Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Adventures In Selling


I won this spiffy case at Texas Star Party this spring, and have decided to sell it to help fund a new telescope. I figured I'd start with Craigslist, since a local sale wouldn't involve packing and shipping. The day after I put up the ad, I got a nibble:

From: bizebony8080@hotmail.com
Subject: ATA Equipment Case - $300
Date: September 10, 2007 6:38:39 AM CDT
To: imjeffp@mac.com

Just view your advert on craigs web,I am willing to purchase the item asap.I hope its still avaliable for sales?I will like to know your last asking price for it?Please get back to me today so that we can proceed further...


OK, that sounds promising, even if the wording is a little off.

From: Jeff Phillips
To: Barry Johnson
Subject: Re: ATA Equipment Case - $300
Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2007 09:17:26 -0500

Hi Barry

Still available for $300. Let me know.


Then I get this little gem:

From: bizebony8080@hotmail.com
Subject: ok: ATA Equipment Case - $300
Date: September 11, 2007 8:19:20 AM CDT
To: imjeffp@mac.com

Sounds Good.
I will like to proceed with payment asap and will like to handle shipment myself when you must have gotten your cash at hand.I am in no rush to pick up the item till funds are clear at the bank.As there are too many scams on internet as regards buying and selling with large bogus account.My mode of payment will be via Electronic Cashier Check drawn on US bank.(Bank Of America).You will probarbly need a business check paper to print and cash or deposit the check today.The business check paper is sold for $20 at any stationery store,staples or at your local office supply outlet.I will add the cost of supplies to your asking price with an extra offer for accepting my mode of payment.I work with an auditing firm and will not have time to mail a check.Electronic Cashier checks is fast and secure.I will need your name and address with valid email address to send the Echeck to your email which you can print immediately when you must have purchase the supplies at staples or any stationery store.Kindly delete the advert of this item if my mode of payment is accepted.I will await your email asap.


Is this guy on crack?

From: imjeffp@mac.com
Subject: Re: ok: ATA Equipment Case - $300
Date: September 11, 2007 9:28:30 AM CDT
To: bizebony8080@hotmail.com

Don't waste my time, you smarmy lagerlout git. You bloody woofter sod. Cash American, or else bugger off, pillock.


I don't think we'll be hearing back from Barry.

1 comment:

Phil said...

Excellent use of the Queen's English in your final response there! Bloody good, init?

Actually I get those sorts of responses, a lot of them turn out to be scammers from Nigeria...

Later guvnah!
Phil