45 thoughts on “SCAM email response from CraigsList”

  3. Alexander Selby

    There’s another one as well:

    Sandra Kim [sandrakims@hotmail.com]

    Hello,
    I am Originally from Sherman,Dallas ,am a trader ,I and my just wedded husband are presently on honeymoon and will be coming back from honeymoon next month,we are going to settle and put up our big computer store as this is what we are here for. looking for a computer Engineer ,I have read your description and am interested in your service,we have about 20 peices of laptops that we want to install softwares on and clean them up.We are sending the computers over and they are laptops Hp centrino(intel) computer ..All you have to do cleaning, installation of internet explorer and Antivirus protection and update of softwares to current status.We will like to know if you willbe able handle this job.so please get back to us with you total cost for these services of 20 computer excluding the shipping cost cus we have a shipper that will come with the computers and the necessary Softwares to you. We await your urgent response so that we can put the arrangement in order.

    Thanks NOTE: I also have all necessary softwares
    Regards.

  5. Winston Smith

    Yet another one:

    “My name is Jeremy, from Concord, NH work in Jacksonville, Florida . I
    brought some computers and they are are laptops HP 530 computer. I
    want you to Format, Install software such as Microsoft Office(2003),
    Anti virus(Avast), Corel Draw9, Photo Shop, Clean Inner & Outer
    Computer components, update software to current status,

    Get back to me with your total cost for the services of 8 Computers (Laptops).

    I await your urgent response so that i can put the arrangement in order

    Regard”

    Second email sent with that email address:

    “Hi Winston,

    I really do appreciate your effort and i will Love to do Payment with
    you soon. However, based on your mail i will be making a payment for
    the 8 Computers.

    I must confess I’m comfortable with the cost and its quite reasonable
    and affordable. I had like to make the payment for the Computer ahead
    of my shipper arrival, My shipper will be coming with the necessary
    Softwares for the installations of the Computers with both the
    Operating System,Microsoft Office and the Antivirus for each
    computers.

    I’ll be sending you a Check for payment for $2850 from which i’ll
    like you to deduct the fees for the 8Computers and help me send the
    rest balance to my the shipper that will move the Computer to your
    location for your Service because i will be going on a visit to Nevada
    today.

    I will keep you posted of when you are likely to receive the payment.
    If this is okay with you let me have the following information, Full
    name, Address and Phone Number for the payment to be made out to you.I
    hope i can trust you and i can as well be trusted.

    Hope to hear from you soon. Have a good time.
    Jeremy”

    Thanks Jeremy, I will have a good time!

    I have to wonder, what would this person do with this kind of semi-personal information?

    Great resource! Thanks!

  7. haha! sure, why not. Accept the check from the looser and then tell him you deposited the money and then refuse to do the work.. and watch the leach scream foul and threaten you in all sorts of ways 🙂 ofcourse he knows that he can’t do anything.. nor is he goona be sending any PCs.. so have fun. Thanks for the addition Wintson!

  8. virus tech

    hi i got this email to from C.L..when i got this email i was jump for joy,but when i email back,they respond so fast..then i said to my self..there is no way they can reply this fast..and i google the email add and i found this site..

    first email from scamer..

    ** CRAIGSLIST ADVISORY — AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY
    ** Avoid: wiring money, cross-border deals, work-at-home
    ** Beware: cashier checks, money orders, escrow, shipping

    Hello,
    We are in need of a computer Engineer ,We have read your description and interested in your service,we have about 20 peices of laptops that we want to install softwares on and clean them up.We are sending the computers over and they are laptops Hp centrino(intel) computer ..All you have to do cleaning, installation of internet explorer and Antivirus protection and update of softwares to current status.We will like to know if you will be able handle this job.so please get back to us with you total cost for these services of 20 computer excluding the shipping cost cus we have a shipper that will come with the computers and the necessary Softwares to you..I am from Lewisville so delivery to you would be easy We await your urgent response so that we can put the arrangement in order.

    Thanks

    after i reply**

    Thanks for the reply,
    I onced owned a computer store in South Dakota..But presently willing to open up a big computer store here .I am presently in Canada and will be coming back from Canada next month,I want to settle and put up a big computer store.so thats why i am looking for a computer Engineer.Again the laptops are Hp centrino(intel ) Windows Xp on them,Anti virus.Microsoft Office and Antivirus, clean inner & outercomputer components, update software to current status,Get back to me with your total cost for the services of 20 computer ..

    The computers are new with Serial Number’s but need clean up’s after i have been away for a while,I have a shipper that will be coming with the 20 Computers and the necessary Softwares for the installations of the Computers and also will be Picking them Up when your done with your Service fixing them all,I will have all my software provided back after the job.
    All i am after is a good job well done,I convinced my husband that i am capable of handling this(cos he is presently busy)and i also need you to convince me too.I would love you to kindly get back to me your final total charges for the Services i requested for in my previous Email.
    I will be waiting to hear from you as soon as possible.

