scams - check them out and watch out

[couch]

Folks, if you're going to deal with sellers in a different geographical location, please familiarize yourself with the scams that are out there.

Here is a quick summary of some of the major scams out there and the warning signs to look for:

http://vancouver.craigslist.org/about/scams.html

counterfeit cashier's check & money transfer scams

1. distant buyer offers a high-value (but fake) cashier's check in exchange for your item

-you receive an odd email (actual examples sent to craigslist sellers below) offering to buy your item site unseen.
-cashier's check is offered for your sale item, as a deposit for an apartment, or just about anything else.
-value of cashier's check often far exceeds your item - buyer asks you to wire the balance via money transfer service
-banks will often cash these fake checks AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE CHECK FAILS TO CLEAR
-scam often involves a 3rd party (shipping agent, business associate owing buyer money, etc)

2. distant seller requests payment via Western Union or MoneyGram:

-seller often claims that an MTCN or confirmation code is needed before he can withdraw your money - this is FALSE, once you've wired money, it is GONE.
-common items currently: laptops, plasma TVs, cell phones, tickets - but could be almost anything
-common countries currently include: Nigeria, Romania, Ukraine, Spain, UK, Italy, Netherlands - but could be anywhere
deal often seems too good to be true

3. distant seller offers to send you a cashier's check and then have you wire money:

-this is ALWAYS a scam, in our experience - the cashier's check is FAKE
-sometimes accompanies an offer of merchandise, sometimes not
-scammer often asks for your name, address, etc for printing on the fake check
-deal often seems too good to be true

4. distant seller suggests use of an online escrow service.

-most online escrow sites are FRAUDULENT, operated by scammers
-for more info, do a google search on "fake escrow" or "escrow fraud"
-if you must do business with a distant seller, insist on a legitimate service, such as www.escrow.com

5. distant seller asks for a partial payment upfront, after which he will ship goods

-he says he trusts you with the partial payment
-he may say he has already shipped the goods
-deal often sounds too good to be true

[sanrensho]

Hey, that was my post you copied!

I'm kidding. I'm very happy to see a sticky on this subject. It seems like we discuss this issue almost every week.

[rrt]

I recieved this obvious scam for some sliders I was trying to sell.

Hello,
Thanks a lot for your mail. Presently am in Liverpool London Aspa shipping i have made arrangements with a shipping company thats Pacific Ocean Airliners ,they will be on ground to do the pick up at any location of your choice but I will have to inform you before the pick up will be done. As regards payment, this is what I am going to do, I
have a client in the US who is owing me $3,000 I would instruct him to make out a Cashier check to you in that amount and as soon as it clears your bank you can now deduct your money from it and send my balance by western union international tranfer. so tell the owner that you will recived a cashier check ,,, so to make anrangement for the good ,ok thanks a lot your response, I think I should be able to trust you with my balance. The reason why I am doing this is that it would take a Cahier Check sent from
over here in the London 30days to clear over there, whereas a Cashier check sent from within the US/canada would clear tops within 48hrs. I will also be using part of the balance to pay for the shipping company that will be on ground to do the pick up. So I would like you to deduct the western union charges from my balance.
So if my terms are acceptable to you, Pls get back to me as soon as you get this mail so that I can know my stand, pls also send me your information such as the name that will issued on the Bank Check and your full address,
also your contact phone number along in your responce.
Regards,
leejames_2003@yahoo.com

[couch]

Originally posted by sanrensho
Hey, that was my post you copied!

I'm kidding. I'm very happy to see a sticky on this subject. It seems like we discuss this issue almost every week.

Sorry I thought it was important and I forgot to credit you.

Couch

[TheJonser]

Thanks guys! You rock, noble motives rule. Down with the dishonest criminals.

This reminds me of an article I read about an anonymous hacker that roams the net illicitly, but only to bust users of child porn by informing the police of its useage by certain individuals.

[Troup]

The bike vandals will be banished!

[Troup]

I had a weird e-mail from a guy who wanted to buy my bike from Texas and another one from a West African guy. It looks like it's a fake offer because the name of my bike is in bold highlighted, I think that some thieves are using the same format for their letter but sending it to a whole bunch of ppl who are selling stuff on the buy'n'sell. I can't really go wrong if I cash the cheque when it comes and if it's valid and I recieve the money but what this guy from TX is talking about sounds quite complicated, I did say local offers only!

[pwrslm]

i know its hard to imagine but scammers have infiltrated ebay.

