MikeBrum.com

I’m selling a lens on Craigslist right now. If you’ve ever done something like this, you know the douchebags that try to get you to ship the item somewhere, offer you more money then you’re asking and speak very poor english while doing so.

Here’s a conversation I just had over email with one of these guys – it’s a real gem!

scammer: it on for sell?

me: This lens is still available for sale – yes.

If you’re interested, you can feel free to give me a call at [my phone number]

scammer: Hi Mate,

Thanks for your response ,I’m buying this [item] for my friend’s son as a birthday gift,but he lives oversea.I can offer you $1200 for the item plus an extra $150 due to the cost of international shipping.Let me know ifthis works for you.if you’re ready to go ahead,let me know where i should send the paypal payment so we can proceed,i prefer paypal because it’s fast and secure.

Regards.

**note the use of more-or-less proper english (and compare it to the rest of the responses) and that “[item]” is probably supposed to be replaced with the actual item that’s being sold – this is clearly a form reply

me: I’m willing to sell it in-person only. Sorry if that’s not convenient for your situation.

scammer: ok no problem but i think you assit me do it.

me: I’m not sure what you mean – but if you live in/around the Boston, MA arrea, I’m willing to meet up for a sale and you can arrange the international shipping on your own afterwards.

I’m not willing to ship this item myself.

Thanks

scammer: ok sound id good but i did not in town now ok and i wanna need your assist ok

me: Let me know when and where you want to meet up and we can discuss the details more in person.

Thanks

scammer: i want you to ship to him ok you need to meet ok

me: I’m not able to do that.

I can sell it to you in person, but you’ll have to ship it.

Ok?

scammer: no

I guess you can’t blame a guy for trying – but what REALLY confuses me is the number of people that fall for these sorts of scams. That really boggles my mind!