    Thanks

  9. Daf

    Hello,
    We are in need of a computer Engineer ,We have read your description and interested in your service,we have about 20 peices of laptops that we want to install softwares on and clean them up.We are sending the computers over and they are laptops Hp centrino(intel) computer ..All you have to do cleaning, installation of internet explorer and Antivirus protection and update of softwares to current status.We will like to know if you will be able handle this job.so please get back to us with you total cost for these services of 20 computer excluding the shipping cost cus we have a shipper that will come with the computers and the necessary Softwares to you..I am from Lewisville so delivery to you would be easy We await your urgent response so that we can put the arrangement in order.

    Thanks

  10. Daf

    Thanks for the reply,
    I onced owned a computer store in South Dakota..But presently willing to open up a big computer store in Lewisville.I am presently in Canada and will be coming back from Canada next month,I want to settle and put up a big computer store.so thats why i am looking for a computer Engineer.Again the laptops are Hp centrino(intel ) Windows Xp on them,Anti virus.Microsoft Office and Antivirus, clean inner & outercomputer components, update software to current status,Get back to me with your total cost for the services of 20 computer ..

    The computers are new with Serial Number’s but need clean up’s after i have been away for a while,I have a shipper that will be coming with the 20 Computers and the necessary Softwares for the installations of the Computers and also will be Picking them Up when your done with your Service fixing them all,I will have all my software provided back after the job.
    All i am after is a good job well done,I convinced my husband that i am capable of handling this(cos he is presently busy)and i also need you to convince me too.I would love you to kindly get back to me your final total charges for the Services i requested for in my previous Email.
    I will be waiting to hear from you as soon as possible.

    Thanks

  11. Daf

    Thanks so much for getting back to me sooner,I really do appreciate your effort and i will reach an agreement and make it a go now. However, based on your email,and i feel that you should be a responsible and reputable
    person and i am also trusting you much more on this project,And making the payment for the 20 Computers sounds reasonable .I must confess I’m comfortable with the cost and its quite reasonable and affordable. I will like to ship the computers to you and make the payment for the Computer ahead of my shipper arrival due to the fact that money and payment is not a barrier,My shipper will be coming with the necessary Softwares for the installations of the Computers with both the Operating System,Microsoft Office and the Antivirus for each computers.I’ll be sending a Cashier Or Certified Check as a method of payment ,On my arrival i will come to your city..(but my shipper is not even around now so i have to call him and know how it ‘s going to work for us).

    I will keep you posted of when you are likely to receive the payment. If this is okay with you let me have the following information,Full name, Address & Phone No. for the payment to be made out to you.I hope i can trust you and i can as well be
    trusted.

    Hope to hear from you soon. Have a good time.

    Regard

  12. Pablo Carpio

    Hello,
    We are in need of a computer Engineer ,We have read your description and interested in your service,I am Originally from good year South Florida ,am nurse ,i and my husband are presently in China and will be coming back from
    china next month,we are going to settle and put up our big computer store as
    this is what we are here for. Checking on the craigslist ,I read your
    description and am interested in your service,we have about 20 laptops that
    we want to install softwares on and clean them up.We are sending the
    computers over and they are laptops Hp centrino(intel) computer ..i want you
    to Install softwares such as Microsoft Office and Antivirus, clean inner &
    outercomputer components, update software to current status.We will like to
    know if you will be able handle this job.so please get back to us with you
    total cost for the services of 20 computer excluding the shipping cost cus we
    have a shipper that will come with the computers and the necessary
    Softwares to you.I am from South Florida so delivery to you would be easy We await your urgent response so that we can put the arrangement in order.
    Thanks

    We await your urgent response so that we can put the arrangement in order.

    Thanks

    NOTE: I also have all necessary softwares
    asah&henry

  13. Lance

    same here,

    Hello Philyll,
    Thanks for the mail . I must confess I’m comfortable with the cost and its quite reasonable and affordable. I hope i can trust you to do a good job. I will be sending you the payment inform of US certified cashier check mailed and addressed to you. Regards to this kindly get back to me with your full information (in the format below) so as to receive the payment and it can be made out on-time.
    NAME:
    ADDRESS (NOT P O BOX):
    CITY:
    STATE:
    ZIPCODE:
    CONTACT PHONE NUMBER:
    DIRECT PHONE NUMBER.
    Will be waiting to read from you soonest. Best Regards!