I asked seller a question about item and got a scammer response. just a warning.

Dear ludekris,

is the price in pounds or dollars? what wheel set? shipping cost to N.Vancouver Canada? v7m 1n5

Please respond to the question on eBay by clicking the button below. You'll have the option to display your response directly on the listing.






Item # Item Title Listing end date

6136282400 NEW 2004 Santa Cruz Bullit Saint Mountain Bike 14-Dec-04



----- Original Message -----
From: Secom Cycle
To: .........@telus.net
Sent: Saturday, December 04, 2004 11:47 AM
Subject: Re: Question for item #6136282400 - NEW 2004 Santa Cruz Bullit Saint Mountain Bike


Hello,

We are overstock in 2004 bike models and because the 2005 models appeard, we took the decision to sell these bikes more cheaper. THERE IS STOCK LIMIT !!!

The bike is in perfect condition, new, no problems or scratches on it. It will come in original box with all the papers, manuals and manufacture warranty documents .

The buy it now price for the bike is US$1,200.00. In this price the shipment costs to Canada are included too. DO NOT BID ON THE AUCTION, IT IS A FIXED PRICE SALE (if you have already put a bid, please retract it asap). We will start shipment in maximum 24 hours after payment is received and we will provide you the tracking number of shipment.

We will ship the bike using FedEx or UPS and in 5 work days the bike will be at your door.We will support shipment insurance. The bike will be packed professionally at our store.We will ship the bike with the option AS A GIFT and you will not pay any extra taxes.

After some complaints regarding Paypal (please visit www.paypalsucks.com) we will not accept this method anymore.

We had many problems in past with stolen identity using credit card payment and we took the decision not to use direct credit card payment.

We have 2 ways for payment: one via bank wire and is available for UK and international customers and the other one is via cash transfer. Bank wire can take few days the money to be confirmed in our bank account and that's why he have the seccond payment option which is easy and fast. It will take only few minutes the payment to be confirmed to us after you will send.

Please choose one payment method and we will give you instructions.

After payment is confirmed in our bank account, it will take maximum 24 hours your order to be processed and shipment to be started. We will give you also the tracking number for shipment to track your bike.

We will give you 3 days of inspection of the bike. In case that you will not be satisfied with it, you will return the bike to us and we will fully return your money back. We will support all the costs.

Waiting your email,

Secom Cycle Shop
address: 6 Sydney Street, London, UK, SW36PU
toll free number: 888-245-0964
website: www.secom-cycle.com
email: office@secom-cycle.com

--- ........@telus.net wrote:

From: .......@telus.net
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 11:40:59 -0800
To: lutr@earthlink.net
Subject: Question for item #6136282400 - NEW 2004 Santa Cruz Bullit Saint Mountain Bike


Hello,

thanks i also have some questions about the item. what color do you have? can i get a purple one? what about white wall tires? i would also like a bell so that i can ring at people that get in my way? can i pay with a cashiers check?

thank you
I am looking forward to doing buisness with you.

[CraigH]

I realized these are older ads, but there are duplicate ads in the NSMB classifieds with different seller names. (These old ads still turn up in searches.)

I'd suggest being very cautious dealing with anyone named "William Alexander" or "Charles Watson" or "William" or "John William". All are using Yahoo.Co.UK email addresses.

See below for copy of ads.

2003 Specialized Enduro Pro Full Suspens
XTR Dual STI Shifters & Brake Control Levers
XTR Rear Derailleur
XTR Hydraulic Disc Brakes
XT Hollow Tec Cranks
XT Front Derailleur
XT Splined Bottom Bracket
Fox Flot talas RCL Air Suspension Fork
Fox Float RL Rear Air Shock
Specialized Stout Front Disc Hub
DT Swiss Rear Disc Hub
Mavic X317 Disc Rims
Thompson Steam
Specialized Enduro 2.20 Tires
Kevlar Spin Skin Tube & Tire Liners
LP Carbon Riser Bar
Carbon Head Set Spacers
Easton Carbon Seat Post
Vetta C 500 Wireless Computer
Ritchey Ti- Clipless Pedals
E-mail: William Alexander
Ph.:
Price: $1400
Ad no#: 105481
Date: 05/20/04 3:03 pm


