I don't think so

[Dr_Evil]

I listed something on craig's list and somebody with a Minnesota area code contacted me about. Having been in the military, I know people tend to have a cell phone with a non local area code. This is the reply I got after letting the person know I still have the item.

I have reliable mover who we be coming to your place to pickup the item after you get your money. i will tell my banker to issue out a check from my account to you . reply me back with your name and address

I sent a reply trying to find out if they live near me and what I would take for payments. Basically cash, money order, PP or Western Union. I also let the person know I would meet them or the mover somewhere other than my residence.

There's no way in hell I'll let the person know where I live so they can rob me. Nor will I let them send a personal check that will bounce.

 

[upaa27]

Good idea. Lots of robberies and murders happen through giving someone your location etc. I am sure you could defend yourself with lasers though

 

[Dr_Evil]

I have other things to defend myself with. I don't have a permit to carry them around while loaded though.

 

[oahu99]

I have sold lots of things on Craigslist in the past.
If someone says they will send money or they want you to ship an item it is always a scam.
Especially if they have poor English.
He is trying to scam you, just ignore him and you'll be fine.

 

[ScottW]

This is a common scam approach. It starts with the "I am out of your area, so I am going to use a mover and will send you a check."

Next step, the story will change to "the check is for an amount more than the item; please cash it at your bank, keep the cost of the item, plus the amount to pay the mover, plus $100 (or more) for your trouble -- then send me the balance by Western Union."

The scammer expects you to think you are getting a windfall, and to trust him because -- after all -- he is sending you more money than you asked. What could go wrong? He will expect you to go cash the check at your bank, then send the "excess" to him via Western Union.

The problem is that the check will be FAKE (even if a very official-looking bank check), or drawn on an empty account. Your bank will cash it, then a couple weeks later will come back after you for the funds when it bounces.

Just say NO. Go for a cash deal, or perhaps Paypal -- but I personally only do Paypal with someone who has a verified address AND the goods are being shipped to that address.

 

[Dr_Evil]

They haven't bothered replying to my last message. I guess they weren't that interested or know they go busted trying to scam me.

 

[ScottW]

They probably realized from your reply that they weren't dealing with an easy mark, and moved on to find someone else.

This Craigslist page contains a list of the most common Craiglist scams. Everyone should read it before using Craigslist. I am pretty sure the guy who contacted you was working example #2 from the list, with the non-existent "reliable mover" being the 3rd party.