    On 5/1/09, xxx wrote:
    > Piece of cake. I think that $160 would be pretty reasonable for all
    > 12 computers.
    >
    >
    > Lance
    >
    > —–Original Message—–
    > From: harris wright [mailto:harris2468@gmail.com]
    > Sent: Friday, May 01, 2009 1:03 AM
    > To: xxxxxxx
    > Subject: Re:
    >
    > Hello,
    > How you doing?. Thanks for the quick response .
    > I have some Hp PCs(Intel Pentium IV) we currently have a major
    > breakdown on most of our systems and I will be needing your service to
    > have a general upgrade and maintenance.(I will be providing the
    > software needed).
    >
    > Below are the things needed to be done one on each laptops:
    > 1 Format Hard Drive
    > 2 Install Win Xp with Service Pack 2
    > 3 Microsoft Office Package
    > 4 AVG Virus Software (Free Lifetime Updates)
    > 5 Adobe Acrobat
    > 6 Laptop Cleaning of the keyboard, screen and other case.
    > 7 Diagnostics of the entire system after to check hard, CD Rom,floppy, etc.
    > Kindly get back to me with your last asking price for the 12laptops.
    > My shipper will be coming with the necessary Software for the
    > installations of the Computers with both the Operating
    > System,Microsoft Office and the Anti-virus for each computers .
    > I will like You to know that my mode of payment is by UScertified
    > check mailed and address to you from my company.I have a shipper in
    > the state that will bring the laptops to your place,and will come pick
    > them up as soon as you are done with them.I should have make this a
    > phone order but i have a network problem where i am presently.I am
    > presently on a business work shop in Panama city,South American. I
    > await your urgent response so that i can put the arrangement in order.
    > Thanks and hope to read from you soon.
    > Harris.
    >
    > On 5/1/09, wrote:
    >> Sure, I’m available.
    >>
    >>
    >> Lance
    >> ——Original Message——
    >> From: harris wright
    >> To: serv-fgxck-1142866600@craigslist.org
    >> Subject:
    >> Sent: Apr 30, 2009 7:31 PM
    >>
    >> ** CRAIGSLIST ADVISORY — AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY
    >> ** Avoid: wiring money, cross-border deals, work-at-home
    >> ** Beware: cashier checks, money orders, escrow, shipping
    >>
    >> Hello,
    >> I got your contact and i was just checking if you will be available
    >> to repair and install some applications on 12(Twelve) PC . Get back
    >> to me for details if you’ll be available.
    >> Harris Wright.
    >>
    >>
    >> ——————————————————————
    >> this message was remailed to you via:
    >> serv-fgxck-1142866600@craigslist.org
    >> ——————————————————————
    >>
    >>
    >> Sent from my BlackBerryR smartphone
    >
    >

  14. Ary

    Hey, I was recently tricked into this scam and I compromised my address and telephone numbers. What can I expect now?

  15. Glenn

    Quite interesting. I have received both of these and have responded to them. However, I did not give them any information that could not be had from the local phone book. So, how is this a SCAM?

  16. Glenn, a scam email has certain signature criteria, which identify them. The email responses above fall in that shadow region. For instance, the person behind those emails poses to be from outside of the town you reside, has a traceable style and pattern, and finally, if you make a deal then the person will offer to send you a cashier’s check of a larger quantity than the amount you guys agree to. If any of these things match, you got yourself a gunk.

  17. Ary,
    I don’t think you should be worried. I had given them my cell no. to actually drag the scam process and sort of waste his time. Had he sent me his fake cashier’s check, I would have told him that I deposited it and refuse to do the work, just for fun. Everything about these people, including their check is fake, so they can’t do anything to you. As long as you don’t give them your bank account details 🙂 your should be fine. have fun!

  18. Ali

    Funny,
    I am a computer engineering technician who is certified and i decided after being lazy and not putting local signs, to enlist on craigslist and offer services, 3 days later, 4 people are from different locations however they all want around 8 pc’s repaired. some want 8,7,6 and they all strangely want the same software. They all have replied with the same info you guys have demonstrated on this blog and its funny because i would email them to tell me their contact info and they would not respond. However, if they send the check, I won’t cash it because I’ll be liable if i’m correct and I do not want that. I do not know what a travelor’s check is or a cashier check, but last i was informed by them, they were going to send me the money over western union. But Again, the only information i have given them is my address and phone #. What’s the worst that can happen?? Should i cash this check once it comes in or if it comes in?

    All of them have mysteriously agreed to 1200 dollars of service. Jeez – thats nearly 5 grand and i sure as heck could use that..

    ADVISE PLEASEE.. I can tell ya one thing, i do know not to give bank infor or CC info over phone or internet.. Geez, This sucks, i did have my hopes up.. oh well…

  19. Ali, you are a computer engineer, you should know better how these guys work. Didn’t they tech you in your security class? 🙂 anyways, enough on scolding you.

    Good that you did not give them your bank info for a western union wire transfer. That is a no no. Never give your Bank info for receiving wire from anyone, unless you know that person physically and can grab his or her neck if something goes wrong 🙂 Giving bank info to a stranger on the net is like giving them a blank check.