2003 Specialized Enduro Pro Full Suspens
COMPONENT HIGHLITES
XTR Dual STI Shifters & Brake Control Levers
XTR Rear Derailleur
XTR Hydraulic Disc Brakes
XT Hollow Tec Cranks
XT Front Derailleur
XT Splined Bottom Bracket
Fox Flot talas RCL Air Suspension Fork
Fox Float RL Rear Air Shock
Specialized Stout Front Disc Hub
DT Swiss Rear Disc Hub
Mavic X317 Disc Rims
Thompson Steam
Specialized Enduro 2.20 Tires
Kevlar Spin Skin Tube & Tire Liners
LP Carbon Riser Bar
Carbon Head Set Spacers
Easton Carbon Seat Post
Vetta C 500 Wireless Computer
Ritchey Ti- Clipless Pedals
E-mail: Charles Watson
Ph.:
Price: $1550
Ad no#: 104152
Date: 05/03/04 2:11 pm

2003 Specialized Enduro Pro Full Suspens
XTR Dual STI Shifters & Brake Control Levers
XTR Rear Derailleur
XTR Hydraulic Disc Brakes
XT Hollow Tec Cranks
XT Front Derailleur
XT Splined Bottom Bracket
Fox Flot talas RCL Air Suspension Fork
Fox Float RL Rear Air Shock
Specialized Stout Front Disc Hub
DT Swiss Rear Disc Hub
Mavic X317 Disc Rims
Thompson Steam
Specialized Enduro 2.20 Tires
Kevlar Spin Skin Tube & Tire Liners
LP Carbon Riser Bar
Carbon Head Set Spacers
Easton Carbon Seat Post
Vetta C 500 Wireless Computer
Ritchey Ti- Clipless Pedals
E-mail: William
Ph.:
Price: $1400 US
Ad no#: 107270
Date: 06/12/04 6:52 am

2003 Specialized Enduro Pro Full Suspens
COMPONENT HIGHLITES
XTR Dual STI Shifters & Brake Control Levers
XTR Rear Derailleur
XTR Hydraulic Disc Brakes
XT Hollow Tec Cranks
XT Front Derailleur
XT Splined Bottom Bracket
Fox Flot talas RCL Air Suspension Fork
Fox Float RL Rear Air Shock
Specialized Stout Front Disc Hub
DT Swiss Rear Disc Hub
Mavic X317 Disc Rims
Thompson Steam
Specialized Enduro 2.20 Tires
Kevlar Spin Skin Tube & Tire Liners
LP Carbon Riser Bar
Carbon Head Set Spacers
Easton Carbon Seat Post
Vetta C 500 Wireless Computer
Ritchey Ti- Clipless Pedals
Excellent Condition !
E-mail: John William
Ph.: 00447867921623
Price: $1600
Ad no#: 109812
Date: 07/15/04 2:29 pm

[CraigH]

If the mods are deleting his scam ads, here are a few more.

2003 Specialized Epic Marathon mountain
2003 Specialized Epic Marathon. The bike is in excellent condition.

Derailleurs shift quick and precisely, brakes are strong and quiet. The wheels are straight and well tensioned. Suspension works flawlessly. No oil or air leaks. Smooth quiet cartridge bearings at the pivots. Cogs and chainrings show hardly any wear. Paint is in great condition with only one or two minor knicks.

The Epic performs just as Specialized claims. It is a fast and extremely efficient climber with nearly four inches of plush suspension to help smooth things out while coming back down. The perfect race / performance XC / go out and have a great time trail bike. The Fox suspension is amazing. It's about as plush as suspension gets with a ton of features to help fine tune the ride. During my time with this bike I was also thoroughly impressed with how well the bike handles (it has a very low center of gravity and has a very solid feel.)

Frame: Epic FSR - Carbon Gray - Large
Fork: Fox Float 80 RLC (rebound and compression adjustment, lockout)
Rear Shock: Fox Brain R (90 mm travel, rebound adjustment, automatic lockout)
Brakes: Shimano XTR Hydraulic Discs
Front Der: Shimano XT
Rear Der: Shimano XTR
Shifters / Brake Levers: Shimano XTR Integrated
Cranks: Shimano XT Hollowtech II Splined
Wheels: Mavic 317 Disc rims, Specialized / DT Swiss hubs, DT Swiss spokes
Bars / Stem: Specialized
Cassette: Shimano XT
Seatpost: Thomson Elite
Saddle: Specialized
Pedals: Crank Brothers Egg Beaters
Grips: ODI Lock-On
Tires: Kenda Klaw XT

