Common Scams
There are many people out there who want to steal your money. Unfortunately, some of them may use CN Classifieds. While most users are good, honest astronomy enthusiasts, a few are not. If something doesn't feel "right" about an inquiry to a product you are selling... please let us know.
Some scenarios that should raise a red flag:
- Make unrealistic promises or offers to buy.
- Have complicated instructions for the seller regarding shipping, check cashing, transfer of money, etc.
- Talks about using a third party to complete the transaction.
Notify CN about a scam
Find below an email you may receive from a scam artist. The concept of this scam is simple, you are being sent a STOLEN check. You cash it, send the balance to the PO Box of the buyer. When this is found out by the company whose check the scam artist stole, YOU are responsible for paying back the balance.
"We are interested in buying your above mentioned (10" F/7.5 truss Dobsonian with Swayze mirror) at advertised rate of $1,995. Goods to be picked up from your location for onward shipping to London. Cost and modalities of shipping to be born by us.
Payment for the purchase is by check through a debtor in US. The debtor owes us higher than our purchase. He will therefore be sending you a check for $7,000 to cover the cost of our order, as well as the Shipping costs.
On receipt of the check, you will cash and deduct the cost of our order .The balance you will send as we would instruct you to the Agency that will ship the Goods to us. If this arrangement suites you fine, please send us your address where to send the check, as well as the name to be on it. Also send us your phone number for easy communication.
Below is another recent scam email:
Hello Seller
I am inrresponse in immediate purchase of your item. After several consideration over the advert placed on the website, my client who has really shown interest in it and would really want to issue the payment in form of check.
Will you be accepting a check?
The payment that will be drawn by my client would include the cost for shipping this item to my client and we shall solely be responsible for the shipment of the item.
Provide your CONTACT NAME,ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER if you are interested in selling the item to us so that I can have it forwarded to my client for immediate payment issuance. Please contact me as soon as possible for futher questions as regards this transaction. If you really show willingness in selling this item asap and let me know the last offer. Thank You and I am expecting your response as soon as possible.
Below is another recent scam email:
Hello,
How are you doing? my name is Somemadeup Name ,and i
run a
procurement outfit in the United State.I came accross
your
[INSERT YOUR PRODUCT NAME HERE] which my client is very much interested
in
purchasing. We will like to see more pics and will
appreciate you get back with your final asking price
on this,thanx.
Somemadeup Name
someemail@somedomain.com
My regards to your item, and am immediately purchased
your
item without no delay the transaction by let me know
the
answer of this question below:
[1] Do you able final accept personal check or Cashier
check?
[2] What is the final price of the total item you are
present to sell for me?
[3] What is the present condition of the item you are
present to sell for me?
[4] Will you able to stay home for the shipping
company to
come for the pickup in your location cos i don't want
you
to stress yourself ship the item yourself.
[5] Can we trust you on this transaction
[6] Kindly get back to me with your full contact
information to my personal email address
(someemail@somedomain.com
to
issues out the payment to?
Best Regards
someemail@somedomain.com
Below is another recent scam email:
Hello Mate,
I am [Somemadeup Name],am okay with all details posted with the ads and I will take care
of the shipment,as I have a shipper that will take good care of the shipment
wonderfully well, so shipping will not be a problem,but also i will be glad if
you can get back to me with this informations,
Why are you selling the item?
Are there any needed repairs that you're aware of?
How many people have owned the item?
What is the present status of the item?
Whats your final asking price for the item?
Looking forward to read from you today..
kindly respond directly to me on someemail@somedomain.com
[Sosmemadeup Name]
Product: [Your Product Listing]