shot of a note to the trusting “Sgt” informing him of the fact that I believe it to be a scam based on, well, everything. Oh well, it was interesting to see this dialog and sad to know that it is successful with some folks at times.

tags: craigslist, scam, ebay

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution By license.

Comments

Stacy Draper

6/3/2009 8:17 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I like to read http://www.419eater.com/html/trophy_room.htm as a real time killer. These things seem to go on forever, but one of things they do is spin it to get money out of them. Maybe you could turn it around where you're wife's success or association has put you in a position where you have access to repossed cars and you need someone to sell them on eBay. Legitimatly. But in order to do that he has to send you $500 for an international resellers license of repossed cars. It's really a good thing he lives in Nigeria and not in the states or else it would be $1500, but it's all part of NAFTA and it doesn't make sense to you either, yada yada yada.

These take a long time to read, I can't imagine how lont they actually take to do. How much time passed from the time you started until you decided to call it quits?
timheuer

6/3/2009 8:25 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Stacy - it was about a week total. They didn't let more than 36 hours pass between communication. It's really sad to even think that people fall for this. The old adage of 'if it's too good to be true, it probably is' should be firmly planted in everyone's brain.
yaip

6/3/2009 11:58 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Nigerians operating in Germany :)
Ade

6/3/2009 12:36 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

These guys really put my country to shame.
timheuer

6/3/2009 12:37 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Ade/Yaip -- I have no idea where the scammers are from -- they made no indication of anything...and actually the mail routing was pretty well hidden. It could be a US-based scammer for all I know. Mal-intent for crime from any country/person is what irks me.
Noel

6/3/2009 12:42 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

What would have been great is if you'd replied, at the first mention of the Germany thing, something like, "Oh, what a coincidence! I'm going to be traveling to Germany for business -- in fact, I'm flying over tomorrow! Could I meet you and take a look at the car?" And then carry on with him to see where it leads.
yaip

6/3/2009 12:42 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

True. I am truly sorry if I offended someone reading this post. It's just that I get so many emails from Nigeria that I had a sudden knee-jerk reaction.
timheuer

6/3/2009 12:44 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Noel -- *that* is an aweseome thought. Will do that next time :-)
Steve

6/3/2009 4:19 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I had the same thing happen to me about 5 years ago. At the time I was not sure what was going on but one always to believe that an offer to good to be true is a scam I told the seller something similiar to what Noel said. I told them I have an uncle who is an offical with the Australian consulate in Italy and that he has offered to send one of his security personal to look at the car and make sure it is in good condition. Never heard back so then went straight to defcon 6.
Scott Salyer

6/4/2009 5:58 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I had the same thing happen last year to me with a table for sale on Facebook. The guy was obviously a scammer and, being familiar with Ebola Monkey Man as well, I decided to screw with him. I told him I was unfamiliar with international dealings and to work with my accountant whose email was nigerians_suck@hotmail.com. Sadly I can't remember the password for it anymore, but I received many responses to it. First, he didn't want to deal with "my accountancy" but finally he got on board. After about two months of dealing with him I finally sent him a link to EMM and he never wrote back. I wonder if I could have gotten a picture though..
Scott Howell

6/4/2009 7:04 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Quote from scammers e-mail-> "I'm an US Air Force Tech. Sgt. currently stationed in Germany.The car is here with me."

I would have gone to DefCon 90 after reading this email and looking at the photos the scammer provided! Now I haven't been to Germany, but I don't think the climate is warm enough for palm trees that are shown in these pictures! One could say that these pictures are the ones he took when he was stationed in the US somewhere (looks like southeast FL to me), but why didn't he take new ones!
Bismarck

6/4/2009 9:02 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Hilarious. I got one better, This guy wanted to send me an overpayment and have me write out a check. I played along and he actually FedEx'd a check to me for $2,700 to buy a $240.00 coumputer part. I still have the check. It was FedEx'd from a company in New Mexico, written out by a dentist in Miami and he wanted me to send the balance back to a student in Los Angeles via Western Union.
John Graham

6/4/2009 5:13 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Ask if they want to trade it against your other car, a Corvette Z06 that your friend took to Germany and that's on sale for 13000 and if the want to deposit 3000 in your PayPal account to complete the transaction :-D
Cess Pool

6/4/2009 7:47 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Craigslist has really su(n)ck to the Cespool of the internet. Endless scams and perverts have really ruined a good thing.
Tim Willoughby

6/5/2009 1:28 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Hi - I set up irishlotterywinner@hotmail.com to carry out an ongoing conversation with the Nigerian Princes.. again you get tired of it..
Gruntus Rex

6/9/2009 10:52 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Scams dominate craigslist in every category in every city. I personally went to 12 different craigslist's and responded to 50% of every ad on the site. Women seeking men in the personals was 100% scams. No category was less than 30% scams. Not even the free category. Jobs were full of scams, as was the forums, for sale, and services. Craigslist should be called scamslist. It has turned into the internets biggest piece of garbage. I recommend everyone avoid it, and let it fade away.
kat

6/15/2009 4:36 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

This was not only informative, it was extremely entertaining! Thank you.
Flarben McGoo

6/26/2009 9:31 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I agree with the poster that said Craigslist should just change its name to Scamslist. I live in a medium-sized city and have responded to several ads in our jobs section on Craigslist. EVERY AD has had some BS followup where you're required to provide the same personal information that you provided on your resume and cover letter. My understanding is that these phony job postings can also include requests for personal financial info, although I haven't received anything like that. Craigslist likes to say that it's the community's job to flag this stuff. Well, it's not. Even when people do flag, the spammers just come back with more crap and the scams have to stay up for awhile before they come down. Craigslist has become worse than useless which is sad because the site is really a great idea.

