Don't bite on this internet scam.

D2O · 07-22-2012, 03:29 PM

My recent Craigslist For Sale listing for a 2007 VStrom 650 (similar to the listing I posted last week in the PNW Riders Classifieds) attracted a scam artist. It's kind of interesting and a cautionary tale for anyone wanting to sell a motorcycle via the internet. Here's the story.

I replied to an email sent through Craigslist, answering a few questions asked by a prospective buyer, and received a reply offering to buy the bike using Paypal. The buyer would credit my Paypal account and I would provide an address to have the bike picked by a shipper. This is a scam that has been reported by several internet users. A Google search turns up several variations of it.

For anyone interested, here's a copy of the scam email text.

"Thanks for the mail, I'm interested in buying this item for my son and
I'm okay with the price, I'm a Subsea Engineer and currently offshore
I want this as a surprise gift for my son so I won't let him to be
aware until delivery. I feel more comfortable to handle the payment
through PayPal due to their various security measures and ensuring
safety and secured transaction between both buyers and seller and
kindly reply me with your paypal email address for me to processed
with the payment, incase you do not have an account with paypal you
can easily set-up an account with them today as it's secured and
reliable in terms of transaction arrangement. Visit their website on
www.paypal.com I will be responsible for the paypal charges. My movers
would come around for the pick up as soon as possible, after the
payment has been sent to you and your full address and phone number
will be needed for the freight arrangement I would love to speak with
you through the phone but due to the nature of my work as a Subsea
Engineer i work mainly at the Sea of Okhotsk and our phone is down on
the rig right now due to bad weather, We can still communicate through
the email exchange for now.

I will be looking forward to read from you in real soon with the
paypal email address and your full address including phone number for
the freight arrangement."

Note the weird story, odd phrasing, non-local buyer and offer to use Paypal this way should raise red flag warnings for a prospective seller.

xrdotimcr · 07-22-2012, 03:43 PM

Cool story, Bro.

courier11sec · 07-22-2012, 03:44 PM

So did the paypal payment go through?

Veloc · 07-22-2012, 03:54 PM

Seems legit.

Tromatic · 07-22-2012, 04:01 PM

Hope his friends don't dead you.

Stringcheese · 07-22-2012, 04:25 PM

Had the same thing when trying to sell my car. Local buyers only. Cash in my hand or I'll meet you at your bank. Nothing else. I noticed too that scammers always say "I'd like to buy this item" not your Vstrom or your Camry. Not specific = delete.

Phlebmaster · 07-22-2012, 04:38 PM

Subject: PART-TIME JOB OPPORTUNITY

Dear Sir,Madam,

We are small new firm engaged in export of goods to overseas outside my country.We have won various small exports contract at one time or the other, recently we were (engaged) contracted to supply financial programs for market analyzing, management project software in USA which was successfully done.

Unfortunately we have faced some difficulties while receiving payment for our software in our country as need 10-30 days to get a payment from your country. We do not have so much time to accept wire transfers and can't accept cashiers checks and money orders as well. So we need your help to accept this payments in your country faster. If you are looking to make additional profit we will accept you as our representative in your country. You will keep 10% of each deal we conduct.

Your part is very important to accept funds and forward it to us. It is not a full time work but a very convenient and fast additional income. We therefore solicit your assistance to help remit this money , I would want you to submit to us via mail to [Address removed] the following information which includes
1 Your Full Name
2 Your Contact Address
3 Telephone number/Fax
4.Yahoo or MSN ID.
Your country of living

Please respond ASAP and you will get additional details on how you can become our representative. Joining us and starting business today will cost you nothing, just some extra income for you.

Thanks for your vivid co-operation.

Manager,
SMITH BAMI
Director of ENFOSOFT Marketing Dept.

koorbloh · 07-22-2012, 05:06 PM

wow.

we haven't had a "beware of the innernets" thread in what...like 5 minutes?

Phlebmaster · 07-22-2012, 05:28 PM

I like this one....

Subj: VIRUS ALERT Status: PUBLIC MESSAGE

Warning: There's a new virus on the loose that's worse than anything I've seen before! It gets in through the power line, riding on the powerline 60 Hz subcarrier. It works by changing the serial port pinouts, and by reversing the direction one's disks spin. Over 300,000 systems have been hit by it here in Murphy, West Dakota, alone! And that's just in the last 12 minutes.

It attacks DOS, Unix, TOPS-20, Apple-II, VMS, MVS, Multics, Mac, RSX-11, ITS, TRS-80, and VHS systems.

To prevent the spread of the worm:

1) Don't use the powerline.
2) Don't use batteries either, since there are rumours that this virus has invaded most major battery plants, and is infecting the positive poles of the batteries. (You might try hooking up just the negative pole.)

