I hadn't talked about this terrible case, but these poor men were answering a job ad for a farm hand on craigslist. Three murdered and one injured by the posters. The poor guys just wanted a job and paid the ultimate price for being naive.
ABC News report: http://abcnews.go.com/US/ohio-craigslist-murders-purported-chaplains-criminal-past-includes/story?id=15055922
Now let me say, craigslist is NOT responsible for this tragedy. There is no way of knowing if any ad is legitimate or not. We are all responsible for our personal safety, and that includes meeting people in public places and using extreme caution in giving out our personal information.
Having said that, this is not the first time that a job applicant has been murdered through an ad. This has been going on for a longggg time, the Internet has just made it easier. By the same token, be careful if you're selling a product, service or car. You are equally at risk from a criminal who wants to rob or harm you.
Do not believe the BULL DROPPINGS. Check on companies, look up names, only meet people at real offices or if it's freelance work, in a public place. Don't let yourself become a victim of criminals or criminally insane people who want to take advantage of you!
DISCLAIMER -- DO NOT READ THESE LINKS IF YOU HAVE A WEAK STOMACH OR NIGHTMARES! SOME OF THEM ARE HORRIBLE!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armin_Meiwes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonely_hearts_killer
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/minnesota/dao-xiong-guilty-life-prison-craigslist-car-ad-aug-12-2011
http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Police+trawl+dating+ads+in+search+of+answers+over+1993+murder+mystery/1135270023824
http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-04-17/news/17919537_1_hotel-room-masseuse-craigslist
http://docublogger.typepad.com/villiscamystery/2011/11/late-in-december-of-1913-jessamine-hodgson-a-woman-in-her-late-twenties-answered-this-advertisement-in-the-omaha-world-hera.html
Showing posts with label craigslist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label craigslist. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Craigslist Scams
Craigslist rocks! It is the best for locating free, cheap and awesome stuff.
Everything from sofas to cell phones to building materials to cars can be found on www.craigslist.org.
However, there are some serious scammers out there. When you open up the page to view the listings, there are even warnings about the most common scams. In HUGE BOLD LETTERS! Yet people go to the legal forum asking how to find, sue, get their money back from scammers.
Oh
My
Goodness
Don't be a fool! Don't fall for the BULL DROPPINGS!
Please READ the darn warnings and remember, if it sounds too good to be true...
Everything from sofas to cell phones to building materials to cars can be found on www.craigslist.org.
However, there are some serious scammers out there. When you open up the page to view the listings, there are even warnings about the most common scams. In HUGE BOLD LETTERS! Yet people go to the legal forum asking how to find, sue, get their money back from scammers.
Oh
My
Goodness
Don't be a fool! Don't fall for the BULL DROPPINGS!
Please READ the darn warnings and remember, if it sounds too good to be true...
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
So You Applied For A Job Online...
Please don't tell me that you sent off your Social Security number and personal information to some anonymous online job posting.
Oh my gosh, please don't tell me you did that.
Seriously, if you've found a job listing that you're really, really interested in and it was in an online classified like craigslist.org -- run!
These days, it's really hard to tell the oblivious from the scammers. There are some real job postings out there, but if they want you to submit all your personal information before you even know who they really are, the odds are against you.
With your SSN, name, address, date of birth, and heaven forbid your bank information, a scammer can rob you and you may not even know it.
At least, not until the IRS says, "Hey, you were working two states away and we want the tax from that income!"
Not until the computer company finally contacts you and says, "Hey, we had a heck of a time tracking you down. We want the money for that computer you ordered online. You know, the one you bought with instant credit..."
Or, true story, until the apartment manager looks at you funny after seeing your application and asks for a picture ID. Because you ALREADY LIVE THERE! At least, according to his records...
Identity theft is no joke!
Don't fall for the BULL DROPPINGS. Wait to give your personal information until you've had a real interview. Like, in person even!
Oh my gosh, please don't tell me you did that.
Seriously, if you've found a job listing that you're really, really interested in and it was in an online classified like craigslist.org -- run!