Even site such as careerbuilder and hotjobs have allowed themselves to be used by scammers, work-at-home schemes and the like. What we in the larger online community need to do is AVOID craiglist entirely, as a previous poster suggested.

As for the comment that Craigslist is overrun with "perverts", sorry, but everyone likes sex, and you can find plenty of kink whether it's at the corner pub or the local church. Get over it.
Beachump

7/6/2009 7:25 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

This scammer actually read my address I gave him. Guess he never heard of Johnny Cockrin either.

Of course it is you dumb fucking scammer.

--- On Thu, 7/2/09, MARK.W. MCALLISTER USAF Ssgt. <mark.w.mcallister@gmail.com> wrote:

From: MARK.W. MCALLISTER USAF Ssgt. <mark.w.mcallister@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: your excursion
To: "johnny cockrin" <beachump@yahoo.com>
Date: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 6:05 PM

are you joking....what address is that?????

On 7/2/09, johnny cockrin <beachump@yahoo.com> wrote:

ship to: J. Cockrin, 4554 234th Street, Shittacreek, Michigan 25456

--- On Wed, 7/1/09, MARK.W. MCALLISTER USAF Ssgt. <mark.w.mcallister@gmail.com> wrote:

From: MARK.W. MCALLISTER USAF Ssgt. <mark.w.mcallister@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: your excursion
To: "johnny cockrin" <beachump@yahoo.com>
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 3:57 PM

If you are still interested please send me your full name and shipping address and I will initiate the transaction through ebay,they will let you know what you have to do for the payment.
Thanks!
Sony

7/7/2009 2:35 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Hi,

I just got scammed!! Can't believe it. I'm actually laughing because I really cannot believe it. I put a posting on craigslist (scamlist it will be called from now on ) to sell my old 42"Plasma TV for $1500. I got a few inquiries but then one person got interested in buying it. I get scam e-mails all the time, with the broken english and rediculous inquiries and this one really sounded genuine. After a few e-mails back and forth the person who called himself Marcus Tate offered to buy the TV. The transaction was supposed to happen over PayPal. He sent me an e-mail with the transaction confirmation which also stated that it was put on-hold, until I ship the package.

Sure enough, I was so eager to collect the $1500 and I shipped the TV only to never get paid for it. The PayPal email was fake. I feel so used and I don't even know where to file a complaint. The police said I should sue the person. Well, the person doesn't even exist ( I am sure they used a fake name and address ). I have no idea what my options are. Nobody seems to know what to do, including the Police and Attorneys Office. No wonder these scammers can't get caught.

Can anyone provide any advice?
Johnathan

7/7/2009 9:34 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I found an ad in craigslist denver posting an almost identical ad. Thanks for the very good info!!!
MB.

7/14/2009 10:11 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I came across a what looks to be the same scam. This is the reply I recieved to this to good to be true deal.

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in my truck.This is a 2005 FORD F-150,CREW PICKUP, 5.4L V8 FI SOHC,4 WHEEL DRIVE, Exterior Color Maroon,Interior Brown, Transmission Automatic, Mileage 50,500,clean title,non smoker,VIN#:1FTPW14525FA45079.
Features:CD player,Leather seats,Safety features,airbag,Anti-lock brakes,Power Options,Air conditioning,Power windows,Power seats,Power locks,Cruise control,etc

Here you can find more pictures of the car: s744.photobucket.com/albums/xx85/fordkingranch05/
(if the above link does not work copy and paste it into a new web browser window).

The car has been well taken care of, always kept in the garage.Flawless exterior/interior condition,no scratches and no dents.It has never been involved in an accident.The engine starts and drives like new and the paint looks great.It comes with US clear title which will be signed and notorized in the buyer's name.Have all keys and manuals.

I'm an US Air Force Staff Sgt. currently stationed in the United Kingdom.The car is here with me. It was bought in the US and shipped to Europe, but it was never permanently registered here, the car is still registered in the US.The car is for sale locally as well, but there are slim chances of this to happen. In order to be able to register this car here in the UK the buyer would have to pay very high import/custom taxes that will double the price. So I decided to sell the car back in the US.

The price is $4,850.00 US Dollars including shipping from the UK to the US and delivery to your home address.So if you decide to buy this car or need further information please get back to me as soon as possible.

Thank you
Staff Sgt. Christopher Ingersoll
Giorgio

7/16/2009 10:34 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Guys,
Is there any way to fish this bastards out of their stinky pond.

I got a scammer mailing back and forth, I m playing dumb, we got to the point he wants my information address to ship the goods.

Does any body knows how to make this guys fall into the law, meaning
how to catch this bastard!!!?

Pardon my language but I hate people that take advantage of less aware persons.

