Is this a scam response from craigslist?

Question

I posted an add on craigslist last night for an exercise gym and got a response this morning asking if it was still available. I replied back that is was and if they would like to set up a time to come and look at it. Well this is the response that I got and I would like to know if this is a scam or not?
Hi,
I really appreciate your response to my email.I want you to consider this item sold and delete the advert from CL to avoid disturbance,anyway i wont have time to come over to take a look of the item because of my Business,and i am satisfied with the description of the item by you,and you need to know that you don't need to stress yourself with the shipment of this item,I'll take care of that by engaging the services of a shipper,and i will be paying for this item with a Certified bank check and it will be delivered to you via (UPS or FedEx),i will be paying you additional $50 so that i can be the best offer and the stress i might be causing you,so I'll need you to provide me with the following information to facilitate the mailing of the certified bank check.

Name to be on the check.
Home or office address to mail the check
City,State and Zip Code
Home & Cell Phone to contact you.

Note that the payment will be shipped to your address via UPS or FedEx and I will like you to know that you will not be responsible for shipment i will have my movers to come over as soon as the check as cleared in your bank.

N.B UPS or FedEx does not deliver to P.O box addresses.
Best Regards,

Answer 1

It is fake. My mom got the same thing.

Answer 2

Don't even bother responding, anyone selling anything on Craigslist gets the same messages. They want to send you a fake or stolen certified bank check, which you don't discover until after the "shipper" (actually the scammer) picks up the item. The check will bounce, you will be responsible for the full amount plus any bounced check fees, you will be investigated for bank fraud -- and possibly arrested like this guy who sold his bike on Craigslist and deposited a bogus check http://articles.sfgate.com/2006-08-30/business/17308300_1_craigslist-bofa-bogus-check



And you have no way to track the perpetrator as they gave you a fake name, use a free email address and pay as you go phones which they ditch after each scam

Answer 3

One of the most common scams on CL.



The check is fake or forged. Your bank will not know this for sure until 1-2 weeks later. A check is not "Clear" until the issuing bank sends the funds to your bank.... Your bank deposits the check as a customer service, knowing they always have access to your account if something goes wrong - they can get their money back - you can't!!!



Ask them for THEIR phone number, and check it on any search engine on the Internet.



My reply to these guys would be:

Since you have a trusted shipper, why not send the check to him (since you have to pay him for shipping anyway), have him cash the check, then have him pay me in cash when he comes to pick up the item....

Answer 4

yes. look at the facts sheet on craigslist. here is what they say( copied and pasted from their site)



Most scams involve one or more of the following:



* inquiry from someone far away, often in another country

* Western Union, Money Gram, cashier's check, money order, shipping, escrow service, or a "guarantee"

* inability or refusal to meet face-to-face before consumating transaction





Examples of Scams



1. Someone claims that craigslist will guarantee a transaction, certify a buyer/seller, OR claims that craigslist will handle or provide protection for a payment.



* These claims are fraudulent, as craigslist does not have any role in any transaction.

* Scammer will often send an official looking email that appears to come from craigslist, offering a guarantee, certifying a seller, providing payment services -- all such emails are fakes!



2. distant person offers a genuine-looking (but fake) cashier's check



* you receive an email (examples below) offering to buy your item, or rent your apartment, sight unseen.

* cashier's check is offered for your sale item, as a deposit for an apartment, or for your services.

* value of cashier's check often far exceeds your item - scammer offers to "trust" you, and asks you to wire the balance via money transfer service

* banks will often cash these fake checks AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE CHECK FAILS TO CLEAR, including criminal prosecution in some cases!

* scam often involves a 3rd party (shipping agent, business associate owing buyer money, etc)

Answer 5

Classic earmarks: They can't come see it, but are willing to pay for it with a check or money order, sight-unseen.



Expect the payment to be over your agreed upon price by a considerable amount. They'll give some cockamamie reason for that, ask you to cash it, keep a nominal amount for your trouble and send them the difference. Within a week, your bank will bounce the payment on you.



Run.

Answer 6

huge scam



CL even warns you about scams like this, check it out, left hand side of your cities home page "avoid scams & fraud"

Answer 7

scam