These days, it's really hard to tell the oblivious from the scammers. There are some real job postings out there, but if they want you to submit all your personal information before you even know who they really are, the odds are against you.
With your SSN, name, address, date of birth, and heaven forbid your bank information, a scammer can rob you and you may not even know it.
At least, not until the IRS says, "Hey, you were working two states away and we want the tax from that income!"
Not until the computer company finally contacts you and says, "Hey, we had a heck of a time tracking you down. We want the money for that computer you ordered online. You know, the one you bought with instant credit..."
Or, true story, until the apartment manager looks at you funny after seeing your application and asks for a picture ID. Because you ALREADY LIVE THERE! At least, according to his records...
Identity theft is no joke!
Don't fall for the BULL DROPPINGS. Wait to give your personal information until you've had a real interview. Like, in person even!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Beware The New Check Scam
Well here we go again!
The latest scams involve checks.
First, the scammers are using craigslist. So you're trying to sell a car, you get an e-mail offering you full price. They send you a check and you're supposed to wire transfer the extra funds to the "shipper". (There are variations on the theme, they're all bad.)
The super bad news is that the check wasn't any good to start with, it was a fake. So your bank account will be minus the check amount AND you'll owe the bank for the money you transferred to the "shipper".
Bad.
Very bad.
The second scam claims that you've won a prize from "NSW International Lotteries" or another sweepstakes. You'll get an initial check in the mail BUT you're supposed to send in a processing fee for the rest of the prize.
Yes, you guessed right. The first check is fake, but no one will know until AFTER you sent off the "processing fee". So you're screwed again.
In both cases, the check will be from "Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co."
In both cases, the check will be fake.
Even if it's not from Nationwide, it'll still be a fake check, trust me!
If someone tries to suck you into one of these scams, call Nationwide at 1-877-On Your Side® (1-877-669-6877) or make an online report immediately.
DO NOT put the fake check in your bank account!
Don't get sucked into the BULL DROPPINGS!
The vile pool of BS is getting deeper by the day and the scammers are using modern technology against you. Don't let them take your money, be a wise consumer!
The latest scams involve checks.
First, the scammers are using craigslist. So you're trying to sell a car, you get an e-mail offering you full price. They send you a check and you're supposed to wire transfer the extra funds to the "shipper". (There are variations on the theme, they're all bad.)
The super bad news is that the check wasn't any good to start with, it was a fake. So your bank account will be minus the check amount AND you'll owe the bank for the money you transferred to the "shipper".
Bad.
Very bad.
The second scam claims that you've won a prize from "NSW International Lotteries" or another sweepstakes. You'll get an initial check in the mail BUT you're supposed to send in a processing fee for the rest of the prize.
Yes, you guessed right. The first check is fake, but no one will know until AFTER you sent off the "processing fee". So you're screwed again.
In both cases, the check will be from "Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co."
In both cases, the check will be fake.
Even if it's not from Nationwide, it'll still be a fake check, trust me!
If someone tries to suck you into one of these scams, call Nationwide at 1-877-On Your Side® (1-877-669-6877) or make an online report immediately.
DO NOT put the fake check in your bank account!
Don't get sucked into the BULL DROPPINGS!
The vile pool of BS is getting deeper by the day and the scammers are using modern technology against you. Don't let them take your money, be a wise consumer!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
AS-IS
Recently there's been a growing trend with people demanding refunds for cars and other items, especially things bought on Craigslist.
Now, Craig Newmark has carefully given many, many warning of the scams out there.
Yet, over in the Legal Forum, there's a continuous stream of posts asking for advice. People buy cars, drive them for a couple of weeks, sometimes a couple of months, and then contact the seller, demanding their money back.
Look, in most states, including California, private party sales are inherently AS-IS. There is no refund if you don't like the deal you got, you found a cheaper car, or the car broke down after you drove the wheels off of it.
There's only a couple of things to remember when selling anything.