Sincerely,

Giorgio
CLhandbook

7/16/2009 11:40 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

This is a very interesting read. It’s sad that many people fall for scammers like this one. The rule of thumb really is if it’s too good to be true then it probably is. But people just can’t help it, I guess which is why they end up getting ripped off of their hard earned money. Too bad Craigslist is often connected to such scams although they are trying their best to inform their visitors about the warning signs.
Jay Dar

7/17/2009 4:44 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

We could do a good job of defeating the scammers if people would just engage them and send them a few emails back and forth asking for more information or stating we don't understand and asking for clarification.

The reason this is effective is if you consider the amount of time spent by the scammer and the amount of time spent by the intended victim.

The scammer has to contact perhaps one thousand victims to get one to pay off. If half those people asked him for information, he would have to waste a huge amount of his time trying to cope. Whereas it would cost each target victim only a tiny amount of time.

The reason it works is because the scammer has to deal with so many target victims in order to find one that pays off.

I hope I have explained this properly. The reason it works is the underlying math. If the scammer has to spend 90 percent of his time dealing with emails that waste his time, he can't really spend enough time to make any real money. It becomes a waste of his time.
Giorgio

7/20/2009 12:40 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Smart Idea Jay!!

The math is right, but I was looking for something to catch them, maybe a little more sophisticated like... (i am just brain storming here)
Try to track their email, using some hacking "trick" to be sent back with our responses.
Guys any ideas out there, I do write software and I am willing to learn and use some of my time to work with anybody wants to do something to stop this bastards.

Regards,

Giorgio
timheuer

7/20/2009 12:45 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Giorgio -- i wouldn't waste your time. In the end, most of these are happening in countries where your government (at least mine) wouldn't care to go after them for the amounts we are talking about. You'd just be wasting your time to expose a scam...and not have any real result I'm afraid.
stonneeeee

7/27/2009 2:22 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

There emails are run through several proxy servers

I have tried to track them, but with out any legal help from law enforcement it is impossible because of the proxy servers

I have even contacted the FBI, FTC, plugnpay, Moneygram, Texas Attorney generals office as I was leading the scumbag on trying to get somebody to listen to me, but all to no avail, I have never received any response form any of the above mentioned people.

The only thing you can do is turn the listings in as you run across them
TM

8/13/2009 6:20 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Glad I found your blog!! I just received an email from this guy and thought it might be too good to be true. I called my brother who is a Marine and my best friend who is Air Force, neither could find this guy in the databases. They both thought it was strange how he was talking about transport and such. The military charges nearly $1,000 to ship a car if you below a certain pay grade (which a Sgt. is). Red flags all over the place. I decided to cut & paste the VIN # into google... and up pops this blog! So glad we found this, bc we are total military patriots and would have pursued this. I received the same emails as above, just a different specs. on the truck! JERKS!!!! Stop the scams. I used to like Craigslist.
Fun Times

9/17/2009 12:03 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

If you really want to get back at scammers, you could send them a batch file with a filename like "PayPalinfo.bat" that would essentially destroy their computer. They are easy to write up.
lucio nunez

9/27/2009 9:44 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

can someone please send me instructions on how to make the PayPalinfo.bat file?
chris

11/16/2009 5:01 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Hi,
I will give a few information...I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before November 26. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident....I do have the title, clear, under my name. The Volksvagen has 38,902 miles original miles VIN#3VWSF71K05M639125.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4000. The car is in Seattle WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below are the car details and also link with more photos,if the link doesn't work,copy and paste it into a new browser page.
Regards!!!
2005 VOLKSWAGEN NEW JETTA VALUE EDITION
Mileage: 30,902 miles
Body type: Sedan
Engine: 2.5L L5 FI
Exterior color: Blue
Transmission: Automatic
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Gray
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive

You can find more pics at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/floarea2002/JETTA#

Dr. Julie Thompson
juliethompson2002@gmail.com
matt

12/1/2009 1:18 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Hi,
I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and i don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before December 8th. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do have the title , clear, under my name. The Volvo has 54,890 original miles VIN# YV1SZ58D321074815. It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $3,800. The car is in Seattle WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below are the car details and also link with more photos, if the link doesn't work, copy and paste it into a new browser page.

2002 VOLVO V70 AWD CROSS COUNTRY
Vehicle title: Clear
Body type: STATION WAGON
Engine: 2.4L L5 FI 20V
Exterior color: Gray
Transmission: Automatic AWD
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Tan

You can find more pics at:
picasaweb.google.com/philips.matt69/VolvoV70XC#
Cordially,
Matthew Simson
--------------------------------------------

On Tue, Dec 1, 2009 at 8:57 PM, matt barber <mattjbarber@hotmail.com> wrote:

Matt,
Thanks for the info...by the way what service are you in? I fly for a charter airline that moves troops all the time. Also with that comes the ability to jumpseat on other airlines....so if I could come take a look at the car sometime this week that would be great!
Thanks again,
Matt

--------------------
Hi again,

As I've told you, at this moment I am in WA in a military base, getting ready for Afghanistan (I hope for the last time). I do a special training program each day and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I want. The shipping will take 3 to 5 days depending on your location and it’s not a problem because i have considerable discount from eBay and I can do it at no cost for you. You will receive the car along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, 2 set of keys, full service records and more. Because it is a large transaction, we will complete the deal only using an authorized third part like eBay because I already prearranged the whole process with them, using their escrow Safe Pay Program for vehicles not listed on their website. The car is located in their warehouse in WA (ready for delivery). I've asked them to allow viewers to go there and inspect the car but their reply was: "We are not a showroom!" In this case, I will offer a 5-day period to inspect the car from the moment you receive it, before I'll have your money. I think this is more than fair for both of us.
The payment will be handled by eBay Escrow, and you will benefit of 5 days inspection time period (test drive) and the option to accept or reject the car on my expense. If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info to eBay and they will notify you about our deal. Like this you'll be able to talk directly with them and ask all you want to know.

