What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?

[Kingcreek]

Never bought or sold on CL until now but I have "things" to move from moms house because we started showing it for sale and need to wind down her estate.
So I lost a nice powered hospital bed and power recliner/lift chair for reasonable price local pickup only.
So these yahoos from 3 states away want to send me checks and say they will arrange to have somebody pick up. WTF? I assume the checks or MOs will be fake or something and they will want me to "refund" or what?
I don't get it. Can somebody 'splain it to me?

[Jamisjockey]

Never bought or sold on CL until now but I have "things" to move from moms house because we started showing it for sale and need to wind down her estate.
So I lost a nice powered hospital bed and power recliner/lift chair for reasonable price local pickup only.
So these yahoos from 3 states away want to send me checks and say they will arrange to have somebody pick up. WTF? I assume the checks or MOs will be fake or something and they will want me to "refund" or what?
I don't get it. Can somebody 'splain it to me?

They'll either suddenly get buyers remorse immediately after you cash the check, or they'll send it for more than the amount and tell you it's some kind of error and for you to just send them the difference. 

[lupinus]

In short, if it smells fishy on Craigslist it probably is. Several states away, funny payment terms, sounds off, etc etc just run like hell in the other direction

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[Kingcreek]

I listed them for cash at time of local pickup only. Why in heck would somebody from Mississippi send me a cashiers check for a used power recliner unless it's a scam?
I know people sometimes cash or deposit the fake checks and get stung by thier bank a few days later, but I don't see how it's even worth it for the scammers.

[Jamisjockey]

I listed them for cash at time of local pickup only. Why in heck would somebody from Mississippi send me a cashiers check for a used power recliner unless it's a scam?
I know people sometimes cash or deposit the fake checks and get stung by thier bank a few days later, but I don't see how it's even worth it for the scammers.

They're looking for the overage to be sent back to them, or they ask for a refund literally the second you deposit the bad check.

[lupinus]

I listed them for cash at time of local pickup only. Why in heck would somebody from Mississippi send me a cashiers check for a used power recliner unless it's a scam?
I know people sometimes cash or deposit the fake checks and get stung by thier bank a few days later, but I don't see how it's even worth it for the scammers.

Throw at the wall and see what sticks.

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[Scout26]

Yep, if they're trying to change your terms.   Ignore them.

[Brad Johnson]

I started requesting they make a specific statement in their comms. In my case it was to name the Texas Tech mascot when they emailed or texted. Seems to work pretty well for weeding out the scams.

I've also see people start to put their contact info in a photo rather than in the product description.

Brad

[Jim147]

Russia Russia Russia

[Nick1911]

Yea, most of this is actually automated scripts running.  These aren't real people sending you these emails (mostly), it's computers.  Once they get a live one, someone will start negotiating a deal that involves getting money out of you somehow.

Brad's method works well, for the most part.

[K Frame]

The few times I have put anything up on Craigslist I have added a statement saying checks and money orders will be held for a minimum of 15 days or until they clear the bank and our found to be valid.

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[Kingcreek]

So, scam? Or no scam?
"Hi, are you Still have the BEAUTY AND HEALTH available forsale?reply me at email {larrykiss120@gmail.com}. Thanks GOD BLESS "
Jeez, I just want to find a new home for about $3k worth of hospital bed and lift chair for about $700. I'm about gonna give up on the games and just donate it or something.

[TechMan]

So, scam? Or no scam?
"Hi, are you Still have the BEAUTY AND HEALTH available forsale?reply me at email {larrykiss120@gmail.com}. Thanks GOD BLESS "
Jeez, I just want to find a new home for about $3k worth of hospital bed and lift chair for about $700. I'm about gonna give up on the games and just donate it or something.

Before you donate try an alternative: https://wellkeptwallet.com/top-20-craigslist-alternatives/  I have heard people talking about Offerup.

[Boomhauer]

I use OfferUp. Way better than Craigslist and the buyers are local, with far less scammers.