3) Don't upload or delete or download files.

4) Don't store files on floppy disks or hard disks.

5) Don't read messages. No, not even this one!

6) Don't use serial ports, toasters, modems, or phone lines.

7) Don't use keyboards, screens, electric toothbrushes, or printers.

Don't use switches, CPUs, memories, microprocessors, or mainframes.

9) Don't use electric lights, electric or gas heat, or airconditioning, running water, vibrators, writing, fire, clothing, or the wheel.

I'm sure if we are all careful to follow these 9 easy steps, this virus can be eradicated, and the precious electronic fluids of our computers can be kept pure.

karnagebusa · 07-22-2012, 05:39 PM

I get all kinds of scammers.Checks,payments,lotteries,millions of dollars etc.That paypal site looks different than what I was on today to make a payment on.

NoMornings · 07-22-2012, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by Phlebmaster

I like this one....

Subj: VIRUS ALERT Status: PUBLIC MESSAGE

It attacks DOS, Unix, TOPS-20, Apple-II, VMS, MVS, Multics, Mac, RSX-11, ITS, TRS-80, and VHS systems.

No worries - I'll just use my Amiga. Or maybe the ATARI 800.

That'll show them!

Rock Dodger · 07-22-2012, 06:59 PM

Scams are a dime a dozen. Unless they are on sale, then like a dime a truck load. =)

I guess some people just can't succeed at making an honest dollar.

RedKat600 · 07-22-2012, 08:27 PM

And you wonder why Craigslist has Don't use Paypal warnings plastered all over the website....that's not a big enough clue for you?

Fast Eddie 919 · 07-22-2012, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by xrdotimcr

Cool story, Bro.

Tell it again.

Jeffytune · 07-22-2012, 11:06 PM

I like the "Our phone is down due to storms" line, but look, the internet works just fine.

I guess this "engineer" has never heard of Skype.

RobG · 07-23-2012, 08:15 AM

Any time I get a reply asking about my "item" I know it's a scam.

Rob

xrdotimcr · 07-23-2012, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie 919

Tell it again.

Be careful, you might get an infraction for comments like that.

Wrench · 07-28-2012, 06:26 AM

If they insist on PayPal, use this:

https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/credit-card-reader

I just got mine and love it.

TeeDub21 · 07-28-2012, 07:21 AM

What baffles me anymore isn't the scams but the fact that some people must fall victim to it. As Rob said, referring to what you're selling as the "item" is a big red flag, along with the broken english.

I just can't believe people are this stupid, but they must be otherwise these scams wouldn't be going on.

I tend to weed out the bull with my craigslist ads by not using an email. I only put my phone number in the ad. Too many scams and people that just want to be your pen pal and email back and forth. With just a phone number the guy/gal that is serious about purchasing what you're selling will pick up the phone and call you.

cbebarker · 05-03-2013, 08:58 AM

It appears someone going by the name 'Charles McEntire' is pulling the same scam here. See the message below...

Hello,
Thanks for the mail, I'm interested in buying this item for my son and I'm okay with the price, I'm a Subsea Engineer and currently offshore I want this as a surprise gift for my son so I won't let him to be aware until delivery. I feel more comfortable to handle the payment through PayPal due to their various security measures and ensuring safety and secured transaction between both buyers and seller and kindly reply me with your paypal email address for me to processed with the payment, incase you do not have an account with paypal you can easily set-up an account with them today as it's secured and reliable in terms of transaction arrangement. Visit their website on www.paypal.com I will be responsible for the paypal charges. My movers would come around for the pick up as soon as possible, after the payment has been sent to you and your full address and phone number will be needed for the freight arrangement I would love to speak with you through the phone but due to the nature of my work as a Subsea Engineer i work mainly at the Sea of Okhotsk and our phone is down on the rig right now due to bad weather, We can still communicate through the email exchange for now.

I will be looking forward to read from you in real soon with the paypal email address and your full address including phone number for the freight arrangement.

Charles.

It's almost commical to read...