Cordially,

Matthew
---------------------
Chris 2

12/4/2009 6:50 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Hi,
First of all i would like to give you some additional information about my situation. I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before December 14. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident....I do have the title, clear, under my name. The Volksvagen has 38,902 miles original miles VIN#3VWSF71K05M639125.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4000. The car is in Seattle WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.Below are the car details and also link with more photos,if the link doesn't work,copy and paste it into a new browser page.
Regards!!!
2005 VOLKSWAGEN NEW JETTA VALUE EDITION
Mileage: 30,902 miles
Body type: Sedan
Engine: 2.5L L5 FI
Exterior color: Blue
Transmission: Automatic
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Gray
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive

You can find more pics at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/floarea2002/JETTA#

Dr. Julie Thompson

Hi again,
As I've told you, at this moment I am in WA in a military base, getting ready for Afghanistan (I hope for the last time). I do a special training program each day and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I want. The shipping will take 3 to 5 days depending on your location and it’s not a problem because i have considerable discount from eBay and I can do it at no cost for you. You will receive the car along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, 2 set of keys, full service records and more. Because it is a large transaction, we will complete the deal only using an authorized third part like eBay coz I already prearranged the whole process with them, using their escrow Safe Pay Program for vehicles not listed on their website. The car is located in their warehouse in WA (ready for delivery). I've asked them to allow viewers to go there and inspect the car but their reply was: "We are not a showroom!" In this case, I will offer a 5-day period to inspect the car from the moment you receive it, before I'll have your money. I think this is more than fair for both of us.
The payment will be handled by eBay Escrow, and you will benefit of 5 days inspection time period (test drive) and the option to accept or reject the car on my expense. If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info to eBay and they will notify you about our deal. Like this you'll be able to talk directly with them and ask all you want to know.
Regards!!
Julie

hmmmmm.. DEFF A SCAM!!!!
Lex

12/6/2009 2:49 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Thanks for your message..

I will be adding $100.00 for the shipping item.I fully understand the condition
of what i am buying..I am currently on the ship as i am a Marine Engineer
and i want it mailed out before i get back into town.So i'll be paying
you with my PayPal account,if my offer is accepted..Before i can make
your payment through PayPal you will have to get back to me with the
following information as soon as possible.
Ben

12/6/2009 8:03 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

My buddy scammed a scammer on Craigs List. It wasn't ethical and likely against the law...but it was quite amusing.

He was selling a watch, the price was about $200. A person emailed him and said (and I forget all the reasons why) that he would send him a check for $1,850.00. He said my friend could keep $250 ($50 more than asking) and that he should send back money order of $1,600 to a certain address.

Long story short. The check arrived at my friends house, in his name, for $1850 (and some odd cents for some reason).

So my friend goes to a quick cash place, cashes the check, and pockets the money. End of story.

I'm not sure how this was possible, but I think that the scammers likely stole the information (or the actual checks) from a local US corporation and were trying to use (semi) innocent Americans to finish their dirty deeds.

This, like many other foreign scams are really well thought out. In the end, someone lost cash... but the scammer got scammmed!
Miguel

12/8/2009 9:19 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Just a question has anyone ever tried to contact or report theses people.
harold piratesti

12/8/2009 10:03 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

seen one for a motorcycle and claimed it was airforce base.. send money and he will ship it
i replied ,, a buddy is also stationed there maybe you know him , i can have check out the bike and pay you in cash ......hahahaha
no more emails... go figure ....
ScamBuster1

12/9/2009 8:04 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I just led a scammer on and actually got a check via FedEx moments ago. Amazing! I'm trying to figure out how to bust these jerks or at the very least screw with them.
Jim

12/18/2009 3:42 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Can any tell me why they want your address? Since it's available in a phone book or on-line, why go to the trouble for just a name and mailing address?
B Yates

1/7/2010 9:04 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I just found this lying in my junk mail box. I don't usually bother opening such obvious scam emails, but thought it might be quite funny.
"No:974 Congratulation your company or your personal e-mail address, attached to the Serial No:MIC/W876, won in the 5th(5) PROMO categories 009, the sum of 1,000,000.00 GBP (One Million Pounds) for the ongoing Micro WindowslivePromo which was hold in London (UK). For more information on how to claim your prize You will be required to fill the form below and email it to our Administrator Officer below for documentation and processing of the remittance of your Award. 1. Full Names: 2. Residential Address: 3. Phone Number: 5. Occupation: 6. Sex/Age: 8. Nationality:9. Reg.Numbers: 10.Serial Numbers :11. Passport/Driver's Licence. Claims Administrator Name: Mr Morgan Wiltord E-mail: (morganwilt@hotmail.com ) Regards Secretary Mrs Josephine Pendavinji."

