Sept 17. -201: Craigslist response via Text to my cell phone ...scam!

Got a text message as a response to a Coachella craigslist ad. However, I had a longer conversation with "David Brent" than the previous posts. I tried calling the number using *67 and got the name Mike Williams? Or at least that is what it sounded like?

Scammer responded to Craigslist ad. Person was willing to pay more than what I was asking with a certified check without even seeing it. It sucks but apparently I need to verify any and all inquiries. Second scammer in two days with a different number.

I received the similar email from a David S while trying to sell a screen printing press.  Very close to the same wording as what the others above have posted.  Only he told me he would contact me when he sent the certified check in the mail.  After several days of waiting, I emailed him and inquired if he was still interested but he didn't reply.  That evening when I got home I received a check in the mail for close to $2500 from someone in Sacramento (I was asking $850 in my ad).  There was not documentation or anything other than the check.  The check was to me from St. Mary's Ford in St. Mary's, Pa.  I called them and they said that someone in Las Vegas tried to cash a fake check with their name on it a few days ago.  

This is indeed some kind of scam, but I can't figure out what it is.  Still trying though.

"Still up for sale?" from lewisthomas979@gmail.com who is suddenly named Scott. An hour after I posted my item on CL. I sent a warning back to back off or be turned in to the authorities, although i am not sure where you would report this

I just got the same email in response to a CL post about some tires.  Used the name David Smith.  Started with an email that read "Still up for sale?".  I responded yes and then I received the same email that was posted above, word for word.  Seemed suspicious, glad I checked the number. The emails also cam from different emails.  The first was lewisthomas979@gmail.com, the second came from ph3901@crossinvestors-view.net.  Pass the info along.  Thanks

I got an email:

"Hi, I'm willing to pay your asking price for it.I will pay you with
Cashier Check as it's the only way i can pay you at the moment due to
the fact that i am away for a business emergency.I will make
arrangement for the pick-up after you have received payment.If you are
fully okay with my terms kindly reply with your full name,address and
a phone number where i can reach you.so payment can be sent.I dont
mind if you take down the Ad on craigslist and consider it sold to me
as i don't want to lose the sale to other potential buyers.The check
I'm sending will be in excess so it will covers the shipping,as soon
as the check clears your bank you will have to deduct the cost for
your item and give the difference to the mover for the shipping
service . I'm asking you to do this for me because of my tight
schedule at work and I need to finalize this ASAP. Best Regards



Text -(678) 304-8496
Donna Pepel <donnapepel12@gmail.com>"

What do you know....same here.

Hi, I'm willing to pay your asking price for it.I will pay you with
Cashier Check as it's the only way i can pay you at the moment due to
the fact that i am away for a business emergency.I will make
arrangement for the pick-up after you have received payment.If you are
fully okay with my terms kindly reply with your full name,address and
a phone number where i can reach you.so payment can be sent.I dont
mind if you take down the Ad on craigslist and consider it sold to me
as i don't want to lose the sale to other potential buyers.The check
I'm sending will be in excess so it will covers the shipping,as soon
as the check clears your bank you will have to deduct the cost for
your item and give the difference to the mover for the shipping
service . I'm asking you to do this for me because of my tight
schedule at work and I need to finalize this ASAP. Best Regards



Text -(678) 304-8496

Yep. word for word... same email. Got a check for 3x the amount, on a bank in Evanston Indiana,
supposedly from a race track in Kentucky. Glad I googled the phone number. you would think he would at least mention what he way buying!

Yep...got the same response from a Paul Smith:

Hi, I'm willing to pay your asking price for it.I will pay you with
Cashier Check as it's the only way i can pay you at the moment due to
the fact that i am away for a business emergency.I will make
arrangement for the pick-up after you have received payment.If you are
fully okay with my terms kindly reply with your full name,address and
a phone number where i can reach you.so payment can be sent.I dont
mind if you take down the Ad on craigslist and consider it sold to me
as i don't want to lose the sale to other potential buyers.The check
I'm sending will be in excess so it will covers the shipping,as soon
as the check clears your bank you will have to deduct the cost for
your item and give the difference to the mover for the shipping
service . I'm asking you to do this for me because of my tight
schedule at work and I need to finalize this ASAP. Best Regards

Text -(678) 304-8496

I just received this exact email, literally word for word, from this same person in response to a CL ad. Thank you for your post. It confirmed our suspicions

Its a CL SCAM

CHECK THIS OUT:

Hi, I'm willing to pay your asking price for it.I will pay you with
Cashier Check as it's the only way i can pay you at the moment due to
the fact that i am away for a business emergency.I will make
arrangement for the pick-up after you have received payment.If you are
fully okay with my terms kindly reply with your full name,address and
a phone number where i can reach you.so payment can be sent.I dont
mind if you take down the Ad on craigslist and consider it sold to me
as i don't want to lose the sale to other potential buyers.The check
I'm sending will be in excess so it will covers the shipping,as soon
as the check clears your bank you will have to deduct the cost for
your item and give the difference to the mover for the shipping
service . I'm asking you to do this for me because of my tight
schedule at work and I need to finalize this ASAP. Best Regards



Text -(678) 304-8496
Donna Pepel <donnapepel12@gmail.com>

CL response to buying concert tickets phone number: 678-304-8496 David Smith.
Stated for Me to Send Him My Address so he could send cashiers check to so i would receive funds prior to concert date.  This was specifically against what i had posted as a CASH Only sale.  
This number is used for SCAMS to find out personal information and bank information as well.
DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE FROM THIS PHONE NUMBER TO KNOW ANY OF YOUR BUSINESS AT ALL!

Received several emails and texts from said "David Smith" at this number.  Wanted to purchase a ring I put on CL.  Sent a check (not under his name, mind you) for well over the amount asked and then wanted me to forward the remaining balance to a said "Amy Patterson" in Ohio.  I did not deposit the check, but told him if he was still interested to send a check in the exact amount in his name.  Have not heard back since.  Most likely a scam.