First, make sure the buyer does a full inspection of the item. If it's a refrigerator, have it plugged in so it's cold. If it's a stereo, play it. If it's a video game system, show the buyer the whole thing, plug it in, play the game.
If it's a car, tell them whatever you know about it, don't make promises about the condition, do a test drive (bring a friend with you, don't take checks, take payment in cash only, preferably at the DMV so you can transfer the title right then and there).
And remember, in California, you MUST get the vehicle smogged. Plus, if you don't have time to meet at the DMV, you can do the "Release of Liability" form online at www.dmv.ca.gov. Be sure to print out your copy!!
And if a buyer contacts you a week, a month, a year afterward, demanding a refund on a private party sale, tell them the truth, there is NO refund.
As-is is just that, AS-IS -- and that means beware and be aware on both sides of the deal -- buyer and seller!!
Don't fall for the BULL DROPPINGS.
And if they threaten court, tell them, "See you there!" (99 times out of a hundred, they're blowing smoke!)
Now, Craig Newmark has carefully given many, many warning of the scams out there.
Yet, over in the Legal Forum, there's a continuous stream of posts asking for advice. People buy cars, drive them for a couple of weeks, sometimes a couple of months, and then contact the seller, demanding their money back.
Look, in most states, including California, private party sales are inherently AS-IS. There is no refund if you don't like the deal you got, you found a cheaper car, or the car broke down after you drove the wheels off of it.
There's only a couple of things to remember when selling anything.
First, make sure the buyer does a full inspection of the item. If it's a refrigerator, have it plugged in so it's cold. If it's a stereo, play it. If it's a video game system, show the buyer the whole thing, plug it in, play the game.
If it's a car, tell them whatever you know about it, don't make promises about the condition, do a test drive (bring a friend with you, don't take checks, take payment in cash only, preferably at the DMV so you can transfer the title right then and there).
And remember, in California, you MUST get the vehicle smogged. Plus, if you don't have time to meet at the DMV, you can do the "Release of Liability" form online at www.dmv.ca.gov. Be sure to print out your copy!!
And if a buyer contacts you a week, a month, a year afterward, demanding a refund on a private party sale, tell them the truth, there is NO refund.
As-is is just that, AS-IS -- and that means beware and be aware on both sides of the deal -- buyer and seller!!
Don't fall for the BULL DROPPINGS.
And if they threaten court, tell them, "See you there!" (99 times out of a hundred, they're blowing smoke!)
Saturday, December 8, 2007
I Want To Buy Your Stuff!
OK, look, Mom has her little hustle thing going on. I buy stuff cheap from gov't sources and then sell them on craigslist and/or eBay. I buy super cheap, I sell cheap enough that it's still a great deal for the buyers.
Now, there are some hassles involved when you sell on craigslist. There's the hit and run e-mailers, they e-mail you all hot and bothered, they MUST have this item. Then you never hear from them again. Next level of CL flakiness is the "I'm on my way right now with the money." OK... Two weeks later, you're still waiting [NOT]. Today I even got an e-mail from someone wanting to know if I'd deliver the item to him--without even offering to reimburse me for gas. [Think NOT!]
And then, there's another whole level of scam going on. Despite all warnings, this is a common response to online classified ads:
Hello,
I am interested in the immediate purchase of your item placed on Craigslist and I will like to ask few questions before I proceed on the purchase.
1 :- Is the item available for sale ?
2 :- What is the condition of the item ?
3 :- Do you accept a cashiers check as mode of payment?
4 :- Where is the item located ?
5 :- What is the final price of the item ?
6 :- Will you be able to send more pictures to see how it look likes ?
7 :-Will you allow my Shipper come to your house for the pick up of the item cos I don't want you to worry yourself about the shipping of the item.?
8 :- Will you be able to wire the Shipping fess via western union money transfer to my shipper cos the total payment which include the shipping charges and some other commissions needed to get the item to its destination would be issued altogether on the check?
9 :- If accepted kindly get back to me with your full name and contact address including your phone number so that my client can mail out the check right away?
