# Is this a scam? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 25, 2009, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588 "2009-09-25T23:16:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ol\_Gaffer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Ol\_Gaffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ol_Gaffer)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2009, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/1 "2009-09-25T23:16:37Z")
Hey guys - quick question for you. I’m selling a Landcruiser on Craigslist and had the following email this morning. “is your land cruiser still for sale, if so I would like to buy it.” _[name, city and contact number removed]_ I responded that it was. I am in California and he is in Alabama so it was a little strange but I have received calls from Utah and Oregon since I listed the rig. He responded with the following: "Thank you for your prompt reply. Hopefully you will consider an offer, I will pay $1500.00 for your land cruise today and over night you via UPS a U.S. Postal money order today, I will have the land cruiser picked up with in three weeks respectfully. I appreciate your consideration. If we have a deal email me the serial number and a copy of the title then I will over night your money order. I understand that I am buying this land cruiser as is with no warranty expressed or implied. I have a 1978 and between the two I can make one should you decide to sell me yours. You can call me at my office XXX XXX XXXX or on my cell XXX XXX XXXX, again thank you for your prompt reply and your consideration, Kindest regards. [_name and city removed_]" So, does this pass the smell test to you? I haven’t responded since getting this email. ---
**Author:** ![Kolga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e56c9b/32.png) [@Kolga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolga)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2009, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/2 "2009-09-25T23:19:35Z")
The money order will be forged, and you’ll find out from your bank in several weeks that the money’s been taken out of your account. By that time, you’ll have given the car to whoever picks it up and it’ll be gone, and you’ll be $1500 poorer. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2009, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/3 "2009-09-25T23:21:31Z")
Trust your instincts. If you have to ask “Is this a scam?” it most likely is. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2009, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/4 "2009-09-25T23:30:41Z")
Just the way its worded like every single scam email/spam i receive tells me its indeed a scam. > [@](#): > > Thank you for your prompt reply They ALWAYS thank you for your prompt reply, i don’t know why this is its like they try to seem as polite as possible so you’ll feel they are legit, it just comes out sounding weird and forced. The “respectfully” and “I appreciate your consideration” ties in with that also. ---
**Author:** ![Ol\_Gaffer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Ol\_Gaffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ol_Gaffer)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2009, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/5 "2009-09-25T23:55:15Z")
Thanks all. I figured as much. Like I said, I’ve had out of state calls on the rig but they all seemed pretty normal and they actually asked questions and wanted to see more pictures, etc. Not one of them said “respectfully” or that they “appreciated my consideration.” ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/6 "2009-09-26T00:47:02Z")
> [@ivylass](#): > > Trust your instincts. If you have to ask “Is this a scam?” it most likely is. I agree, except that I’d replace “most likely” with “always”, when the question arises regarding any internet related transaction. This particular scam is common, and [Craigslist](http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams) has a warning about it. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/7 "2009-09-26T13:35:52Z")
Sending the check via UPS as opposed to USPS is a red flag. They are trying to avoid mail fraud. It is weird that they are paying with a US postal money order, but I suspect that it would not be even a faked USPS money order as that would negate the purpose of sending it via UPS. It would be something else with “postal money order” on it. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Fight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90ced4/32.png) [@Cat\_Fight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Fight)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/8 "2009-09-26T15:05:18Z")
This time I have not read the OP or any of the responses, yet feel completely comfortable saying ‘Yes. Yes it is.’ ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/9 "2009-09-26T16:05:50Z")
“…picked up with in three weeks respectfully” “for your land cruise today” The minute they discover proper grammar, we’re screwed. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/10 "2009-09-26T16:45:09Z")
Agreed that it sounds like a 100% scam but where exactly does the scammer make his money in this process? If the fake MO is cashed the OP’s acct is credited - when fraud is discovered the account goes back to back to what it was before. If the scammer is not picking up the vehicle for 3 weeks and this should usually be enough time for the MO to be determined to be fraudulent or not. Even if his scam succeeds all he has is an old landcruiser. seems like a lot of scam work for an odd item. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/11 "2009-09-26T16:56:02Z")
