While I was not called from this #, I did receive a response to a craigslist ad that was a very obvious fraud attempt. It also used this poor sods name and title, and while I respect his better intentions in joining, Im really sorry that he was duped by the recruiters lies and that hes now protecting the imperialistic adventures of a corrupt semi-fascist corporate oligarchy. That makes it even lower that the guys name and info was used to deceive even more people. the # in my solicitation is 617-863-7289, although I have not called it.

I got the same msg but my number to call is 617-863-7289.  Same guy Sgt john Costa in a reply to a CL add.  Beware

I just received this for a post on craigslist. I am selling a handicap tub. This is ridiculous! word by word same scam! just reported him. Looks like he has been all over the country I am in Florida

There are legit organizations through which your donated money can go to a soldier's family. You just can't trust a random caller pretending to be a soldier or a charity. True non-profit means non-profit, none of the money goes to telemarketers or scammers.

Still at it alright. We are moving so I must sell my entire collection of Christmas Decorations my family and I
have worked hard collecting and we were going to turn our head on the price and offer a soldier a family gesture but I decided to google first. Good Thing!

Trying to sell a cemetery plot on Craigslist; John costa is still at it. :-(
You'd think he'd at least use a new name.

We got the same message. We are trying to sell a car wedge for 7500.00 on Craigs List.

We just received the same exact email from him wanting to buy our generator with a transfer switch. He actually offered me $8,000.00 and my asking price was $7,600.00. I thought it was fishy also, I googled the link and thankfully saw this site. Thanks so much for posting your run-ins with him. The solider  thing is sad to use someone who is fighting for our country. Very low. I am reporting him. Thanks again everyone. Sellers Beware

i have also recieved the exact same email i am trying to sell a shop smith on craigslist this is a very low move to fake a person in are military i would be very willing to help out a soldier for what they do for us guess once again just trying to get scammed

I also received the same exact message that NotAIdot received.  Very same wording.  This is my second message from some one saying they were in the service.

this number has called many times, no messages left.

i got the same exact emails from john costa. im selling a matco tool box as well. what a scam lol.l thought it was fishy lol.

Same Call. Scam

i got same message for concrete grinder

this same guy came after my cemetary plots, with the same exact b***s***.  i reported him.

Wow I am selling a Snap on tool box and got the exact same response. I thought it was fishy so i googled him. I am glad i Looked this up. Also I got offers by others trying to purchase through paypal without wanting to look at it personally. Which is why I decided to look deep into the matter at  hand. Beware of selling things on craiglist only take cash these guys will try to rip you off.

I also got an email from "John Costa."  The only difference in the email is the phone number listed...401-288-1772

We are trying to sell a Matco toolbox and tools ($3000) on craigslist.  The poor grammar and spelling were a red flag....also, the fact that the first email I received...the "From" was listed as John Costa.  When I replied stating that they were still available...the second email I received said "From - Sgt. John Costa."


"Thanks so much for getting back to me, My name is Staff Sgt. John Costa, a 10-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps and currently at sea for few weeks service, here is a link to know little more about me, http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2007/whyweserve/docs/2007-Oct/Costa.pdf  

My question is, why are you selling it and are you the first owner and where is it located ? I will like to offer you $3,000usd, i will make arrangement for the pick up and sending it down to my new house in Alabama that is after you have received money, for a secure purpose i can only pay via paypal as this is what i have access to while at service, paypal is safe and secure way of sending and receiving money and after you receive the money i will make arrangement for pick up, please let me know if we have a deal and we can make it happen if honest rule and i won't give you a disappoint deal.

You can text me at 401-288-1772,please no call while at service, you can only text me just to help me obey the rules.

You may check paypal out at www.paypal.com and sign up if you do not have an account it is safe and secure but if you already have an account let me have the email link to your paypal account so i can transfer the money, am ready to make proceed if you are in for the deal, Thanks

Kind Regards
John"

This website confirmed everything....Thanks!