On Sat, 23 Jul 2011 08:35:54 -0700, Steve B wrote:

I got the following response for some conduit I am selling on
Craigslist. It is fishy, but there is no mention of kickback or taking
the goods before check clears. I figure this is a scam, but am unsure
of how it works.

Anyone?

aroo james to me:

Hello,

I am very much satisfied with the condition and price of the above
item you posted on KSL and I would like to make an immediate purchase of
the item. So i will advice that you withdraw the ad from the web.

Pls, i will like to know how you intend to proceed on this, but i would
prefer that i issue out a certified check to your location and upon the
confirmation and clearance of payment, my shipper will come for the
pick-up at your location. I would really have loved to come for the
viewing of the item but since i am not chanced my movers will. If you
are okay with this, please do get back to me with the following details
so i can make out payment
IMMEDIATELY.


1: Your Full Name to be on the payment 2: Your Address and zip code (NOT
P.O BOX) 3: Your mobile number or cell phone number


I would forward all your details to my secretary to make the payment out
to you fast...i am on a business trip right now, and would be busy for
sometime, i would be checking my email time to time to check your
message.

Have a nice day

ME TO AROO JAMES:

I proceed very simple. Bring US currency. Pick up merchandise.

AROO JAMES BACK TO ME.

Hello,
Thanks for your swift response.I would have preferred paying you by
cash,but i am presently on Business Trip,and due to the interest i have
with the item.I will instruct my secretary to go ahead and prepared the
Certified Check asap. Then when the check clears, my shipping Agent will
come for the pick up. Get back to me your full name and address,so that
I can go ahead and issue out the payment.

MY LAST TO AROO JAMES:

You seem not to understand what I told you, so I will tell you once
more. When a living person pays me with American currency, I shall
release the goods. Is that clear enough?

Steve

Because the Democrats wuv you and want you to be happy, the banks are
required to make funds available to you within three days of depositing a
check.

But if the check doesn't actually clear the other bank, they'll suck that
money right back out again.

So that 'certified check' (likely) has something wrong with it. And
while you might think it's 'cleared' the bank when the money shows up on
your account on-line, the truth is that you don't find out for much
longer.

If you really wanted to waste time playing with the guy's head, take the
check and when he calls say "oh, the bank has made the funds available to
me, but they tell me that it hasn't actually cleared yet -- I'm
waiting". But it'll just waste everyone's time, and his time is less
valuable than yours.

Or say "Sure. I won't be there, but my neighbor Bob from the Fraud
Investigation Unit said that he'd be happy to take the check and take a
picture of your shipping agent to boot".

--
Tim Wescott
Control system and signal processing consulting
www.wescottdesign.com