Same scam as above. Craigslist. New phone number used in Jan 2017, is 213 822-3023. No name affiliated with phone number on search. Texter identifies self as Chris Murphy.
The scam works like this. Communication is always by text or email for some made up reason such as they are deaf, they deployed and can't use their phone (then how did the text get out?), etc. They think your item as described is perfect. They might ask a few questions about it, and then will pay your asking price, sight unseen, because they are never around close by to come look at it (they use the stationed somewhere in the military a whole lot, or working overseas, or on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean, or simply fill in your own job here). They will give you an extra $40 or $50 to hold it for them. Then they tell you they will send a cashier’s check or money order for that amount plus extra for the “shipper”. They ask you to wire that extra money by untraceable means such as Western Union or Moneygram. The check or money order turns out to be bogus and you end up out the money you sent plus the bank fees. Also, if the check is big enough you may end up being charged criminally. Take the check and the envelope it came in to the post office and have them forward it to the postal inspectors.
In the case of them using PayPal, the same thing happens. They send a fake email looking like it came from PayPal, get you to pay the shipper, and then find out that the e mail was fake and no money is available.
Yep they are at it again.this time 567-230-5284. Thanks for saving me the headache.
"Am murphy chris,i will like to purchase the item which you posted on craigslist as soon as possible, i am very much okay with the price tag,but i wont be chanced to come around to check the item properly due my health status. for now, am currently Out of the town to seek for the betterment of my health,
I will be paying you via check. so after the check has been deposited or cashed .i will instruct my mover's to come for the pick up of the item at your desired location .i will add a $50 for keeping the item for me."
I got the same thing as all of the above from Chris Murphy at 424-252-2219. Thank you for enlightening me. [***], wish the money was real!! It was a check from Tiago Title in Dallas, TX. Anyhow, will bring it to the PO tomorrow.