Thanks
Regards
Edwin James
I'd laugh, but this is too sad. I call BULL DROPPINGS on this "buyer"!
Now, FYI, I have no fear in posting this name, because I'm quite sure that this is not a real name. This "buyer" is getting ready to try to rip me off!
Anytime someone e-mails you and wants to send you money via check, money order or cashiers check and then you're supposed to give someone else part of the $$, it's a guaranteed ripoff. Yes, I know you waited a week and your bank said the check had cleared.
Sadly, in another couple of weeks or a month, your bank will pull ALL of the money back out of your account and you'll be the one being investigated for bank fraud and forgery.
Yes, the check is no good. On top of that, you sent off part of the money via wire transfer or Western Union to someone else.
No, the bank won't protect you. No, the Feds won't protect you. No, the Post Office won't protect you.
So, don't be a sucker! If you get an e-mail offering to buy your stuff and you give part of the money to a "shipper" or some other crazy variation of this scam, DON'T DO IT!!
And if someone does seen credible and you do decide to ship an item, accept USPS money orders ONLY and then take them straight to the Post Office to cash them. There's tracking numbers on them and the computer will know if they're good and how much they were originally made out for. Don't put them in your bank! Take them to the Post Office ONLY!!
Remember, the scammers will keep doing this until people get smart and stop falling for it. Don't be a sucker, be a smart consumer!
Now, there are some hassles involved when you sell on craigslist. There's the hit and run e-mailers, they e-mail you all hot and bothered, they MUST have this item. Then you never hear from them again. Next level of CL flakiness is the "I'm on my way right now with the money." OK... Two weeks later, you're still waiting [NOT]. Today I even got an e-mail from someone wanting to know if I'd deliver the item to him--without even offering to reimburse me for gas. [Think NOT!]
And then, there's another whole level of scam going on. Despite all warnings, this is a common response to online classified ads:
Hello,
I am interested in the immediate purchase of your item placed on Craigslist and I will like to ask few questions before I proceed on the purchase.
1 :- Is the item available for sale ?
2 :- What is the condition of the item ?
3 :- Do you accept a cashiers check as mode of payment?
4 :- Where is the item located ?
5 :- What is the final price of the item ?
6 :- Will you be able to send more pictures to see how it look likes ?
7 :-Will you allow my Shipper come to your house for the pick up of the item cos I don't want you to worry yourself about the shipping of the item.?
8 :- Will you be able to wire the Shipping fess via western union money transfer to my shipper cos the total payment which include the shipping charges and some other commissions needed to get the item to its destination would be issued altogether on the check?
9 :- If accepted kindly get back to me with your full name and contact address including your phone number so that my client can mail out the check right away?
Thanks
Regards
Edwin James
I'd laugh, but this is too sad. I call BULL DROPPINGS on this "buyer"!
Now, FYI, I have no fear in posting this name, because I'm quite sure that this is not a real name. This "buyer" is getting ready to try to rip me off!
Anytime someone e-mails you and wants to send you money via check, money order or cashiers check and then you're supposed to give someone else part of the $$, it's a guaranteed ripoff. Yes, I know you waited a week and your bank said the check had cleared.
Sadly, in another couple of weeks or a month, your bank will pull ALL of the money back out of your account and you'll be the one being investigated for bank fraud and forgery.
Yes, the check is no good. On top of that, you sent off part of the money via wire transfer or Western Union to someone else.
No, the bank won't protect you. No, the Feds won't protect you. No, the Post Office won't protect you.
So, don't be a sucker! If you get an e-mail offering to buy your stuff and you give part of the money to a "shipper" or some other crazy variation of this scam, DON'T DO IT!!
And if someone does seen credible and you do decide to ship an item, accept USPS money orders ONLY and then take them straight to the Post Office to cash them. There's tracking numbers on them and the computer will know if they're good and how much they were originally made out for. Don't put them in your bank! Take them to the Post Office ONLY!!
Remember, the scammers will keep doing this until people get smart and stop falling for it. Don't be a sucker, be a smart consumer!
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