Hello,
I have become a victim of a horrific scam. I posted an ad for expensive china on Craigslist. I have used Craigslist for years, never a problem.
Two offers came through from potential buyers. Each offer agreed to use PayPal for the payment due. Each person offered me a similar package.
The price of the goods $3,000.00
Shipping cost & Western Union rate $1100.00
Handling fee for my service $100.00
Total $4200.00
I agreed to this. The buyer sent money to PayPal in this amount. I received several email requests from PayPal. Three of them requested that I pay $1000.00 for shipping expenses to the shipping company of the buyer's choice. I set up an account with Western Union (online) and sent the $1000.00, and I paid Western Union a $95.00 fee. I received confirmation from Western Union and forwarded the receipt to PayPal.
This morning, I checked my PayPal account to see if the funds were pending. Nothing had shown up in my account. Normally, if the money has been sent to my email address, the account summary lists the amount and the status of the funds (i.e., pending or completed). I am now suspicious.
The buyer sent another email requesting that I send another $800.00 to the shipping company for insurance. I also received the same request from PayPal. I emailed the buyer immediately, informing this person that insurance was never agreed to or discussed and that they should handle that on their own. If the $900.00 shows up in my PayPal account, I will return it to you.
By now, I realize this is a scam. I contacted a service rep at PayPal. He confirmed there has been no activity with my account. He told me to send all email correspondence to [email protected] to investigate this matter. I have done that. I am now out $1095.00. If you require more information or would like to see the email messages sent to me, I would be happy to assist. I know this is a scam. In fact, I am still receiving emails from the buyer asking me to please send the insurance money. The buyer wants to pick up the merchandise as soon as possible. I let the buyer know that I am wise to this scam, and I am asking PayPal to investigate this matter as confirmation.
I would be happy to forward the emails to you. The dialog is very useful for suspicious behavior.
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