Recently I listed my washer - only 6 months new - on Craigslist. Craiglist is a great service and this has no bearings on their service - they actually try to warn you against scams. The other items I had listed were sold, with the buyers coming to pick up the items and pay in cash. Getting down to the final hour of getting everything out of the house the buyer for the washer seemed to be dragging her feet - if indeed she is a "her" - as she never wanted to talk by telephone, only email. She was going to purchase the machine for the asking price of $300 and have her "movers" pick it up. This all sounded well and good until --
Until today. A whole week later, knowing that the ads on Craigslist stay for only a week. She sent an email to me this morning stating that her "secretary" (I thought the new title was administrative assistant?) had made an error and sent instead of the $300 -- $1550. WHAT?! That's a heck of a mistake. She then continues to instruct me of how I am to take this check - when I receive it - to my bank and have an extra $100 for my troubles. Then I was to send the remainder to her movers. I know, you're just as lost as I was - right? I didn't want any parts of this and the washer needed to be moved today. I sent a reply telling this woman that I felt very uncomfortable about this way of doing things and told her I would pass on the offer and go to the next buyer, who would pick up the machine and bring cash, and that if I received the check I would return it to her express mail. Basically - thanks but I ain't stupid!
Well, at the house today, the UPS woman came by with an overnight package that contained only a single check for $1550 with no cover letter or even a post-it for what it was for. The check was payable on Wells Fargo, and considering I have no phone number for this person, it just seems all to convenient and feels shady. I was suppose to take this "check" to my bank and cash it, and send $1150 to this woman's "movers". Surely someone will fall for this scam, but not me. This person, being someone who can afford a secretary and movers, can't herself form paragraphs in an email. Your writing says a great deal about you.
I haven't heard from her since my reply. No worries though - my wonderful neighbors of 5 years will pick up the washer tonight, and I am happy and joyful this great family gets to have a great machine,
Seller beware! Or in tribute to gregorysm day -- "don't be an exhibit!"
Ciao Y'all
No comments:
Post a Comment