Same deal only now they're claiming to hire you to do research send you a huge check for your expenses wanted me to deposit it in my account to get my info. Horrible people!! Beware Craigslist they claim to be with Barr &Barr construction but sign off with Bart & Barr..idiots

Collins, from NY, is offering to buy real estate I listed on CL.  Said he wouldn't be able to come for the "inspection" due to the nature of his work but would contact an agent that would check it out.  He then went on to asking for paypal info.  I advised that he must have a state-licensed  real estate agent call me directly so that I could verify with our licensing authorities that it's legit.  I asked for other info (only because it's real estate) such as his pre-approval and proof of funds from financial institution, also to be verified.  Funny, he never answered back. :)   Also, this was through text msg.

I have had an sms from this number claiming to be Bruce Sprangler a marine engineer working off shore. He wants to by my £5000 motor bike completely unseen and wants to pay by paypal.  LOL.   Thanks for reporting this scammer.

Well, I wish you good luck then.  The point I was attempting to make is that you can't be too careful.  I would think that applying for a dentistry position and receiving an email from someone who is not even a dentist raises red flags as to their authenticity.  Did he even state what "job" he is offering you?  And why would he pay you UPFRONT - before you've even done any work?  Just things to keep in mind.

On the other hand, thankyou for responding so quickly.
I will take this into very deep consideration.
I will call and verify his employment tonight.

THANKYOU!!!!!

He didn't ASK me to send ANY money.
He stated he would send a check.
He gave me a USPS tracking number for it.

My bank said they can verify if it's real or not. What bank in 2014 will see an amount for that much and just go..well here you go! It goes through processing First before I can even take the cash.

He never asked for personal info ( where i work, bank info, age, gender etc)
He told me it was for the month of work. (=500 per week)

My next step is to verify his job @ Ashley Furniture Store in my area when I get off work.
People get new numbers all the time.

You applied for a Dental Assistant position.  He's saying he works for something not remotely connected to dentistry.  He's asking you to take a $2000 check for your income - how does this not scream "scam"?!  Here's more info on scams from Craigslist (sorry, it's kinda long - but you get the picture,)

http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams

Avoiding Scams

You can avoid would-be scammers by following these common-sense rules:

DEAL LOCALLY WITH FOLKS YOU CAN MEET IN PERSON?follow this one rule and avoid 99% of scam attempts.
NEVER WIRE FUNDS VIA WESTERN UNION, MONEYGRAM or other wire service - anyone who asks you to do so is likely a scammer.
FAKE CASHIER CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS ARE COMMON?BANKS WILL HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE when the fake is discovered weeks later.
CRAIGSLIST IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY TRANSACTION, and does not handle payments, provide escrow, "buyer protection" or "seller certification."
NEVER GIVE OUT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (bank account number, social security number, eBay/PayPal info, etc.).
AVOID DEALS INVOLVING SHIPPING OR ESCROW SERVICES and know that ONLY A SCAMMER WILL "GUARANTEE" YOUR TRANSACTION.
DO NOT RENT HOUSING OR PURCHASE GOODS SIGHT-UNSEEN?that amazing rental or cheap item may not exist.
DO NOT SUBMIT TO CREDIT OR BACKGROUND CHECKS until you have met the job interviewer or landlord/agent in person.
Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts?

U.S. Federal

Internet Fraud Complaint Center
FTC Video: How to report scams to the FTC
FTC online complaint form
FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
Consumer Sentinel/Military (for reports from services members or their families)
SIIA Software and Content Piracy reporting
Resources for Ohio residents

Ohio Attorney General Consumer Complaints
Canada

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or 888-495-8501 (toll-free)
RCMP
If you are defrauded by someone you met in person, contact your local police department.

If you suspect that a craigslist post may be part of a scam, please send us the details.

Recognizing scams

Most scams involve one or more of the following:

Inquiry from someone far away, often in another country.
Western Union, Money Gram, cashier's check, money order, shipping, escrow service, or a "guarantee."
Inability or refusal to meet face-to-face before consumating transaction.
Examples of Scams

1. Someone claims craigslist will guarantee a transaction, certify a buyer/seller, OR will handle or provide protection for a payment:

These claims are fraudulent, as craigslist does not have any role in any transaction.
The scammer will often send an official looking (but fake) email that appears to come from craigslist, offering a guarantee, certifying a seller, handle payments.
2. Distant person offers a genuine-looking (but fake) cashier's check:

You receive an email (examples below) offering to buy your item, or rent your apartment, sight unseen.
A cashier's check is offered for your sale item as a deposit for an apartment or for your services.
Value of cashier's check often far exceeds your item?scammer offers to "trust" you, and asks you to wire the balance via money transfer service.
Banks will often cash fake checks AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE CHECK FAILS TO CLEAR, sometimes including criminal prosecution.
These scams often involve a 3rd party (shipping agent, business associate owing buyer money, etc.).
3. Someone requests wire service payment via Western Union or MoneyGram:

Scam "bait" items include apartments, laptops, TVs, cell phones, tickets, and other high value items.
These scams often claim that an MTCN or confirmation code is needed before he can withdraw your money?this is FALSE, once you've wired money, it is GONE.
Common countries currently include: Nigeria, Romania, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Spain, Italy, Netherlands?but could be anywhere.
An apartment listing may be local, but landlord/owner is "travelling" or "relocating" and needs you to wire money to them abroad.
Deal often seems too good to be true, price is too low, or rent is below market, etc.
4. Distant person offers to send you a money order and then have you wire money:

This is ALWAYS a scam in our experience?the cashier's check is FAKE.
Sometimes accompanies an offer of merchandise, sometimes not.
Scammer often asks for your name, address, etc. for printing on the fake check.
Deal often seems too good to be true.
5. Distant seller suggests use of an online escrow service:

Most online escrow sites are FRAUDULENT and operated by scammers.
For more info, do a google search on "fake escrow" or "escrow fraud."
6. Distant seller asks for a partial payment upfront, after which he will ship goods:

He says he trusts you with the partial payment.
He may say he has already shipped the goods.
Deal often sounds too good to be true.
7. Foreign company offers you a job receiving payments from customers, then wiring funds:

Foreign company may claim it is unable to receive payments from its customers directly.
You are typically offered a percentage of payments received.
This kind of "position" may be posted as a job, or offered to you via email.
Actual scam emails sent to craigslist users:



Hi,

I am selling this car because my platoon has been sent back to Afganistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before November 16th. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident...I do have the title , clear, under my name. The Denali has 35,000 miles VIN# 1GKEK63U16J138428 .
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $4,300. The car is in Baltimore, MD, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.
Regards!!!


First of all I want to thank you for your interest for my car. I sell it at this price($2,980.00 ) because I have been divorced recently. Now the car is in my property and as a woman i don't need it. This car is in excellent working conditions, no scratches, flaws or any kind of damage, slightly used in 100% working and looking conditions and comes with a clear title.
From the beginning you have to know that for the payment I request only secure pay, I prefer the payment to be done using eBay services. We will use a safe payment method because I am affiliated at eBay and I have a purchase protection account for $20,000.00 The final price that I want for this car is $2,980.00 including shipping and handling.

If you are interested in buying it please provide me your full name and address so I can initiate the deal through eBay.

I will wait your answer very soon.





Hello,

I am looking for caring and honest person to watch my 3 years old daughter while I work, during our stay in the state and a friend introduced craiglist.com to me, I was searching on Childcare Babysitter, when your Ad post pumped up as a Childcare and Babysitter, am interested in your service as my babysitter/Childcare.. My Little daughters is (Mellina ) , I would like you to watch over her while i am at work in your Location , I reside in United Kingdom,I will be coming to the States in about two weeks time , Cos I just got a contract with Boss Perfume fashion industry down there, I work as a model and the contract will last for a month, the duration of our service wil be from 10am to 5pm, monday thru friday, I would like to know if she will be taken care of in your childcare centre/Home, or the hotel room where i would be lodging, It's Okay by me, any of this ways.

My little daughter (Mellina ) is 3 years old, I will be waiting patiently for your email indicating the cost of everything,I mean the price for your service,how long you will be available to take care of her,how much u charge per week. she is just three years old as i have said earlier and i will be glad to update you and make the payment in advance to show you how serious i am. So please get back to me as soon as you can if you will be able to handle her and take very good care of her for me.

Email me back
Your's faithfully




> Thanks for your mail,Since the cost of your bike is $800 i just contacted
my client about the cost of your bike and it present condition and he said
there is no problem about that.So my client said he will be issuing you a
Certified Check of $4000 while you wire 3000 to me through Western Union
Money Trasfer and you deduct the cost of your bike $800 and keep the
remaining $200 which my client said you should take for the terms of
Transaction and Agreement between you and my client.So i will like you to
send me your full contact information to where my client will be sending you
> the Certified Check like this:
> name.........
> full address.............
> city...............
> state.............
> country..........
> zipcode............
> cell/office/home phone number.......................
> I will look forward to the requested information as soon as  possible so
that the check can be sent out to you immediately  And do get back to me
with the Pics of the bike so tha! t my client will  be Able to see What he
is paying off.Get back to me immediately. Looking torwards your
> respond,
> Best Regards.