I'm surprised they don't also ask for Bank Account number etc. but perhaps that comes later.
My idea was to send an email, in reply, containing a computer virus which hopefully would destroy the scammer's entire database or, even better, fry their hard drive etc. Unfortunately I lack the necessary technical know-how. Perhaps someone could message a few pointers? Of course, it'd need to be a virus which would affect the scammer's computer only.
Deanna Williams

1/15/2010 5:11 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I am SOOO glad I decided to look up info on a scam like this. I found the most UNBELIVABLE ad on craigs list this morning. Guess what it was??? 2005 Ford F150 4x4 Supercrew Lariat for $3900!!! I, too, emailed them to find out if it was a misprint and "Keith Brown" responded that it was correct, it was in perfect condition and garaged every night, it was priced so low because he worked for FORD and got it thru the employee store and he needed my FULL NAME AND ADDRESS to proceed with the transaction thru...you guessed it...EBAY!!! It was listed in Elko, NV so I wondered why it had to be delivered. His response was he had been transfered to the UK and the truck was in North Carolina, but he had someone that would deliver it to me after he recieved my FULL NAME AND ADDRESS. I went to craigs list to look at it again and, suprise, it's been removed already. People PISS me off when they try to screw over total strangers for a quick buck!
Brian A Marks

1/16/2010 8:27 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

i screwed a guy over in Austin TX he was a sucker for sending me the money. ha he sent me 125.00 and i didnt send him the lionel train set that used to belong to my father. Wow I did him a favor for teaching him a valuable lesson. He won't even try to come find me at my address at 239 Briar Circle, Winchester TN anyway. Sucker..
Royce

1/25/2010 1:14 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I'm considering building a site where people can forward the scammers emails and the site will automatically lead them on with a series of automated emails. I could bcc the original submitter, What do you think??
Abby

1/25/2010 2:14 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Im trying to sell my prom dress on craigslist and I keep getting stupid scam emails. This one guy send me the same general email about it and I told him I'd only excpet PayPal and he replied saying I needed to give him my name, etc. I emailed him back giving him an address to a Fraud Investigator. He replied by saing:

Furk you father.

I died laughing haha. I emailed back- No, furk you! Learn English buddy!

Haha..furk..funny...
T. Lynn

1/26/2010 6:50 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

These people are creeps! I responded to a listing for a job on CL only to have the guy write me back telling me all about himself and asking questions (full name, address, telephone number, email - which was weird because he was emailing me on it). He said he needed the information to get payments to me. But I can't understand what they think they're going to do with my address and name ... most of that stuff is public information anyway. Does anyone know what the scam is?

I really wish there was some way to shut them down. Would the virus thing really work - I don't know if they open attachments. If they did they would have all the information they are asking for (it's on my resume).

Thanks
josh

1/30/2010 5:18 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

i have recieved the exact ssame emails Hi,
I am selling this car because my brigade will deploy for one year to Afghanistan. The price is low because I need to sell it before February 15. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do have the title , clear, under my name. The truck has 21,000 current miles VIN# 1FMSU43P85ED48423. It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,400. The truck is in Camp Atterbury, IN ,and in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below is the car details and also link with more photos.
Regards!!!

2005 Ford Excursion 4x4 Limited Turbo Diesel, 6.0L V8 diesel engine, Automatic trans, mpg 18/22. Only 21k miles and still drives like brand new, non-smoker vehicle
You can find more pics at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ford

LTC Margaret Shanahan ( 86th BCT ) Joshua,
As I've told you, at this moment I am in Indiana in a military base, getting ready for Afghanistan (I hope for the last time). I do a special training program each day and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I want. The shipping will take 3 to 5 days depending on your location and it’s not a problem because i have considerable discount from eBay and I can do it at no cost for you. You will receive the car along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, 2 set of keys, full service records and more. Because it is a large transaction, we will complete the deal only using an authorized third part like eBay coz I already prearranged the whole process with them, using their escrow Safe Pay Program for vehicles not listed on their website. The car is located in their warehouse in IN (ready for delivery). I've asked them to allow viewers to go there and inspect the car but their reply was: "We are not a showroom!" In this case, I will offer a 5-day period to inspect the car from the moment you receive it, before I'll have your money. I think this is more than fair for both of us.
The payment will be handled by eBay Escrow, and you will benefit of 5 days inspection time period (test drive) and the option to accept or reject the car on my expense. If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info to eBay and they will notify you about our deal. Like this you'll be able to talk directly with them and ask all you want to know.
Regards!!
Found a Scammer!

1/31/2010 3:10 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I received the following email regarding this vin#: 3VWSF71K05M639125 from a person posing as Dr. Julie Thompson at this email address: thompsonjulie2002@googlemail.com THIS PERSON IS A SCAM ARTIST. The vin # has been reported as a scam several times on google. Please do not fall for this. Read the email she sent me below.

Hi,
First of all i would like to give you some additional information about my situation. I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before February 11. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident....I do have the title, clear, under my name. The Volksvagen has 38,902 current miles VIN#3VWSF71K05M639125.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4600. The car is in Seattle WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.Below are the car details and also link with more photos,if the link doesn't work,copy and paste it into a new browser page.
Regards!!!
2005 VOLKSWAGEN NEW JETTA VALUE EDITION
Mileage: 30,902 miles
Body type: Sedan
Engine: 2.5L L5 FI
Exterior color: Blue
Transmission: Automatic
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Gray
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive

You can find more pics at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/floarea2002/JETTA#

Dr. Julie Thompson
Lorna

2/3/2010 4:47 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

we have another one! Let's all start spamming the scammers!

