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Constant Watch on Fraud and Scams

By Michael Dorausch, D.C.

I’m on a roll. Turns out the subluxated fraudbag that targeted e-mails at the classified ad community has been doing so on other web sites as well. We received an e-mail yesterday from someone that was selling a motorcycle in a US state that was contacted by the same individual e-mailing users on our classifieds site.

Thanks to the participation of the community we were able to post information about the suspected fraud. While it’s frustrating for those seeking to sell items to others, it’s motivating to receive e-mails from people that have gained from reading the information we’ve collectively presented. You guys rock!

I got into this in major detail just last week with my 1000 mentions of fraud and phishing but I’m on a roll and I intend to continue posting this info (even if it only helps one other person).

On the topic of fraudulent e-mails when purchasing classified items posted online, here is some communication that should raise flags…

Hi,
Thanks for the mail and the content is well understood, the information has been receiveed, the check will be mailed out by tommorrow by my creditor and i will notify you with the tracking number of the payment….please note that the check will come with excess funds which will be used for the shipping and handling of the item,all you need to do once u get the check is to take it to bank and cash it instantly and then withdraw the excess funds and have it sent to the shipping company that will be contacting you once the payment is been received by you.

Notice the mention of excess funds, third parties, and shipping companies? This has scam written all over it.

Here is more from the same individual…

Thanks for the mail, the payment will be mailed out by monday, hope u understand that the check is going to come with excess funds so all you need to do is to get the check cashed deduct the funds for the item and then have the rest funds wire to the shipping company that will take care of the pickup of the item, thanks and i hope these is clear to you.

OK, sometimes I have bad spelling too, so that might not be a dead giveaway. But the mention of excess funds and the request to wire money to a shipping company is classic fraud language.

Regardless of what web sites you use for classifieds and / or auctions, pay attention and stay alert to the possibilities that often times the first person contacting you is the fraudulent scammer. They watch for items to be posted on web sites and they move quickly, hoping to separate you from your items before you catch on to what they are up to.

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2 Comments

  1. Hello..I recently recieved this email and was instantly suspicious. I ‘Googled’ the guys ‘supposed’ address and got a hit on your posting. It’s the exact address and phone numbers that you have listed. Ha!..This guy is a fool! I’m going to email him back with some choice words now. Should be fun. BTW, my scenerio is exactly as the one you mentioned on your blog. I live in the US, and have a motorcycle posted on Craigslist. This/these scam artist creeps need a new routine.
    Thanks and take care,
    Tracy R.
    California, USA

    motorcycle posted for saleSaturday, September 6, 2008 5:08 PM
    From: This sender is DomainKeys verified “mike rapp” Add sender to Contacts To: [email protected]
    —–Inline Attachment Follows—–

    Hello Seller,

    In response to your item posted for sale. I am an agent interested in making an immediate purchase of it.

    After several consideration over the advert placed on the website, my client who has really shown interest in it and would want to issue the payment.

    But before I proceed on this transaction I will like to ask some question as follows.

    1. Is the condition of the item what you have describe it to be ?

    2. What is the final asking prize you can go at last ?

    3. Do you accept a certified cheque/money order as a mode of payment ?

    4,Can the picture send to me via email for proper view?

    Also I would like to restate clearly that this item will be shipped to Australia and I have a shipping agent who would take good care of this. You are to cash the Check you will recieve and deduct the funds for the sales of your item and please have the excess funds sent to the shipping agent in order to schedule the pick up of the item.

    All neccesary transfer papers will be dully signed by the shipper on behalf of my client when the shipping agents comes for the pick up of the item .

    I will be willing to entertain more of your questions that might arise, please provide your

    FULL NAME:
    MAILING ADDRESS :
    PHONE NUMBER :

    So that I can have it forwarded to my client for immediate payment issuance
    Looking forward to hear from you.

    Regards.

    MIKE RAPP
    FLAT 62 REWARD RD,
    12 MONSAL COURT E 05 JJ,
    LONDON UK.
    +447031866761
    +447031879451

  2. Glad to hear you did some research Tracy. In selling motorcycles as well as chiropractic equipment, I’d always recommend buyers and sellers try and deal locally whenever possible. If not, do extensive research on who you are dealing with before moving $$$.


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