07-22-2012, 03:29 PM	#1
D2O Newbie Joined: May 2010 From: Richland, WA	Don't bite on this internet scam. My recent Craigslist For Sale listing for a 2007 VStrom 650 (similar to the listing I posted last week in the PNW Riders Classifieds) attracted a scam artist. It's kind of interesting and a cautionary tale for anyone wanting to sell a motorcycle via the internet. Here's the story. I replied to an email sent through Craigslist, answering a few questions asked by a prospective buyer, and received a reply offering to buy the bike using Paypal. The buyer would credit my Paypal account and I would provide an address to have the bike picked by a shipper. This is a scam that has been reported by several internet users. A Google search turns up several variations of it. For anyone interested, here's a copy of the scam email text. "Thanks for the mail, I'm interested in buying this item for my son and I'm okay with the price, I'm a Subsea Engineer and currently offshore I want this as a surprise gift for my son so I won't let him to be aware until delivery. I feel more comfortable to handle the payment through PayPal due to their various security measures and ensuring safety and secured transaction between both buyers and seller and kindly reply me with your paypal email address for me to processed with the payment, incase you do not have an account with paypal you can easily set-up an account with them today as it's secured and reliable in terms of transaction arrangement. Visit their website on www.paypal.com I will be responsible for the paypal charges. My movers would come around for the pick up as soon as possible, after the payment has been sent to you and your full address and phone number will be needed for the freight arrangement I would love to speak with you through the phone but due to the nature of my work as a Subsea Engineer i work mainly at the Sea of Okhotsk and our phone is down on the rig right now due to bad weather, We can still communicate through the email exchange for now. I will be looking forward to read from you in real soon with the paypal email address and your full address including phone number for the freight arrangement." Note the weird story, odd phrasing, non-local buyer and offer to use Paypal this way should raise red flag warnings for a prospective seller. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by D2O; 07-22-2012 at 03:33 PM..


