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I recently have been on the lookout for a new laptop. I figured I would save a buck by checking out Craigslist, as they often have pretty good deals--but with that, many scams. I have been extremely careful in dealing with fraud in the past, and wanted to make sure I was not scammed. For every seemingly good deal, I emailed them and checked for the signs, searched their email address and name on google, often getting "This guy is a fraud" results. However, this one was different. When I emailed him, he was semi-local, but was out of town for the holidays, and extremely personal, having absolutely no record. I also did much research on all of the different types of scams out there. After emailing a bit, we came to an agreement that I would pay half up front, then pay the rest once I received the computer.
We agreed to pay over google checkout, which has some protection to the buyer and seller. However, after the I had paid the invoice and was excited, I find out the order was canceled. After talking with the seller, I find out that craigslist does not deal with google checkout or macbook pros. This strikes me kind of weird, but I trusted him. He also told me he was not at his house, but with his father, across the country, who was going to through surgery and recovery. He told me he and his wife had been on the phone with google for hours, trying to figure out the problem and how it could be resolved. Finally, after much frustration, he discussed the option of check and money order. Now, after my reading, I knew money order is always a sign of a scam, but I had never read that the buyer can get scammed through money order, only the seller, as it could not be covered with sufficient funds. He also said he would ship the computer before he received the money. So I agreed. I promptly sent the money across the US and gave him a tracking number. He told me he was shipping the computer out from work and that it was shipped out when he was not in town and that he has the tracking number. The last thing email I ever received from him asked if I had received the tracking number and he had received my money. I responded that I did not receive the tracking number. Following that, I received an email from Mail Delivery Subsystem that declared his account was deleted. This immediately started the alarm in my head. I proceeded to send to more emails, as I thought it might have been a fluke, but those went through. I haven't received a response to this day. The last time I heard from him was last Monday the 19th. So here is what I know: I have two addresses and phone numbers for both of them. The first address and phone number was on the first invoice from google checkout. The second address is where I sent the money order and I got the phone number from 555-1212. The crazy thing is the first address is (from what they claim) a Spanish speaking taxi service. The second address is home an elderly couple with a last name different than the seller. I know the money was picked up from the second address, but I have yet to get ahold of the household through phone. So what are my options? I'm hoping the seller is just out of town or something, unable to reply to email. But if not, what can I do? Should I take legal action? I just wish it would end. Thanks in advance for any help. |
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emliv,
Yes you have been a victim an fraud. Do you have all the information that he provided you. I would recommend filling something with the attorney state of general. It was done all in the United States, correct? You did take a lot of precautions, but sometimes they are really sneaky. On craigslist I would not use anything, but in person because lots of people are getting scammed there. They know that you are probably in need of money when you sell something and they take advantage of you for that. They tried to rip me off for a car, but I wasn't falling for that! Is there any update to this story. Feel free to send me a PM and I can help you out on how to contact the attorney of state general in your state.
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It sounds like you have been the victim of a scam. We can all hope for the best and try to trust that you will receive the computer but, you should prepare for the worst and here are two links that may help you in doing that: You can find the appropriate AG's at, they will not allow me to post the link so just look them up on the internet. The Attorney General for your state and theirs.
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Hi,
As I was Internet Scam victim and have lost money for many laptops, I wrote after to the International Crime Police and they wrote me back: 1. Never pay Fee in advance! 2. Look, where the mail comes from! That means, if there is in front of you UK (GMT) time, it doesn't mean it is from that area. So, I have found out that (original mail) came from: GMT (-4) and that is somewhere in Caribbean Sea or Cayman Islands (known for centre of Scammers). Take care, Larisa |
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