As you can see, there is not much left to improve on. Please e-mail me with any questions, picture requests, or shipping estimates. I will package the bike as they come to us from the factory, fork brace and all.
E-mail: John William
Ph.: 00447867921623
Price: $1700
Ad no#: 109813
Date: 07/15/04 2:32 pm

Specialized Epic FSR full suspension MT
2003 Specialized Epic FSR marathon
cross country full suspension mt. bike. This bike was purchased new and
upgraded to full XTR components(crankset,ft. der.,9spd. cassette), Answer
carbon fiber handlebar and a Thomson Elite stem. The bike weighs in at
a scant 23 lbs. The bike has only been ridden once on a trail for less
than hour and about 20 miles on the street. This bike is in mint
condition and looks brand new. The MSRP on this bike is $3470.00, the
upgraded parts that were added to it were an additional $685.00 which bring
the total price to $4155.00. Wow, that\'s alot of money for a bike but my
reserve is really low considering what a masterpiece like this would
cost at a bike store. Bike will be professionally packed and shipped with
shock pump, pedal cleats,owner\'s manuals and water bottle cages. I am
selling this bike for a friend so all questions will be forwarded to
him if I can\'t answer them. For a complete listing of all parts l!
ook at the last picture that has the parts breakdown or you can got
Specialized\'s website

E-mail: William
Ph.:
Price: 1800USD
Ad no#: 107277
Date: 06/12/04 7:22 am

2003 Specialized Epic Marathon mountain
2003 Specialized Epic marathon mountain
Frame: Epic FSR - Carbon Gray - Large

Fork: Fox Float 80 RLC (rebound and compression adjustment, lockout)
Rear Shock: Fox Brain R (90 mm travel, rebound adjustment, automatic
lockout)
Brakes: Shimano XTR Hydraulic Discs
Front Der: Shimano XT
Rear Der: Shimano XTR
Shifters / Brake Levers: Shimano XTR Integrated
Cranks: Shimano XT Hollowtech II Splined
Wheels: Mavic 317 Disc rims, Specialized / DT Swiss hubs, DT Swiss
spokes
Bars / Stem: Specialized
Cassette: Shimano XT
Seatpost: Thomson Elite
Saddle: Specialized
Pedals: Crank Brothers Egg Beaters
Grips: ODI Lock-On
Tires: Kenda Klaw XT
As you can see, there is not much left to improve on. Please e-mail me
with any questions, picture requests, or shipping estimates. I will
package the bike as they come to us from the factory, fork brace and
all.
E-mail: William
Ph.:
Price: $1600 US
Ad no#: 107269
Date: 06/12/04 6:51 am

2003 Specialized Epic Marathon mountain
Frame: Epic FSR - Carbon Gray - Large

Fork: Fox Float 80 RLC (rebound and compression adjustment, lockout)
Rear Shock: Fox Brain R (90 mm travel, rebound adjustment, automatic
lockout)
Brakes: Shimano XTR Hydraulic Discs
Front Der: Shimano XT
Rear Der: Shimano XTR
Shifters / Brake Levers: Shimano XTR Integrated
Cranks: Shimano XT Hollowtech II Splined
Wheels: Mavic 317 Disc rims, Specialized / DT Swiss hubs, DT Swiss
spokes
Bars / Stem: Specialized
Cassette: Shimano XT
Seatpost: Thomson Elite
Saddle: Specialized
Pedals: Crank Brothers Egg Beaters
Grips: ODI Lock-On
Tires: Kenda Klaw XT
As you can see, there is not much left to improve on. Please e-mail me
with any questions, picture requests, or shipping estimates. I will
package the bike as they come to us from the factory, fork brace and all.
E-mail: William Alexander
Ph.:
Price: $1600
Ad no#: 105483
Date: 05/20/04 3:07 pm


2003 Specialized Epic Marathon mountain
Brand: Specialized Complete Bike/Frame: Complete Bike
Model Year: 2003 Frame Material: Aluminum
Condition: LIKE NEW !



2003 Specialized Epic Marathon. The bike is in excellent condition.

Derailleurs shift quick and precisely, brakes are strong and quiet. The wheels are straight and well tensioned. Suspension works flawlessly. No oil or air leaks. Smooth quiet cartridge bearings at the pivots. Cogs and chainrings show hardly any wear. Paint is in great condition with only one or two minor knicks.

The Epic performs just as Specialized claims. It is a fast and extremely efficient climber with nearly four inches of plush suspension to help smooth things out while coming back down. The perfect race / performance XC / go out and have a great time trail bike. The Fox suspension is amazing. It's about as plush as suspension gets with a ton of features to help fine tune the ride. During my time with this bike I was also thoroughly impressed with how well the bike handles (it has a very low center of gravity and has a very solid feel.)