07-22-2012, 03:43 PM	#2
xrdotimcr Peg Dragger Joined: Dec 2007 From: Santee, CA I Ride: a motorbike or two.	Cool story, Bro. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-22-2012, 03:44 PM	#3
courier11sec Moto2 Contender Joined: Sep 2008 From: where they don't have lawns. I Ride: Red bike, Brown truck, various collections of junk held together poorly.	So did the paypal payment go through? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-22-2012, 03:54 PM	#4
Veloc Peg Dragger Joined: Aug 2011 From: Tanasbourne, OR I Ride: 2008 R6, 2007 S2R 1000	Seems legit. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-22-2012, 04:01 PM	#5
Tromatic Knee Dragger Joined: Apr 2011 From: Portland I Ride: Yamaha Warrior	Hope his friends don't dead you. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-22-2012, 04:25 PM	#6
Stringcheese Race Qualifier Joined: May 2008 From: Clarkinsas, WA I Ride: Whatever's next	Had the same thing when trying to sell my car. Local buyers only. Cash in my hand or I'll meet you at your bank. Nothing else. I noticed too that scammers always say "I'd like to buy this item" not your Vstrom or your Camry. Not specific = delete. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-22-2012, 04:38 PM	#7
Phlebmaster Chicken Strips Joined: Jan 2012 From: Oregon City I Ride: 1984 Porsche 944- 1987 VFR750 Traded- 1985 VF500f Interceptor traded- 1976 KZ400 traded	Subject: PART-TIME JOB OPPORTUNITY Dear Sir,Madam, We are small new firm engaged in export of goods to overseas outside my country.We have won various small exports contract at one time or the other, recently we were (engaged) contracted to supply financial programs for market analyzing, management project software in USA which was successfully done. Unfortunately we have faced some difficulties while receiving payment for our software in our country as need 10-30 days to get a payment from your country. We do not have so much time to accept wire transfers and can't accept cashiers checks and money orders as well. So we need your help to accept this payments in your country faster. If you are looking to make additional profit we will accept you as our representative in your country. You will keep 10% of each deal we conduct. Your part is very important to accept funds and forward it to us. It is not a full time work but a very convenient and fast additional income. We therefore solicit your assistance to help remit this money , I would want you to submit to us via mail to [Address removed] the following information which includes 1 Your Full Name 2 Your Contact Address 3 Telephone number/Fax 4.Yahoo or MSN ID. Your country of living Please respond ASAP and you will get additional details on how you can become our representative. Joining us and starting business today will cost you nothing, just some extra income for you. Thanks for your vivid co-operation. Manager, SMITH BAMI Director of ENFOSOFT Marketing Dept. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-22-2012, 05:06 PM	#8
koorbloh Je Fa Fa Joined: Mar 2007 From: Monroe-mish, WA Blog Entries: 5 I Ride: 07 YZ450F, 74 XL350, 78 CB400	wow. we haven't had a "beware of the innernets" thread in what...like 5 minutes? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-22-2012, 05:28 PM	#9
Phlebmaster Chicken Strips Joined: Jan 2012 From: Oregon City I Ride: 1984 Porsche 944- 1987 VFR750 Traded- 1985 VF500f Interceptor traded- 1976 KZ400 traded	I like this one.... Subj: VIRUS ALERT Status: PUBLIC MESSAGE Warning: There's a new virus on the loose that's worse than anything I've seen before! It gets in through the power line, riding on the powerline 60 Hz subcarrier. It works by changing the serial port pinouts, and by reversing the direction one's disks spin. Over 300,000 systems have been hit by it here in Murphy, West Dakota, alone! And that's just in the last 12 minutes. It attacks DOS, Unix, TOPS-20, Apple-II, VMS, MVS, Multics, Mac, RSX-11, ITS, TRS-80, and VHS systems. To prevent the spread of the worm: 1) Don't use the powerline. 2) Don't use batteries either, since there are rumours that this virus has invaded most major battery plants, and is infecting the positive poles of the batteries. (You might try hooking up just the negative pole.) 3) Don't upload or delete or download files. 4) Don't store files on floppy disks or hard disks. 5) Don't read messages. No, not even this one! 6) Don't use serial ports, toasters, modems, or phone lines. 7) Don't use keyboards, screens, electric toothbrushes, or printers. Don't use switches, CPUs, memories, microprocessors, or mainframes. 9) Don't use electric lights, electric or gas heat, or airconditioning, running water, vibrators, writing, fire, clothing, or the wheel. I'm sure if we are all careful to follow these 9 easy steps, this virus can be eradicated, and the precious electronic fluids of our computers can be kept pure. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-22-2012, 05:39 PM	#10
karnagebusa Licensed Joined: Jul 2011 From: Tumwater WA> I Ride: Busa, YZ250,RM250.YZ250F	I get all kinds of scammers.Checks,payments,lotteries,millions of dollars etc.That paypal site looks different than what I was on today to make a payment on. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-22-2012, 06:59 PM	#12
Rock Dodger Pit Crew Joined: Jul 2012 From: Klickitat, WA I Ride: SV650 K6	Scams are a dime a dozen. Unless they are on sale, then like a dime a truck load. =) I guess some people just can't succeed at making an honest dollar. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-22-2012, 08:27 PM	#13
RedKat600 Joined: May 2011 From: LaCenter, WA I Ride: 2003 Copper SV1K	And you wonder why Craigslist has Don't use Paypal warnings plastered all over the website....that's not a big enough clue for you? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-22-2012, 11:06 PM	#15
Jeffytune Shredder Joined: Jul 2009 From: Beaverton I Ride: Harley FLHT	I like the "Our phone is down due to storms" line, but look, the internet works just fine. I guess this "engineer" has never heard of Skype. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-23-2012, 08:15 AM	#16
RobG Endorsed Joined: Jul 2010 From: Salem I Ride: '01 Yamaha FZ1, '10 Kawi KLX250S, '96 Suzuki DR650	Any time I get a reply asking about my "item" I know it's a scam. Rob __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-28-2012, 06:26 AM	#18
Wrench Railer Joined: Feb 2005 From: West Richland I Ride: Pitster Motard	If they insist on PayPal, use this: https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/credit-card-reader I just got mine and love it. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-28-2012, 07:21 AM	#19
TeeDub21 Licensed Joined: Aug 2011 From: Vancouver, WA I Ride: 2007 Toyota Tundra 4X4	What baffles me anymore isn't the scams but the fact that some people must fall victim to it. As Rob said, referring to what you're selling as the "item" is a big red flag, along with the broken english. I just can't believe people are this stupid, but they must be otherwise these scams wouldn't be going on. I tend to weed out the bull with my craigslist ads by not using an email. I only put my phone number in the ad. Too many scams and people that just want to be your pen pal and email back and forth. With just a phone number the guy/gal that is serious about purchasing what you're selling will pick up the phone and call you. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-03-2013, 08:58 AM	#20
cbebarker Newbie Joined: May 2013 From: Cincinnati, OH	Re: 2005 Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic (Mileage: 6991) - $5250 (Franklin, OH) It appears someone going by the name 'Charles McEntire' is pulling the same scam here. See the message below... Hello, Thanks for the mail, I'm interested in buying this item for my son and I'm okay with the price, I'm a Subsea Engineer and currently offshore I want this as a surprise gift for my son so I won't let him to be aware until delivery. I feel more comfortable to handle the payment through PayPal due to their various security measures and ensuring safety and secured transaction between both buyers and seller and kindly reply me with your paypal email address for me to processed with the payment, incase you do not have an account with paypal you can easily set-up an account with them today as it's secured and reliable in terms of transaction arrangement. Visit their website on www.paypal.com I will be responsible for the paypal charges. My movers would come around for the pick up as soon as possible, after the payment has been sent to you and your full address and phone number will be needed for the freight arrangement I would love to speak with you through the phone but due to the nature of my work as a Subsea Engineer i work mainly at the Sea of Okhotsk and our phone is down on the rig right now due to bad weather, We can still communicate through the email exchange for now. I will be looking forward to read from you in real soon with the paypal email address and your full address including phone number for the freight arrangement. Charles. It's almost commical to read... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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