Craigslist Question.

[fjaws]

So I'm a Craigslist novice and recently posted an ad for a high end MTB and got the response listed below. Basically supposed buyer wants to pay with Paypal and then have a shipping agent pick up the bike. Feels like a scam to me. Is it?

E-mail from prospective buyer:

Hello

Thanks for your prompt e-mail, it was just exactly what i wanted and
can you assure me that it's in perfect condition and i will not be
disappointed buying this from you.i would like you to answer some few
questions about the item;

1. Are you the first owner?
2. Are there any other issues with the item not mentioned on Craigslist?
3. Are you selling any other items?

I will like to buy this item for the exact price listed so pls do
withdraw the ad from Craigslist. I will take care of all shipment
preparations and payment will be sent through PayPal.Do you have a
PayPal account already?,and i will be needing your email with PayPal
for payment or you could send me an invoice(ill handle the PayPal
surcharge) and if you don't have an account, you can easily create an
account fast and easy at www.paypal.com,please i am not forcing you if
you think i am the right you can get back to me with your paypal
I will need you to provide the following information to facilitate the Payment

1.Your PayPal Email Address.
2.Your address for pick up.

PayPal is the fastest and easiest way for me to make the payment.And
also i will arrange the pickup at your place and transport to my home
and also don't forget to get back to me with your address for pick up.

Awaiting your response.

[4Rings6Stars]

If it feels like a scam.... it is.

Go with your gut.

[eddief]

"I will like to buy this item" then decide how hard it will be do biz with a monkey. And then go from there.

[AngryScientist]

anytime a buyer refers to something you're selling as an "item" - it's almost guaranteed to be a scam. steer clear.

[giverdada]

dead giveaway: 'the item'.

they never mention what 'it' is. could be a used toothbrush. could be a caad10. no one knows, but it's pertinent as long as it's an 'item'. don't do it. definite scam. shipping agents - scam. no mention of what the item is - scam. good luck!

[pdmtong]

Scam...

really, would you do this whole transaction via email?

the handful of times I have bought somethign off non-local craigslist I called the guy to make sure he knew I wasnt some scammer and after we enjoyed a nice cycling conversation, the deal was done and went smoothly as both of us expected

[fjaws]

Copy all! Thanks for confirming what I already thought. :bike:

[rice rocket]

http://www.thescambaiter.com/

Have some fun.

[slidey]

Glad you got it figured out...I assure you these are scams. I've received a lot many of these.

[GuyGadois]

100% scam.

In the future always put something like "because of the numerous spam messages I will only respond to emails with XXXX in the title.". Obviously put your item in as XXXX

GG

[tuxbailey]

If they don't bother to capitalize the "i" in multiple instances in the first paragraph then I won't bother to finish the rest of the message :p