Frame: Epic FSR - Carbon Gray - Large
Fork: Fox Float 80 RLC (rebound and compression adjustment, lockout)
Rear Shock: Fox Brain R (90 mm travel, rebound adjustment, automatic lockout)
Brakes: Shimano XTR Hydraulic Discs
Front Der: Shimano XT
Rear Der: Shimano XTR
Shifters / Brake Levers: Shimano XTR Integrated
Cranks: Shimano XT Hollowtech II Splined
Wheels: Mavic 317 Disc rims, Specialized / DT Swiss hubs, DT Swiss spokes
Bars / Stem: Specialized
Cassette: Shimano XT
Seatpost: Thomson Elite
Saddle: Specialized
Pedals: Crank Brothers Egg Beaters
Grips: ODI Lock-On
Tires: Kenda Klaw XT

As you can see, there is not much left to improve on. Please e-mail me with any questions, picture requests, or shipping estimates. I will package the bike as they come to us from the factory, fork brace and all.
E-mail: Charles Watson
Ph.:
Price: $1700
Ad no#: 104154
Date: 05/03/04 2:17 pm

[couch]

Originally posted by pwrslm
i know its hard to imagine but scammers have infiltrated ebay.

I asked seller a question about item and got a scammer response. just a warning.

Dear ludekris,

is the price in pounds or dollars? what wheel set? shipping cost to N.Vancouver Canada? v7m 1n5

Please respond to the question on eBay by clicking the button below. You'll have the option to display your response directly on the listing.






Item # Item Title Listing end date

6136282400 NEW 2004 Santa Cruz Bullit Saint Mountain Bike 14-Dec-04



----- Original Message -----
From: Secom Cycle
To: .........@telus.net
Sent: Saturday, December 04, 2004 11:47 AM
Subject: Re: Question for item #6136282400 - NEW 2004 Santa Cruz Bullit Saint Mountain Bike


Hello,

We are overstock in 2004 bike models and because the 2005 models appeard, we took the decision to sell these bikes more cheaper. THERE IS STOCK LIMIT !!!

The bike is in perfect condition, new, no problems or scratches on it. It will come in original box with all the papers, manuals and manufacture warranty documents .

The buy it now price for the bike is US$1,200.00. In this price the shipment costs to Canada are included too. DO NOT BID ON THE AUCTION, IT IS A FIXED PRICE SALE (if you have already put a bid, please retract it asap). We will start shipment in maximum 24 hours after payment is received and we will provide you the tracking number of shipment.

We will ship the bike using FedEx or UPS and in 5 work days the bike will be at your door.We will support shipment insurance. The bike will be packed professionally at our store.We will ship the bike with the option AS A GIFT and you will not pay any extra taxes.

After some complaints regarding Paypal (please visit www.paypalsucks.com) we will not accept this method anymore.

We had many problems in past with stolen identity using credit card payment and we took the decision not to use direct credit card payment.

We have 2 ways for payment: one via bank wire and is available for UK and international customers and the other one is via cash transfer. Bank wire can take few days the money to be confirmed in our bank account and that's why he have the seccond payment option which is easy and fast. It will take only few minutes the payment to be confirmed to us after you will send.

Please choose one payment method and we will give you instructions.

After payment is confirmed in our bank account, it will take maximum 24 hours your order to be processed and shipment to be started. We will give you also the tracking number for shipment to track your bike.

We will give you 3 days of inspection of the bike. In case that you will not be satisfied with it, you will return the bike to us and we will fully return your money back. We will support all the costs.

Waiting your email,

Secom Cycle Shop
address: 6 Sydney Street, London, UK, SW36PU
toll free number: 888-245-0964
website: www.secom-cycle.com
email: office@secom-cycle.com

--- ........@telus.net wrote:

From: .......@telus.net
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 11:40:59 -0800
To: lutr@earthlink.net
Subject: Question for item #6136282400 - NEW 2004 Santa Cruz Bullit Saint Mountain Bike


Hello,

thanks i also have some questions about the item. what color do you have? can i get a purple one? what about white wall tires? i would also like a bell so that i can ring at people that get in my way? can i pay with a cashiers check?

thank you
I am looking forward to doing buisness with you.

What I find most interesting about this ad is the fact the SC does NOT have model years . They change models only when they feel they have relevant changes.