I typed in this number to see if it was legit.
I replied to an add on Craigslist looking for a job.
I applied for Dental Assist. But he emailed me back stating he works for ashley furniture store.
He says his name is Kelly Ernestine
He said he was going to send a Certified Check for $2000 for my monthly income??
Someone reply is this the same person trying something new??

this is a scammer, posting fake ads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! beware!!!!!!!!

They are now posting their own sales on CL now. Going by Beth and saying she has to sell her late husbands 1969 mustang Mach 1 for $1500 lol! I knew it was too good to be true!

Went by collins today.

I wonder how they can get money from you via you sending them a paypal request.  ???

Got text today from it, for a horse we listed on craiglist. Knew right off it had to be a scammer so I googled the number and taadaa.... Went by Collins in the text.

Same scam as above. Going by Collins Williams. Stated he was willing to pay shipping on a tempurpedic mattress and box springs across country. Really?!  Thanks for the info.

put my Harley for sale on craigs list and withing an hour received a text message from Collins wanting my paypal info. When told I do not play about my bike or money stopped texting for the day. Still receive texts every morning and when I asked him to call me directly to discuss business came up with some excuse. How can we go further to turn this scam artist in? Any suggestions?

Beware of Scammer: Guy called me from this number in response to a boat for sale I had posted on Craigslist. Goes by the name of Collins Williams and stated he lives in Wisconsin. Told me that he would pay me back if I would pay $500 upfront to have the item shipped to him by arranging it with the shipping Company he uses by the name of Zippo Moving and Shipping out of Green Forrest, AR. Brandy Miller phone # 213-394-9062 claims to be an associate of the shipping company. This is not a legit shipping service. These people are both scammers using phone numbers off Google, please be careful! They also sent out what appears to be real emails from Citi Bank confirming that I would be receiving my money for the transaction, but spoke to Citi Bank representative who confirmed it was not an email from their company. They are copying and pasting info from Citi Bank website which appears real. Tried to contact them after sending money for shipping and they will not respond, only to tell me that I need to send another $400 for insurance. Stay away from these people to avoid being ripped off!!

I got the same thing today, told him I called the cops, get a job and move out of his parents house, thank god for sights like these, I always google #'s when I don't know them!!

Same thing just happened today. Said he would send us a certified check and my husband gave name and address. Should we call the cops?

just got a text form him within an hour of posting a vehicle for sale on craigslist...  scammer..

Just posted on Ebay and was contacted by TXT, they were very vague in what they were wanting to buy.

well now its Feb 2013 and I have gotten a text...thank you for the heads up.  Wont bother to reply.

got a text from this number at 4 am he is now going by collins he wants to pay via paypal or bank to mail a certified check! collins at 213-394-9062 dont let this guy scam you

glad I found these post and weird thing is they ask me if I'm still selling the item but they write the entire name of the item directly copying the whole title from my Craigslist post

Same thing as others have said-replied to my CL post for a sled, how do these people(?) stay around when so many report this and know of them? Is it that hard to find them or is it just that they aren't worth the time..

SCAM SCAM SCAM

Since he was so generous to waste my time we are posting an ad for free chickens to his number on craigslist

Just got a message concerning a piano I have for sell. Said he is Collins from CA. The text read
My name is Collins, am from CA. I'm satisfied with your firm/advert price and am ready to purchase. Can you assure me I will not be disappointed? And am sorry if you don't mind me asking. Whats your name? Who is the right owner? Do you have Paypal for the payment? Please let me know before we proceed ASAP

Just got a text from this low-life trying to buy one of my listings on Craigslist. Found his(their) number in this forum. So tired of these scammers! 80% of my inquiries are from these scum-buckets, who are too lazy to get a job. Hope they all end up in the Pen. (Felony Interstate Fraud, up to 20 years with your buddies)

Here we are on 2/1/2013 and now he is trying to buy FARM equipment from craigslist too !!  At least he's diversified :)  He is now reporting an email address of collinswilliams101@gmail.com but still using the same phone number in his texts... 213-394-9062

They just texted me about a craigslist item.  They are still out there, BEWARE! Thank you to everyone who posted, saved me time and money.

Just got a text from the number.  Thank you for all the posts.  I am not even responding.  Thanks again!

I got a text from that number wanting a set of heads  listed on nex-tech.. they text me 10 min after posting.. I tried to call the number and got a googel message.. He just text me again wanting me to text back..thankful for number lookup