    A Cashier’s check or Demand Draft as it is also called in European/ Asian countries is a guaranteed check. Which means that the bank has already received that sum of money from the person making it. Since these are a good way of receiving fail proof money, most people fall for it. The problem is, Scammers or Con artists fake them. Yes, they print them in their house. So when you go to cash it or deposit it in your bank, the bank may accept it at the counter, and may not know that it is fake till it goes for clearance a few days later, especially if they are out of state or even more if they are out of country. This is coz they are sent to the originating bank via 1 or more hops for clearance, which is when they are tagged as fake and returned. And then your bank where you deposited it, puts a credit in your account with a fine/ possible legal action. And even worse if you cashed it coz they make copy of your driver’s license/ SSN at “Cash it Now” places.

    Hope this info was helpful.

  20. Badfun1

    .Thanks for the mail .
    I must confess I’m comfortable with the cost and
    its quite reasonable and affordable and also,i hope i can
    trust you that to do a good job.
    I will be sending you the payment inform of US
    certified check mailed and addressed to you and regards to
    this kindly get back to me with your full information (in
    the format below)to receive the payment so it can be made
    out on-time.
    NAME:
    ADDRESS(NOT P O BOX):
    CITY:
    STATE:
    ZIP CODE:
    CONTACT PHONE NUMBER:
    DIRECT PHONE NUMBER.
    BEST TIME TO CALL

    I Will be waiting to read your mail soon.
    Best Regards!
    Courtney

    — On Tue, 9/29/09, wrote:

    Subject: Re: RESPONSE IS NEEDED…………….Re: COMPUTER REPAIR
    To: “courtney baxter”
    Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 6:35 PM

    each Laptop should Take 1 and a half hours to complete provided there are no hardware issues. so $300.00 would be the total cost @ $25.00 per hour.
    you can contact me by phone at xxx-xxx-xxx ask for Doug. thank you.

    On Tue, Sep 29, 2009 at 11:53 AM, wrote:

    Hello ,
    Thanks for the email,well,I am highly impressed
    in your services,I have some Hp PCs(Intel Pentium IV)
    since we currently have a major breakdown on most of our
    systems and I thought it was best to have a
    general upgrade and maintenance.(I will be providing the software
    needed).Below are the things needed to be done one on each
    laptops:

    1 Format Hard Drive
    2 Install Win Xp with Service Pack 2
    3 AVG Virus Software (Free Lifetime Updates)
    4 Adobe Acrobat

    I will like you to know that my mode of payment is by
    US certified check mailed and address to you from my employer company since I am presently on a business
    workshop in Brazil and i want you to know that i will handle the shipment myself since i have a shipper from the
    state here that will bring the laptops to your place,and will come pick them up as soon as you are done with them.

    I should have make this a phone order but i have a network problem of where i am and my shipper will be
    coming with the necessary Software for the installations of the Computers with both the Service Pack 2 and the Anti-virus
    for each computers .
    However,get back to me with your last asking price for the 8 laptops. I await your urgent response so that i can put the arrangement in order.

    Thanks and let me know if you get this email..

    Courtney

    — On Tue, 9/29/09,

    Subject: Re: COMPUTER REPAIR
    To: “Courtney Baxter”
    Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 4:45 PM

    what seems to be the problem with them?

    HELLO, I WILL LIKE YOU TO REPLY ME BACK IF YOU CAN SERVICE MY 8 LAPTOPS, IF SO GET BACK TO ME So I CAN GIVE YOU DETAILS ON WHAT YOU WILL HAVE TO DO .
    BEST REGARDS
    COURTNEY

  21. norm

    Wow,
    I got the same type of email today after using cra igs list. It’s a definite bummer since I’m unemployed and broke. I could have really used the money…but I’m glad I didn’t put the effort out and waste my time.

    Anyway, this is the email I received.
    ————————————————-
    I await your urgent response
    …
    Wed, January 27, 2010 3:17:14 PM
    From:
    Abbey Collins
    …
    To: Norm

    I got 7 pentium IV dell laptops . Below are the things needed to be done one on each laptops.
    1 Format Hard Drive
    2 Install Win Xp with Service Pack 2
    3 Microsoft Office Package
    4 AVG Virus Software (Free Lifetime Updates)
    5 Adobe Acrobat
    6 Laptop Cleaning of the keyboard, screen and other case.
    7 Diagnostics of the entire system after to check hard, cdrom, floppy, etc.

    Get back to me with your total cost for the services of 7 units.
    I await your urgent response.
    ————————————————-
    Pretty much word for word that I’ve been seeing on many sites. What a bunch of jerks.

  22. Xenon

    I posted an ad offering tutoring in mathematics. I got an E-mail back that looked a lot like these, and was about to respond but quickly went to Google… And found this entry. Pretty useful.

    Here’s mine:

    xxx

    Hello,I am FRANK ONEIL,My son is coming for an holiday in your area,His name is Kelvin,14 years.I want him to be busy in the day.I have decided to let him attend your lesson for 1 hours in a day in the morning or time that you will be chance.i want you to calculate the cost of 1 hours each day for Mon, Wed & Fri for the whole 1 Month and send me the total cost,i will be paying you with Certified check,so get back to me with your cost.I have someone(Nanny) that will always drive him down to your house or lesson venue.Kindly get back to me with.

