Posting on Craigs List

[tallyho8]

I don't think anything you put in your ad will prevent spammers because I don't think that the spammers take time to read the ads.

They just reply to each ad with the same exact reply that they copy and paste to the reply. They do hundreds or thousands a day so they have no time to read details.

[charlz]

I think the only time I have gotten spam/scam email from one of my Craigslist postings is when I didn't have the phrase CASH ONLY in there.... which is the only payment I accept.

[aczlan]

Originally Posted by tallyho8

I don't think anything you put in your ad will prevent spammers because I don't think that the spammers take time to read the ads.

They just reply to each ad with the same exact reply that they copy and paste to the reply. They do hundreds or thousands a day so they have no time to read details.

They probably have a script that sends the initial email to you for them.. that way they only need to look at the replies in their inbox.

Aaron Z

[Iplayfarmer]

Originally Posted by aczlan

They probably have a script that sends the initial email to you for them.. that way they only need to look at the replies in their inbox.

Aaron Z

Yes. It goes like this...

"i will like to let you know that am highly much interested in buying this
item. the most convinience way of payment for this item will be through a
reputable bank certified check or cashier check from a trust worthy
client of mine. I will make the client issue out an overpayment of
$3,000 which would be the shipping cost of this item and other items
that have bought in your area cos am a very busy man. you will
have the rest of the fund sent to the shipper via the money gram or
western union in order for the pick up to come up at your residence
asap after deducting your own amount plus the extra $100."

Anyone who has tried to sell anything on CL should visit this site...

Welcome to the 419 Eater

It's fun to see some of the scammers get scammed. These guys go all out.

[tallyho8]

Spammers usually send a quick email using hotmail, yahoo or gmail that states something like "Is the item still for sale". When you reply that it is, they have your email address and check it against their list of people who have given them a hard time in the past. If you are on their list (as I am) you never hear from them again. If not, then they reply back with their scam.

[Iplayfarmer]

Originally Posted by tallyho8

Spammers usually send a quick email using hotmail, yahoo or gmail that states something like "Is the item still for sale".

You're right. I copied that quote from a second e-mail. But the followup e-mails all sound the same too. I love how it's always "the item". They never refer to whatever you're selling by name.

When you reply that it is, they have your email address and check it against their list of people who have given them a hard time in the past. If you are on their list (as I am) you never hear from them again. If not, then they reply back with their scam.

That must be why I'm not getting scam e-mails anymore. It must have been the third time I asked the guy to overnight another $3,000 check because I had "sent it through the wash" again.

[tallyho8]

In your spare time it is kind of fun to play along with the scammers and make them use their time and resources sending you fake checks by overnight express.

[Iplayfarmer]

Originally Posted by tallyho8

In your spare time it is kind of fun to play along with the scammers and make them use their time and resources sending you fake checks by overnight express.

If those are all really your checks, the you are now my new hero.

I hope that if enough of us can lead the scammers on into spending money (shipping letters overnight UPS, etc.) we can reduce the profitability and hopefully discourage a large portion of the scammers.

[Ductape]

Originally Posted by okie350

I have half a mind to flag his posts but i have no proof it was him. Lesson learned is look for simular posts and see what their price is.

Proof ?????

I think you had your proof.

[tallyho8]

Originally Posted by okie350

I have half a mind to flag his posts but i have no proof it was him.

You probably won't flag his posts because your mom taught you that two wrongs don't make a right.

The correct thing to do is to reply to his ad telling him that your posts are being flagged and you were wondering if his were being flagged also because you are participating in an investigation to see who is improperly flagging posts.

The flagging will probably stop.