I think this is a Craigslist scam, what do you think?

[chasedude]

I saw an add on Craigslist one day and decided to answer it. I don't find the original ad so I can't post it. The post mentioned looking for a Desktop Technician to do some work for them. I answered the message with this along with my resume.

I saw your post on Craigslist. I've been working in IT for 10+ years. I've been looking for some extra work and would like for you to look at my resume. Please call me @ ###-###-#### if you're interested.

I received this response.

I have 7 Pentium IV Dell laptops, . Below is a list of work needed to be done on each Pc.

1 Format Hard Drive
2 Install Win Xp with Service Pack 3
3 Install Microsoft Office Package
4 AVG Virus Software
5 Adobe Acrobat Reader
6 diagnose Hardware. Hard drive, video card, processor and what not.

I have OS software for each machine

Get back to me with your total cost for the service

I await your urgent response.

Dave

So I replied back with this...

Hello Dave,

I usually charge $175 per install so a total would be $1225. Let me know what you think of this.

Thanks,
Jay

And then received this reply...

Thanks for the reply. I have all the necessary softwares needed for the service installations...Let me know the final asking price of my jobs. I will instruct my Client to prepare a check for you on your name and address . Do send me details below

Full Name:
Physical Address:
City:
State:
Zipcode:
Cell phone #:

so as to prepare the check and shipping of the laptops to your address. I have a reliable shipper that will ship the laptops to you, pick it up the laptops when you are done and ship it to my clients. I am looking forward to hear from you,so we can have payment and shipping asap.

Thanks

David

After all this it started smelling fishy. So as to discover if this had some legitimacy I responded back with this...

Thanks for your reply. I would like to have a physical address and phone number for my business records. Also with the phone number I plan to call for a voice verification to complete the transaction.

Thank You,
Chasedude

And no further response from the other party. So... do you smell some kind of scam in all this? Stolen systems maybe? What's your input guys?

[pr_capone]

SCAM

[chasedude]

Originally Posted by pr_capone

SCAM

I'm really leading that way. Especially since my address is listed on my resume and they're still asking for it.

[JD10367]

Anyone who risks Craigslist for anything risks winding up in a bathtub full of ice and missing a kidney.

[chasedude]

Originally Posted by JD10367

Anyone who risks Craigslist for anything risks winding up in a bathtub full of ice and missing a kidney.

I've had some good contacts from Craigslist but this one sent up a HUGE red flag.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by JD10367

Anyone who risks Craigslist for anything risks winding up in a bathtub full of ice and missing a kidney.

Things I've done via craigslist:

1. Gotten a blowjob
2. Had sex
3. Sold HDMI cables
4. Gotten stood up trying to get laid
5. Received numerous inquiries of a sexual nature from gay men
6. Bought a desk
7. Sold tickets

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by Gif Horse

Things I've done via craigslist:

1. Gotten a blowjob
2. Had sex
3. Sold HDMI cables
4. Gotten stood up trying to get laid
5. Received numerous inquiries of a sexual nature from gay men
6. Bought a desk
7. Sold tickets
8. Followed up on #5

FYP

[Lzen]

Ok, maybe I'm missing something but what, exactly, is the scam?

I mean yes, all signs point to a scam. I'm just not sure how shipping laptops to you is scamming you. Are they casing your place for future burglary?

[Lzen]

This part is strange and telling.

I have a reliable shipper that will ship the laptops to you, pick it up the laptops when you are done and ship it to my clients.

Why would they ship to you and then pick them up? Why not have you ship back to them?

[chasedude]

Originally Posted by Lzen

Ok, maybe I'm missing something but what, exactly, is the scam?

I mean yes, all signs point to a scam. I'm just not sure how shipping laptops to you is scamming you. Are they casing your place for future burglary?

I have no idea really. It all smelled fishy that's why I asked CP for their input. I'm wondering if they wanted me to send me some "stolen" systems. I do all the work send them back and then no payment or a fake check.

There's been no further contact from them since I asked for their phone, contact info.

[bevischief]

Originally Posted by Lzen

Ok, maybe I'm missing something but what, exactly, is the scam?

I mean yes, all signs point to a scam. I'm just not sure how shipping laptops to you is scamming you. Are they casing your place for future burglary?

Or they are hot and after you get them the cops show up at his door.

[Ming the Merciless]

Originally Posted by Lzen

Ok, maybe I'm missing something but what, exactly, is the scam?

I mean yes, all signs point to a scam. I'm just not sure how shipping laptops to you is scamming you. Are they casing your place for future burglary?

see my above post, but basically at some point they will send a fake check/money order wanting you to cash it..but it will be for too much....since by law US banks have to make some of the money available within 5 days, people think because their account was credited, the check CLEARS. So, they wire back the 10% or whatever the extra money was (western union) in hopes of doing another deal with the same people....2 weeks to a month later, the check is discovered as a fraud and you are on the hook for the check PLUS the extra money you already sent the guys...plus any charges you may have for overdraft etc.

[Buck]

Yes that is definitely a scam.

[BigMeatballDave]

**** off, dude. I wasnt trying to scam you.

[chasedude]

Originally Posted by Dave

**** off, dude. I wasnt trying to scam you.

For shame Dave, you know better