    1.YOUR CHARGE FOR 1 HOUR.
    2.TOTAL CHARGES FOR 1 MONTH THAT HE WILL BE TAUGHT
    3 TIMES PER WEEK.3.
    4.FULL NAME AND ADDRESS WITH ZIPCODE.
    5.YOUR PHONE NUMBER.
    Don’t hesitate to e-mail with your total charges.Thanks and looking to hearing from you soon.With Best Regards.

    FRANK ONEIL

    xxx

    Does anyone know what one’s motives would be behind spamming a math tutor? It kind of blows my mind a little.

  23. Jessica

    Here is another one 🙂
    Good Day,

    I got6 pentium IV dell laptops and am in Utah. Below are the things needed to be done one on each laptops.

    1 Format Hard Drive
    2 Instal Win Xp with Service Pack 2
    3 Microsoft Office Package
    4 AVG Virus Software (Free Lifetime Updates)
    5 Adobe Acrobat
    6 Laptop Cleaning of the keyboard, screen and other case.
    7 Diagnostics of the entire system after to check hard,
    cdrom, floppy, etc.Get back to me with your total cost for the services of 6 units. I will pay you with a certified check.I await your urgent response so that i can make Moving arrangements and payment as soon as possible.

    Ty

    Then he reply’s to my question back like an idiot!

    Thanks for the reply.I have all the necessary softwares needed for the service installations…Let me know the final asking price of my jobs.. I will instruct my secretary to prepare a check for you on your name and address . Do send me details below so as to prepare the check and shipping of the laptops to your address.

    Full Name:
    Address:
    City:
    State:
    Zipcode:
    Cell phone #:

    Once the check has been deliver to you,deduct your actual price and send the remaining balance to my shipper. i have a reliable shipper that will send and pickup the laptops when you are done with it.Let me know if you are confortable with it .I shall be looking forward to hear from you,so we can have the payment mail out asap.

  24. Joseph McCullough

    Another one!

    Hello,
    How you doing?
    My name is Kesh Moniee, I read your description and am interested in your services, we just brought some computers and they are are laptops Pentium 4 dell computer …..I want you to Install software such as Microsoft Office and Antivirus, clean inner & outer computer components, update software to current status, get back to me with you total cost for the services of eight computer excluding the shipping cost cus i have a shipper that will come with the computers and the necessary Softwares to you. To make the payment faster i I’ll be sending you a Check for payment which i’ll like you to deduct your fees for the 8 Computers and help me send the rest balance to my the shipper that will move the Computer from school to your place for your Service because i will be going on a visit to Texas for a meeting . I will keep you posted of when you are likely to receive the payment. If this is okay with you let me have the follow information so that i can send the payment to you before you start woking on it:

    HOW MANY DAY WIL TAKE YOU TO FINISH IT……..

    THE TOTAL COST OF THE 8 LAPTOP…

    YOUR FULL NAME….
    ADDRESS….
    CITY….
    STATE….
    ZIPCODE…
    PHONE NUMBER….
    I await your urgent response so that i can put the arrangement in order.
    PH +44 7135188796 or
    Email:(kesh.moniee@hotmail.com)
    Regards.

    Kesh Moniee.

  25. Austen Shwiyhat

    Hello, i got your email via craigslist, can you repair computers in volumes?

    … After I replied, this is what I got back…

    Hello,
    I got 6 intel atom laptops . Below are the things needed to be done one on each laptops.
    1 Format Hard Drive
    2 Install Win Xp with Service Pack 2
    3 Microsoft Office Package
    4 AVG Virus Software (Free Lifetime Updates)
    5 Adobe Acrobat
    6 Laptop Cleaning of the keyboard, screen and other case.
    7 Diagnostics of the entire system after to check hard, cd-roms, etc. Get back to me with your total cost for the services of 6 Laptops. I will pay you with a certified check.
    I await your urgent response so that i can make moving arrangements and payment as soon as possible…. All neccessary softwares to be used will be provided by me.
    Thanks

  26. C. Wade Thiessen

    “Hi,

    I read your descriptions and am highly interested in your services.
    My name is powell Sandra .. I’m an American but presently working in
    united kingdom… I will be importing some computer(s) into the states
    soon. They are laptops Pentium 3 dell(10 pcs) & hp Computers(10 pcs)
    … I need a competent tech to help me Install some certain software
    and clean inner & outer computer components, and update software’s to
    current status.

