SCAMMED?!

I recently posted furniture on Craigslist for selling. I received a few email inquires asking, “Are you still selling the furniture?” or something to that degree. However, one inquiry in particularly, went as far as offering to pay an extra $30 for me to hold the items in the prospective customer’s favor, which I admit, I believed seemed forthright. I believed I had a buyer; therefore, our communication continued.

Throughout our constant emailing, I was alarmed to take notice of the email address the prospective customer used, the posted picture attached to the email address, and the tone of the narratives. The prospective customer used a Gmail account that represented a first and last name which described a male, a picture depicting an older, bald, Caucasian man, and a narration which appeared professional, assertive, yet a bit anxious.

Again, I thought, “I gotta buyer” so let’s proceed! Internet Doe quickly informed me within the initial contact that my selling price was amenable but was sorry to inform me that they would be unable to personally view the furniture due to a conflict in their business schedule. The individual felt the need to add they owned multiple properties. What does having multiple properties have to do with a potential business deal? Irrelevant information provided for understanding and manipulated cooperation? My First Red Flag appeared. In Internet Doe’s attempt to convey their inability to be able to personally make contact, Internet Doe requested that I email an address where the check could be mailed and clearly stated “no PO Box”.  My Second Red Flag appeared.

In using caution to protect myself and other parties involved, I provided an out of state address and a separate contact number for communication other than emailing. Internet Doe never called (Red Flag #3) but shared that the check was being FedEx’d and would include the additional $30 for holding, the cost of the furniture, and the fee to pay the movers, who was identified as Two Men in a Truck (Red Flag #4). After the fourth red flag, I commenced to sharing my experience with others for help to make sense out of the bewildered experience, yet, I continued with hope that this transaction was really going to go through; therefore, I was convinced that I must at least, give Internet Doe the benefit of the doubt. “Other people I know who have used Craigslist for selling items had successful experiences, why wouldn’t I”, I wondered.

The check came. I deposited the check into my account. The bank teller informed me that a three week hold was placed on the check (Red Flag #5). After the many emails screaming, “HAVE YOU RECEIVED THE CHECK YET?!”, “You must not be good with returning emails and communicating”, “Please Respond” I emailed Internet Doe stating, “Yes, I have received the check. I have deposited into my account and the teller has informed me that the check will not be released for three weeks. Once the funds have been released from your account you will know and then we can discuss a schedule for pick-up.” For the next three days, emails from Internet Doe continued asking, “Have you checked with your bank yet?” and transitioned into narratives such as “If you do not respond, I will have the authorities involved.” Really? And you are trying to scam me? Really?

Needless to say, the check was returned and I had to pay $12 for a check I deposited into my account that was not connected to an account at all. HAVE YOU BEEN SCAMMED?

Today, Scammers are using identities that are considered “trustable” identities. But trustable to who? Think about it, a White business man…, according to society must be viewed as serious, professional, and timely. What type of an identity do you trust? Now whether the scammer was White, Black, male, female, young, old, rich or poor, is really not my concern. My concern is the illusion that people use to apply trickery. Media uses illusions as well. Popular culture is an illusion. What is trending in our society is an illusion. So my point of sharing this message is to make you think Reader. What catches your attention and draws you in to wanting to be engaged or investigate more out of curiosity? The old saying, “curiosity KILLED the cat” is not dead. Be careful Reader, you may be a scam target. Protect your identity; do not make decisions out of haste, and KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

Don’t Be Fooled!