Same thing happened to me. But when looking at area code exchange which came up on phone text, I decided to google  it. Thanks everyone for caring enough to post a scam..... Saved my butt....

The same exact thing as a result of my Craig's list ad here in Colorado for a $2000 dining room set. I looked up the area code immediately after getting the first text and then entered his number on this site (NY area code made no sense here in Colorado). I sent him a text asking him not to contact me again and that I had read all about his scams on the internet.

same exact thing, unfortunately i was dumb enough to give him my address.
but did not enter any banking information on the paypal set up.

i was warned by a friend and wow i see a lot of ELP people being hit by this guy.
same exact emails and texts.
just sent message "no deal! and never contact this # again!".
i really hope this guy gets busted.

The individual claims to go by the name of "Thomas James" and says he's from New York.  He's a strong Nigerian accent and consistently requests my name and email address which I've not given him.  He responded to a craigslist post I had and constantly sent me text msgs until I insisted he call me, which he finally did.  I still was skeptical and informed him I'd call him back tomorrow.

Just got the same thing. I got suspicious when he said he'd already arranged shipping in a matter of 5 text exchanges!! That's when i decided to look up the number and was greatful to see everyone else reporting him for who he is!! Thank you!

Para los que no hablan inglés,  a mi me paso lo mismo, es un fraude este número no den su informacion

So glad i saw this!! i just got this text today! Thought it sounded suspisious! UGh how annoying and scary

Same exact MO. Obviously a scumbag. Do Not Deal With This Turd.

Wish I would have known this sooner. I had a post on Craigslist. Same identical text conversation and phone calls from a guy with a heavy accent wen I wouldn't give my address. Unfortunately I have him my Paypal info....I was just gla to finally be selling my sofa. I got back the following:
(1/3)Hi Friend, I have just receive an alert from PayPal Customer Care with the confirmation email that the payment has been made,a total of $1,300.00 USD was
(2/3)sent,$600.00 USD for the Large Reclining Sofa Purchased and the extra $650.00 USD for the shipping charges and am sure you notice that theh $50.00 USD is
Payment Completed...
(3/3)for the western union charges,so make sure you send the money to the address below via western union. Name: Deanna Thompson Address: 218 S Miami ave apt 4.

God I should have known!!!!

He is still trying as of 02/03/2013. Thanks to this info I called him by his name and he freaked out. Low life scum!! If I was edlerly or young perhaps this would of worked.

This number sends some serious spam messages, be ware! Never give out your financial info.

I'm from South Texas and I just dealt with this guy. I was selling a bunk bed on Craigslist and pretty much the same thing happened to me except he called me when I wouldn't give him my address. He was speaking with a heavy foreign accent, but I couldn't place it. For all I know that could have been fake too.

Same Identical thing!

Me too!

I also received a series of texts from this  scammer trying to get information from me.  This is how the conversation went...
THEM:  Hello, is it still for sale..King Canopy Bedroom Set $1000 (Frankfort, Illinois)
ME: Yes, it is!
THEM:  Thanks for your response.Am interested in buying.How long have you owned it?? what's your actual price for it?.
ME: I've had it for 3 years, I paid $3000 for it at Value City.
THEM: Sound good...but first do u have a Paypal account for the payment?
ME: Yes, I do.
THEM: so let me have your PayPal email and name for the payment..

Then, I get suspicious that they want to pay for it and don't even want to see it first. So, I Google the number and find numerous complaints. Plus, the number is a NY number, and I am in Chicago.

I received a series of texts from this person who is clearly a scammer trying to get information from me.  This is how the conversation went...
THEM:  Hello, is it still for sale? FRENCH ITALIAN PROVINCIAL FURNITURE RARE! - $2500 (Northern IN)
ME: Yes
THEM:  Thanks for your response.Am interested in buying.How long have you owned it?? what's your actual price for it? (NOTE: No spaces between sentences...also asked obvious questions that are posted already)
ME: Read the listing & u will find your answers. Where r u calling from? When do u want to set up a time to come see it?
THEM: Am from Romania..Sound good...but first do u have a Paypal account for the payment?
ME: Why would you contact me if you are from Romania? I only accept CASH.
THEM: But don't worry about the shipment..I will arrange the pickup..First do you have a Paypal account for the payment?
ME: Tell me more about yourself first.
THEM: Am Kopernik MIkolaj...I am a marine engineer..
(I GOOGLED THE NAME & CAME UP W/THE FOLLOWING...)
ME: Its kind of cool that you have the same exact name as a Polish astronomer also known as Nicolaus Copernicus.  Did you know that he died in the year 1543? That was a very long time ago. Did your parents name you after him? You must feel very honored to be named after such a respected person.
(SEVERAL HOURS WENT BY & I DID NOT HEAR BACK FROM THIS PERSON.)
(14 HOURS LATER, I TEXTED THE FOLLOWING TO THIS PERSON.)
ME: You have just been reported to law enforcement for FRAUD. You better go into hiding, move to another location, change your name & your identity, & change your phone # because now you will be arrested & go to jail. Start running right now!! They are watching you.  They know where you live. They know every move you make. They even know when you sleep.