    More Info….
    – They are about 20computers( 10;10). I will want you to Install the listed
    software below and just do dusting for all the Laptops .
    – anti virus
    – Microsoft excel
    – power point
    – adobe pacemaker
    – Microsoft office
    – coral draw and
    -dvd player

    I have a shipping company that will ship them to and from your
    Location . So no worries about that . I will be providing the
    software to be installed .Installation of software; anti
    virus,Microsoft excel,power point,adobe pacemaker,Microsoft
    office,coral draw and DVD player. These are the software I will
    provide and will provide each drivers/license keys for this software.
    Get back to me with a price for 20 computers . I will like you to know
    this wont be an end to our transaction as I will be able to introduce
    you to more of my friends as well in this field, all depending on
    charges as we recently lost our engineer for as regards.
    I might have some more work for you in the near future. Let me know.
    Let me know if you’ll accept money order or check as mode of payment.
    I await your urgent response so that I can put arrangements in order.

    Thanks”

    OMG I nearly fell over when I read install Adobe Pacemaker lol

  28. Tunde

    Hello
          I have all the necessary software needed for the service installations of the Laptops, there is no any Hardware problem and  they are working fine  but need those upgrade…Let me know the final asking price of my jobs.. I will instruct my secretary to prepare the Payment ( Cashiers Check) which will include your own money and the shipping cost of the laptops to you back and forth.All you have to do is to get the payment and  deduct the money for your Service from the check  and  the rest will be sent to the shipper as soon as  you have the cash available so that they will be able to bring down the laptops to you and will later come for the pickup after you are through with it.i will like you to get back to me with the followings…..
    Full Name:
    Physical Address:
    City:
    State:
    Zipcode:
    Cell phone
    I’ll look forward to hearing from you to assure me you can handle this with all perfection

  29. Ang

    From:
    Tony Dozier
    View Contact
    To:
    Hello
    Thanks for responding to the AD and I’m Tony Dozier, The new director of works at Action Aid International, we have gone through your resume and feel your are competent for the job so we need to know if you are capable of repairing computers in large volumes (6-10 computers for trials), the organisation distributed few computers to a missionary home in Lima, Peru, and there objectives was to hold a free computer training section for the kids at the Mission Home, we got information that the computers all malfunctioned and They are shipping the computers back to us, we need to fix them and have it returned in time, are you available for this job? we need your urgent response to this ad.
    The Director of Works.
    Mr Tony Dozier
    Action Aid International.

    ———————–

    Hello,
    Thanks for the swift response, Here are some few details you need for the job, We supplied 30 Pentium IV dell laptops to the mission training home, after some couple of months we got an information that 7 of the systems malfunctioned and results into crashing, first we made enquiries about how they all malfunctioned and we found out that Below are the things needed to be done on the laptops;
    (1.) Format Hard Drive
    (2.) Install Win Xp or Vista with Service Pack 2 or 3
    (3.) Microsoft Office Package
    (4.) Recent Anti Virus Software with (Free Lifetime Updates)
    (5.) Adobe Acrobat
    (6.) Diagnostics of the entire system after to check hard drive, CD & DVD ROM, floppy Disk.
    Get back to me with your total cost for the services of 7 units ( Labour Only). We would Include all the necessary software’s and licenses (Original) needed for the service installations and would be paying you with a Certified Company Check, and i want you to know that the Laptops will all be shipped to your location by our shipping agents, we will give you a totality of one week to finish up with the repairs after which it will also be picked up by the shippers. This is a Contract Job which might lead to a full time position with the company after you have successfully completed the first task within the specified time. Kindly send me the following information’s to have the Check mailed out to you;
    Full Name:
    Physical Address:
    City:
    State:
    Zip code:
    Cell phone #:
    My cell phone is unavailable at the moment because I am in the process of switching plans, It will be a day or two, So i can give you a call. I await your urgent response so we can make moving arrangements and delivery of payment as soon as possible.

    The Director of Works.
    Mr Tony Dozier
    Action Aid International.

    This is the second reply I got.
    Still looked genuine until this point. I guess I noticed a few things like their new/fake domain name that did not match that of ActionAid which is a real organisation. Also after googling it the company spells their name “ActionAid” and not “Action Aid”. This could have been nothing but didn’t feel like it so I sent the following reply.

    To: Tony Dozier
    Hello,
    The price on each laptop would be $180.00, I would need the service tag on each computer before I will do any work on them ( this is to verify that they are legitimate systems as well as pulling all software specific updates on each system from Dell, HP, etc)

    So, 7 computers would be $1440.00

    This is what I would need from you before any transaction could occur:

    1.Laptop Type ( Dell ##-### ), Serial Number, Service Tag Number.
    2. All Software titles to be installed as well as all serial / CD Key information ( as I create Ghost-based CD’s with all information for each system ).
    3.Exact problem(s) with each system ( as a note with type, serial number and service tag information.
    4. What company you are affiliated with – as well as company contacts for verification.

    I do not accept checks, only electronic payment via PayPal – I can send you an e-mail to make your payment.

    Thank You –

    I even deliberately quoted an incorrect final figure to see whether they would notice it. Now waiting to see if they will reply…

  30. Paul

    I’ve received another one (almost the same)….