Hi,
I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and i don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before February 13th. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do have the title , clear, under my name. The Volvo has 54,890 original miles VIN# YV1SZ58D321074815. It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $3,800. The car is in Seattle WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below are the car details and also link with more photos, if the link doesn't work, copy and paste it into a new browser page.

2002 VOLVO V70 AWD CROSS COUNTRY
Vehicle title: Clear
Body type: STATION WAGON
Engine: 2.4L L5 FI 20V
Exterior color: Gray
Transmission: Automatic AWD
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Tan

You can find more pics at:
picasaweb.google.com/philips.matt69/VolvoV70XC#
Cordially,
Matthew Simson
Dan Johnson

2/5/2010 6:15 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Matthew Simson seems to be quite prolific. He must actually make a couple bucks off this scam.

Here's mine:

Hi,
I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and i don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before February 18th. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do have the title , clear, under my name. The Montero has 78,600 original miles VIN# JA4NW51S93J014893. It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,000. The car is in Seattle WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below are the car details and also link with more photos, if the link doesn't work, copy and paste it into a new browser page.

2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO LIMITED
Vehicle title: Clear
Body type: WAGON/SPORT UTILITY
Engine: 3.8L V6 MPI SOHC
Exterior color: Silver
Transmission: Automatic 4WD
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Black

You can find more pics at:
picasaweb.google.com/johnspringer2009/MONTERO#
Cordially,
Matthew Simson
Jenn

2/7/2010 4:08 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I am so glad I found this. Thank you. It makes you wonder are the scammers not smart enough to google the name they are using? All I had to do was go to 123people.com and I found this blog. here was the email I got...

Hi,
I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and i don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before February 18th. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do have the title , clear, under my name. The Explorer has 44,500 original miles VIN# 1FMEU75876UB21414. It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,500. The car is in Seattle WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below are the car details and also link with more photos, if the link doesn't work, copy and paste it into a new browser page.

2006 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED
Vehicle title: Clear
Body type: SUV
Engine: 4.6L V8 FI SOHC
Exterior color: Black
Transmission: Automatic AWD
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Gray

You can find more pics at:

picasaweb.google.com/johan.smith323/Explorer#
Cordially,
Matthew Simson

I'm sorry but I am not stupid. I am an associates in Netwroking and I am working on my Bachelors in Info Security Systems, I will find a way to get even.

THANKS TIM!
Jenn

2/7/2010 4:13 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Oh yea I decided to email the scammer from a different account and see if he would admit it was a scam and check out the response I got...

"lots"

On Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 12:35 AM, Jenn wrote:

How much money do you make on this scam?
Kelly

2/10/2010 7:29 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I was all excited about getting this murano - but WA? Really? and your google image account name is a bunch of random letters? I am glad I looked up this "womans" name. Too good to be true. bastards!

Hi,
I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before February 22. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do have the title , clear, under my name. The MURANO has 36,000 current miles VIN# JN8AZ08W75W435707.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,400. The car is in Lakewood WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.Below is the car details and also link with more photos,if the link doesn't work,copy and paste it into a new browser page.
Regards!!!
2005 NISSAN MURANO SL AWD
Vehicle title: Clear
Body type: SUV
Engine: 3.5L V6 SFI DOHC 24V
Exterior color: Blue
Transmission: Automatic AWD
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Tan
You can find more pics at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jhgjhgnnbhgh/MURANO#
Jason

2/17/2010 9:22 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

SCAM RUN ON CRAIGSLIST WATCH OUT!!!

I FELL IN THIS SCAM!!!! I RECENTLY COMPLETED A TRANSACTION WORTH $4500 FOR A 2008 BMW 330XI THAT WAS SUPPOSEDLY OWNED BY A PERSON CLAIMING TO BE LT. ANDREW BARNES OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE. I DID AS I WAS INSTRUCTED FROM AN EBAY WEBSITE AND I SEND $4500 TO SO CALLED EBAY AGENT AND NOW I HAVEN’T SEEN A CAR AND “LT. BARNES” IS NOT ANSWERING TO ANY OF MY EMAILS. I’M COP AND I WAS SCAMED BY THIS PUNKS! I MADE SOME SEARCH AND I TRACKED HIM. I NEED TO GET 50 COMPLIANTS AND THIS WAY I CAN START AN INVESTIGATION! FOR ANYBODY WHO WAS SCAMMED AND SENT MONEY IN US USING WESTERN UNION OR MONEY GRAM SERVICES PLEASE SEND ME YOUR STORY AND PROOVE THAT YOU WAS SCAMED BY SENDING ME THE CUSTOMER RECEIPT STATED THAT YOU SEND MONEY TO THIS BASTARDS. I’M SURE THAT ALL GUYS WHO WILL HELP ME START THE INVESTIGATION WILL GET ALL MONEY LOOSED!!!
MY PERSONAL E-MAIL IS: jasonbite@ hotmail.com
Eric

2/22/2010 9:18 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Here is another one using the name Dr. Julie Thompson, this time for a 2006 Grand Caravan. I am glad I found this posting. While I had no intention of paying until I saw an actual van with matching title/vin this listing saved me a lot of wasted time.