Accept the offer, then take the postal money order down to the post office so that they can go after this guy for fraud. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/12 "2009-09-26T17:05:45Z")
It’s doubtful the peons at the post office will be able to tell if it’s a forgery or not. Generally it takes 6-8 weeks for the bank to discover the check/money order is forged, in which case, the scammer is long gone with the goods. Oh, and be careful going to [Bank of America](http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/08/30/BUGTGKRHSF1.DTL) with what appears to be a phony check…although I hope they would have clarified their procedures by now. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/13 "2009-09-26T17:12:30Z")
> [@ivylass](#): > > It’s doubtful the peons at the post office will be able to tell if it’s a forgery or not. Generally it takes 6-8 weeks for the bank to discover the check/money order is forged, in which case, the scammer is long gone with the goods. I’m pretty sure those “peons” down at the post office are aware that these scams are going on and would know exactly who to pass the information to, so that a proper case can be brought against the scammer. Sometimes it takes multiple accusations to get the government to take action, so it helps if you add your incident to the pile. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/14 "2009-09-26T17:40:36Z")
“I have a 1978 and between the two I can make one should you decide to sell me yours.” This is either icing on the scam cake or an indication that it could be a real deal. Otherwise, why say it? I’d tell him that you can’t accept a money order but you’d take payment via PayPal. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/15 "2009-09-26T17:50:06Z")
By the way, the scam in sending you the correct amount works like this: he will “accidentally” send you a money order for far too much, then ask you to cash the order and just send him the extra, thankyouso_very_much. Later, you are out the extra dough sent back, and whatever charges for the fake postal order. ---
**Author:** ![Ol\_Gaffer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Ol\_Gaffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ol_Gaffer)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/16 "2009-09-26T18:01:26Z")
> [@AuntiePam](#): > > “I have a 1978 and between the two I can make one should you decide to sell me yours.” > > This is either icing on the scam cake or an indication that it could be a real deal. Otherwise, why say it? > > I’d tell him that you can’t accept a money order but you’d take payment via PayPal. See, the personal touches are so disturbing. They actually had to have read the post to add them. In any case, I’m going with the cash only clause from now on. I’m pretty sure that, if he is the real deal, he can find another Landcruiser somewhat closer to Alabama then central California. ---
**Author:** ![Chessic\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7c8e57/32.png) [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/17 "2009-09-26T18:11:40Z")
What?! No! Don’t let him get away! It sounds like he’s in the States, not Nigeria or something so you have the chance to 1) improve the world we live in, and 2) wreck his shit. It’s a win-win, except you win twice and he wins none. Turn his ass in to\* the authorities. \*I can’t tell you how many times I have to edit writing that says “turned \*into \*authorities”, like there’s a magic transformation spell or something. ---
**Author:** ![whorfin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/6f9a4e/32.png) [@whorfin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whorfin)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/18 "2009-09-26T18:17:13Z")
> [@Ol\_Gaffer](#): > > See, the personal touches are so disturbing. They actually had to have read the post to add them. > > In any case, I’m going with the cash only clause from now on. I’m pretty sure that, if he is the real deal, he can find another Landcruiser somewhat closer to Alabama then central California. Sticking with cash only is really the only way to be sure that you’ll avoid being scammed by a fake check–and it makes a lot of sense with a car—since they’ll have to come get it (and so have no good reason not to simply pay in cash when they come to get it). Make the sale in a bank parking lot if you’re worried about holding onto the cash–since you can walk in and deposit it as soon as you’re done. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/19 "2009-09-26T18:30:14Z")
People don’t normally scam for such odd items ie. a 30+ year old landcruiser that would be fairly difficult to turn into ready cash. I think Czarcasm’s guess of “Oops I sent you too much, please refund the difference” is where this is headed, and in thinking about it I think I know why he choose the landcruiser ad. Scammers bread and butter are older people who are not net savvy or scammer savvy. No idea about the OP but it would be a fairly smart demographic bet that someone selling a 30 year old landcruiser is probably in thier 60’s or 70’s and thus a good target. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2009, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588/20 "2009-09-26T18:37:36Z")
Also, the scammer will not pick up the vehicle being “bought”-transport costs alone should point out how rediculous the deal is. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam/511588.md?page=2)