    I will like to know if you can get this work done for me, I have 7
    Pentium M HP laptops,Below is a list of work needed to be done on each
    Pc.
    1.Format Hard Drive
    2.Install Win Xp with Service Pack 3
    3.Install Microsoft Office Package
    4.AVG Virus Software
    5.Adobe Acrobat Reader
    Get back to me with your total cost for the service
    I await your urgent response
    Daniel James

  31. Paul

    The guy was from WV (West Virginia)…sender was from Indiana….and the rest of the money i should send to Pennsylvania?!? Weird,no?!?

  32. db

    Hello,
    Thanks for the swift response, Here are some few details you need for the
    job, We supplied 30 Pentium IV dell laptops to the mission training home,
    after some couple of months we got an information that 7 of the systems
    malfunctioned and results into crashing, first we made enquiries about how
    they all malfunctioned and we found out that Below are the things needed to
    be done on the laptops;

    (1.) Format Hard Drive
    (2.) Install Win Xp or Vista with Service Pack 2 or 3
    (3.) Microsoft Office Package
    (4.) Recent Anti Virus Software with (Free Lifetime Updates)
    (5.) Adobe Acrobat
    (6.) Diagnostics of the entire system after to check hard drive, CD & DVD
    ROM, floppy Disk.

    Get back to me with your total cost for the services of 7 units ( Labour
    Only). We would Include all the necessary software’s and licenses (Original)
    needed for the service installations and would be paying you with a
    certified Company Check, and i want you to know that the Laptops will all be
    shipped to your location by our shipping agents, we will give you a totality
    of one week to finish up with the repairs after which it will also be picked
    up by the shippers. This is a Contract Job which might lead to a full time
    position with the company after you have successfully completed the first
    task within the specified time. Kindly send me the following information’s
    to have the Check mailed out to you;

    Full Name:
    Physical Address:
    City:
    State:
    Zip code:
    Cell phone #:

    I am currently in Remote area in Lima and the phone service is very
    poor here, I’m online most of the time as I am hard of hearing so I prefer
    we contact each other through E-mails, but if there is need for me to call,
    I will be glad to do that by using a hearing device. I await your urgent
    response so we can make moving arrangements and delivery of payment as soon
    as possible.
    The Director of Works.
    Tony Dozier
    Action Aid International.

  33. Steve

    Oh my. Scammers are everywhere these days. I get frequent emails informing me that I won this and that. How is that possible when I haven;t joined any contest, or anything resembling it? I keep on ignoring these messages, but they just do;t stop! 🙁

  34. Bob Diamond

    Any updates on how it went? I’m interested to know how the whole thing ended, if only for the entertainment value.

    The old adage still holds true: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t.”

    Bob

  35. Sarah

    Great information!! Thank you so much for the post. The comments above are also very helpful!! Thanks to everyone!

  36. Andrew @ squeeze pages

    I also received below email from one of my ads yesterday. I’m surprised that they’re still using the same email template after 2 years. I think the best way to fight this scam emails is to ignore them…

    Hello,
    We are in need of a computer Engineer ,We have read your description and interested in your service,we have about 20 peices of laptops that we want to install softwares on and clean them up.We are sending the computers over and they are laptops Hp centrino(intel) computer ..All you have to do cleaning, installation of internet explorer and Antivirus protection and update of softwares to current status.We will like to know if you will be able handle this job.so please get back to us with you total cost for these services of 20 computer excluding the shipping cost cus we have a shipper that will come with the computers and the necessary Softwares to you..I am from Lewisville so delivery to you would be easy We await your urgent response so that we can put the arrangement in order.

    Thanks

  37. Dave

    This is why I no longer use Craigslist. It used to be a venue to bypass shady products and services. It’s now so mainstream that there’s no difference.

  38. Roger

    I enjoyed reading through these bogus messages… luckily, we are able to discern. I pity those that fall prey…

  39. Amy Windsor

    It’s incredible to me what people will do to others for their own benefit. I also am always receiving automated phone calls telling me I’m a winner or a top customer to something I’ve never heard of. I’ve also fallen pray to E-bay scams too.

    I agree with Bod Diamond; “if it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t!”

  40. Stacy

    I never use Craigslist anymore either, it’s just not worth the hassle. It’s great to know about the current scams out there. Thanks.

  41. Sam

    Oh the things people come up with. It’s always interesting to learn the new and improved “modern scams.” Thanks for all the updates people. =)

  42. Terry

    Their latest attempts:
    Date: Mon, 3 Oct 2011 20:32:41 +0100
    Subject: Re: I NEEDED COMPUTER REPAIRER
    From: debbiecomputer03@gmail.com
    To:

    Greetings,Thanks for you quick response,I have some Hp PCs(Intel Pentium M) since we currently have a major breakdown on most of our systems and I thought it was best to have a general upgrade and maintenance.(I will be providing the software needed).Below are the things needed to be done one on each laptops:

    1 Format Hard Drive
    2 Install Win Xp with Service Pack 2
    3 Microsoft Office Package
    4 AVG Virus Software (Free Lifetime Updates)
    5 Adobe Acrobat
    6 Laptop Cleaning of the keyboard, screen and other case.
    7 Diagnostics of the entire system after to check hard, CD Rom, floppy,
    etc.