"Hi,
First of all i would like to give you some additional information about my situation.I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before March 3. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do have the title , clear, under my name. The Dodge has 37,160 original miles VIN#2D4GP44L86R856184.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,600. The car is in Seattle WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.Below are the car details and also a link with more photos,if the link doesn't work,copy and paste it into a new browser page.
Regards!!!
2006 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SXT
Vehicle title: Clear
Body type: SPORTS VAN
Engine: 3.8L V6 SFI
Exterior color: Dark Gray
Transmission: Automatic FWD
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Tan
Third row seat

You can find more pics at:

picasaweb.google.com/.../2006DODGEGRANDCARAVAN#

Dr. Julie Thompson"

Thanks.
Elizabeth

2/23/2010 8:39 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Wow if this Matthew Simson is a very busy guy or girl.

I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to
Afghanistan and i don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low
because I need to sell it before February 6th. It has no damage, no
scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition,
meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do
have the title , clear, under my name. The Explorer has 44,500 original
miles VIN# 1FMEU75876UB21414. It is still available for sale if
interested, price as stated in the ad $4,500. The car is in Seattle WA,
in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you
are interested, email back. Below are the car details and also link with
more photos, if the link doesn't work, copy and paste it into a new
browser page.

2006 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED
Vehicle title: Clear
Body type: SUV
Engine: 4.6L V8 FI SOHC
Exterior color: Black
Transmission: Automatic AWD
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Gray

You can find more pics at:

picasaweb.google.com/johan.smith323/Explorer#
Cordially,
Matthew Simson
M Krip

2/23/2010 11:07 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I am glad to have found this page and thanks to everyone who has helped contribute to it.

My wife found a deal that was too good to be true. It was pretty much the same as all the others above. If someone really needed to sell these vehicles fast they could take them to the nearest used car dealer and get twice what they were asking for in cash in a very short time.

Not just with cars on Craigslist but anytime a deal seems to be way to awesome to pass up, its time to pass it up.

Here was the email response given to my wife's inquiry. After seeing this page, its obviously a scam though I pretty much assumed something stunk about it in the first place I needed to do a little research to help my wife see it for what it is as well.

Hi
I am selling this car because my brigade will deploy for 14 months to Afghanistan. I'm under enormous time pressure cause I need to sell it fast, before March 4th that being the reason for selling it so low. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do have the title, clear, under my name.The car has 29.900 original miles VIN# 1GTHK23D96F216653.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,600. The car is in Camp Atterbury, IN ,and in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below is the car details and also link with more photos.
You can find more pics at: http://picasaweb.google.com/sierra

6.6L V8 FI ENGINE, SLT DECOR INCLUDES: *PWR FRT/PASS 10-WAY SEAT ADJUSTER *ELECTROCHROMIC ISRV MIRROR WITH COMPASS & TEMP *ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER *DEEP TINTED GLASS *AM/FM STEREO W/6-DISC CD PLAYER *BOSE PREMIUM SPEAKER SYSTEM *CRUISE CONTROL *POWER LOCKS & WINDOWS *REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM *OSRV MIRRORS W/PWR FOLD & ADJ, HEAT & TURN SIGNAL; ELECTRO- CHROMIC DR-SIDE MIRROR

Thank you
SGM. Barbara Morris ( 86th BCT )
Lauren

2/25/2010 1:16 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Hi,
I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and i don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before March 6th. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do have the title , clear, under my name. The 4Runner has 38,330 original miles VIN# JTEZU14R570088074. It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,400. The car is in Seattle WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below are the car details and also link with more photos, if the link doesn't work, copy and paste it into a new browser page.

2007 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5/SPORT EDITION
Vehicle title: Clear
Body type: WAGON/SPORT UTILITY
Engine: 4.0L V6 FI DOHC 24V
Exterior color: Black
Interior color: Stone
Transmission: Automatic
Fuel type: Gasoline

You can find more pics at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/chrisconnie88/4Runner#
Cordially,
SSGT Simson, Matthew
USN

WOW
Adel

3/3/2010 5:11 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

hey, thanks for your posts, we where about to get scammed by that mofo Matthew Simmons, we where about to send 4200 dollars.
Matthew Woryn

3/4/2010 6:56 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Just got spammed by SSGT Matthew Simson. What an idiot! Thanks for sharing to prevent these types of scams.
Lauren

3/5/2010 12:39 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Hi, I just wanted to thank you so much for putting up this information on this guy. I was making some inquiries on a Nissan that he claimed to have in a different state and he was going to ship it to me for free! I thought what a great deal it was but it sounded too good to be true, so I googled his name and came across this website. Shame on him for portraying himself to be a hero fighting for our country while those people who are out there fighting for our country are protecting us from creeps like him. Thanks again for the info, hopefully people will know if it sounds too good to be true, it is!!
AIMEE

3/6/2010 6:20 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

i fell for it. i was completely and totally scammed. wired $910 to somebody for a too good to be true apartment rental in manhattan. it was too good to be true. is there anything i can do?

appreciate any feedback....
thank you!
Karen

3/6/2010 9:09 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

My last comment was marked as spam, but I want you to know that I'm just trying to prvent others from this time wasting, money stealing, bad gal/guy. (Going to say "he" for simplicity.)

It seems like he's using the email address matthewsim31@gmail.com now.

This morning, he posted a craigslist ad for a boat at approximately half the usual price. He used all the same formula as before...hi, going to [insert name of country here...boat is in [insert name of country or state]...go to the website to see it...