  44. Karen R. Nadeau

    JACK GILBERT to richsim, bcc: me
    show details Oct 16 (9 days ago)
    Hello,
    I read about that you can repair computers, i will like to know how much it will cost you to fix my laptop computers i have about 7 Pentium IV HP laptops. Below are the things needed to be done one on each laptops.

    1 Format Hard Drive
    2 Install Win Xp with Service Pack 3
    3 AVG Virus Software (Free Lifetime Updates)
    4 Micro media Flash player
    5 Microsoft Office Package
    6 Laptop Cleaning of the keyboard, screen and other case.
    7 Diagnostics of the entire system after to check hard, cdsrom,
    floppy, etc.

    Please NOTE I have all the licence Software
    Get back to me with your total cost for the services of 7 Laptops.

    Thanks
    Jack
    ——————————-

    from
    JACK GILBERT kmresumesinc@gmail.com
    to
    karenrnadeau@gmail.com

    date
    Mon, Oct 24, 2011 at 1:20 PM
    subject
    Urgent Response Needed
    mailed-by gmail.com
    signed-by gmail.com
    Important mainly because of the people in the conversation.
    hide details 1:20 PM (23 hours ago)

    Dear Karen Nadeau,

    Any good news yet ?

    We got an alert from fedex that the payment as been delivered.

    Have you receive the package yet via fedex?

    Have you taken the payment to your bank to cash ?

    Hope to read from you soon.

    Thanks
    Jack
    ———————-
    Dude sent me a check for $2,898.00 !!!
    Sempra Energy Trading Corp.
    58 Commerce Road
    Stamford, CT 06902

    of JPMorgan Chase Bank
    270 Park Avenue
    New York, NY 10017

    Authorized by David Jregar
    008987 02100021 323308090

    This screamed of scam… thanks !… all they got was a address and i’m moving. I would never cash a check like this. Scummers !

  45. Jamie

    Mine isn’t regarding services but a response to selling an entire library of my father-in-law’s on O’ahu, Hawaii, a former Computer Science professor. The pattern is the same so I attach below along with my original ad. Thanks for your posting. Even we skeptics like to believe that someone would “buy” for a fair asking price, so now the scammer has my personal email address. Live and learn, Jamie

    Hi,
    Thanks for the prompt response, I’m glad to hear from you and i will like to know that i found your ads on craigslist and was much more interested,i am buying the Entire Library for my son .i am located in Chelsea in MI.Also i will like to let you know that the payment will be a certified check so in view of this i will like you to email me all the necessary information needed to send the certified check to you. Regarding the shipping ,i have a personal shipper agent that takes good care of my consignments and ship them to there various destination .So my shipping agent will be at your place to do the pick up soon as the payment is received by you. The certified check will be in your name to make it easier for you to cash and as soon as you receive the certified check, i will like you to cash them then deduct the money and send the remaining balance to my shipping agent so he can contact you immediately for the pick up arrangement at your place.
    So here are the information needed for the payment to be mail out asap.
    (1) Full Name
    (2) Mailing address, no p.o.box please
    (3) your direct telephone number
    (4)Final asking price
    (5) acceptance of my offer

    Hope to hear from you immediately.
    NB:I will be paying you additional $45 to reserve the Entire Library for me.

    Regards,
    Micheal Kenvin

    Sent: Wednesday, November 2, 2011 2:22 AM
    Subject: sample attached: Entire Library for sale – $500 (Maunawili, Kailua)

    Dear Michael,

    Just home now so here’s a sample list of about 3 boxes. What other info do you need?

    Aloha, Jamie

    > To: kenvinmicheal@yahoo.com
    > Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:13:17 +0000
    > Subject: Re: Entire Library for sale – $500 (Maunawili, Kailua) Date: 2011-10-31, 8:14AM HST Reply to:
    >
    > Hi
    > I’m not sure if the sample list posted or not but if so that’s about 3 boxes worth and there are at least another 15 boxes. $500 is firm on all the books as I can just sell them separately otherwise. Thanks Jamie
    > Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
    >
    > —–Original Message—–
    > From: Micheal kenvin
    > Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:21:18
    > To:
    > Subject: Entire Library for sale – $500 (Maunawili, Kailua) Date:
    > 2011-10-31, 8:14AM HST Reply to:
    >
    > ** CRAIGSLIST ADVISORY — AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY
    > ** Avoid: wiring money, cross-border deals, work-at-home
    > ** Beware: cashier checks, money orders, escrow, shipping
    >
    > —
    > Hi
    > Do you still have it for sale and the final price?,i am kind of
    > interested but i want more details from you,Thanks
    >