We marked the craigslist ad as spam, so I hope they pulled it down.
Marcie

3/11/2010 12:18 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

THIS STUPID IDIOT MATHEW SIMSON is a LOSER - He almost had my husband and I too with a BOAT!!! I am not the person to even get excited about things and I was ACTUALLY STARTING To get excited and believe stupid scam - THANK GOD we didn't send any money!!!!!! If there is a "WAY" to get even I'm up for hearing it!!!
shantia21

3/11/2010 10:11 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

Here One
I am selling this car because my brigade will deploy for 14 months to Afghanistan. I'm under enormous time pressure cause I need to sell it fast, before March 21st that being the reason for selling it so low. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I dao have the title, clear, under my name.The car has 38,450 original miles VIN# 1N4BA41E75C821583.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $2,900. The car is in Camp Atterbury, IN ,and in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below is the car details and also link with more photos.
You can find more pics at: http://picasaweb.google.com/maxima

Engine: 6 CYLINDERS 3.5 Liters, Transmission: Automatic, It comes equipped with power windows,power locks,power telescopic wheel,cruise,power seat,memory seat,heated seats,power glass moonroof,information center,audio steering wheel controls and am-fm stereo with six disc cd changer, Tilt Steering Column Air Bags Anti-Lock Brakes Drivers Side Airbag Passenger Side Airbags Third Brake Light Automatic Transmission V Style Engine California Emissions Compliant

Thank you
SGM. Barbara Morris ( 86th BCT )
Hi
I am selling this car because my brigade will deploy for 14 months to Afghanistan. I'm under enormous time pressure cause I need to sell it fast, before March 21st that being the reason for selling it so low. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I dao have the title, clear, under my name.The car has 38,450 original miles VIN# 1N4BA41E75C821583.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $2,900. The car is in Camp Atterbury, IN ,and in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below is the car details and also link with more photos.
You can find more pics at: http://picasaweb.google.com/maxima

Engine: 6 CYLINDERS 3.5 Liters, Transmission: Automatic, It comes equipped with power windows,power locks,power telescopic wheel,cruise,power seat,memory seat,heated seats,power glass moonroof,information center,audio steering wheel controls and am-fm stereo with six disc cd changer, Tilt Steering Column Air Bags Anti-Lock Brakes Drivers Side Airbag Passenger Side Airbags Third Brake Light Automatic Transmission V Style Engine California Emissions Compliant

Thank you
SGM. Barbara Morris ( 86th BCT )
LOL Thank you all for posting these scammer!
Hi
I am selling this car because my brigade will deploy for 14 months to Afghanistan. I'm under enormous time pressure cause I need to sell it fast, before March 21st that being the reason for selling it so low. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I dao have the title, clear, under my name.The car has 38,450 original miles VIN# 1N4BA41E75C821583.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $2,900. The car is in Camp Atterbury, IN ,and in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back. Below is the car details and also link with more photos.
You can find more pics at: http://picasaweb.google.com/maxima

Engine: 6 CYLINDERS 3.5 Liters, Transmission: Automatic, It comes equipped with power windows,power locks,power telescopic wheel,cruise,power seat,memory seat,heated seats,power glass moonroof,information center,audio steering wheel controls and am-fm stereo with six disc cd changer, Tilt Steering Column Air Bags Anti-Lock Brakes Drivers Side Airbag Passenger Side Airbags Third Brake Light Automatic Transmission V Style Engine California Emissions Compliant

Thank you
SGM. Barbara Morris ( 86th BCT )
shantia21

3/11/2010 10:15 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

I response to this "Babara Morris" by saying this: Oh, what a coincidence! I'm going to be in that areas next week visiting my cousin who is returning from Iraq -- in fact, I'm flying over tomorrow! Could I meet you and take a look at the car?
chris

3/12/2010 10:24 AM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

bobby hickman, meet tina hickey, another scammer. can they at least get creative?
David Patterson

3/14/2010 6:30 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

You are right and I made a big mistake with this... Is there anyway I could get my funds back. I made a payment through MoneyGram and it was fraud... Is there anything I can do?
JustDave

3/15/2010 4:48 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

SGGT Matthew Simson has a 2006 SeaRay for $9800, another scam
marlin

3/16/2010 12:57 PM | # re: Craigslist scams – fight back with time wasters.

2006 sea ray sundancerad from tampa craigslist email response from matthewsim31@gmail.com

Hi,
I am selling this boat because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and I don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before March 27th. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects and was serviced two weeks ago. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained. I do have the title, clear, under my name. The Sea Ray has 139 hours fresh water on it, HIN# SERR1834J506 and also comes with triple axle aluminium ACE with dual axle surge disc brakes trailer (also clear title) included on the boat price. It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $9,800. The boat is in Seattle WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email me back. Below are the boat details and also a link with more photos, if the link doesn't work, copy and paste it into a new browser page.

2006 SEA RAY 260 SUNDANCER CRUISER
Boat title: Clear
Body type: CRUISER
Engine: MercCruiser 6.2L MPI 325HP
Exterior color: Gray
Fuel type: Gasoline/100 Gallons
Lenght: 28.0 feet
Beam: 8.6 feet

You can find more pics at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lisa200scott/SEARAY##

SSGT Matthew Simson