So I found a $6,000 Canon 500mm f4 for $2,500 on Craigslist. Obviously a scam. Thought I would string him along.
quote:
Me: Do you still have the lens? I would like to meet and will pay you cash for it.
Scammer: Hello,
Thanks for being interested in buying my Canon EF Lens20. I will start my email by telling you that I'm currently out of the state, so pick up isn't an option. It's in excellent condition and runs perfect .The lens will be delivered at your home address.Total price will be $2,500.The transport company will be FEDEX. The transaction will be made only through eBay because they will handle with all that has to be done ,the shipping , payment and transfer the lens in to your property. Right now I'm located in Danbury for the moment, in New York because my little sister is getting married and i couldn't miss this once in a life time moment. She found her true love over here in Danbury. I have to stay here for at least two weeks. Before I left I found a buyer and I had everything arranged.I payed for the shipping and sent it to him .But yesterday the buyer that I had asked me to wait another 4 weeks because his loan wasn't approved. I can't wait this long as I'm in the NY for 3 days now and i really need the money. A major issue is that if you want to buy my lens you really need to have the money ready for it.
This purchase protection guarantees that the lens is exactly as I described; basically, once delivered, you'll have 10 working days to inspect it at your home and if you decide not to keep it you will get refunded in no time and they will charge me with the return costs.If the lens meets your expectations and you want to keep it you will have to tell them to release me the payment details so I can get paid.If you are interested in this purchase please reply me with your full name and shipping address .After i pass this details to them you will receive an invoice and further instructions as how will you be able to get possession of the lens .
P.S : If you need more details,or pics just ask.
Let me know your thoughts,
Thanks,
Robin
Me: I will be in ny for next 2 weeks so I can meet u and pick it up. Let me know.
Scammer: Hi there,
Here are all easy steps to complete the transaction :
First you will have to send me your full name,address and phone number. I will contact ebay and they will send you the invoice with all the details about payment and insurance .
Regarding the payment, you will receive invoice from ebay ..you will be instructed to deposit the money to an eBay account,You have to pay with cash. They will hold and insure your money until receipt of the lens in excellent condition. That is how their buyer protection policy is working. As far as the seller concerns, I will be glad to know that eBay has the possession of the money during the delivery period. That is my insurance.This is an refundable amount .
In 48 hours you will receive the lens . After you receive the lens you have 5-10 days to test the lens and check the documents.
After max 10 days you will contact the ebay and you can tell them your decision. If you decide to hold the lens, then you will have to authorize ebay to release the funds to me, and the transaction will be completed. If it does not matches 100% to your expectations, you will return it in maximum 10 days since the arrival date. In this case ebay protection program will refund you the full amount in 24 hours and the same delivery courier will pick up the lens and you donĀ“t have to pay the return shipping.I am sure you will love the lens and will not want to return it, but it is good to know that you do have this second option available.
During this transaction , ebay will provide you all the the support you need and you can ask for all the details of this deal.
If you are interested in this purchase let me know .
Me: Why make it so hard...im going to be near danbury ny for next 2 weeks. Can't I just pay you cash plus additional $100 for your trouble?
Scammer: Hi, I want to sell the lens asap. I can`t wait 2 weeks.
Thanks for your time.
Robin
Me: No, I'll there for the next 2 weeks. Flying into NJ on monday and will be around NY for the duration of next 2 weeks.
Scammer: Hi,
Ok, I understand now, I have a lot of work and I can`t meet you and also I paid the shipping fees.
If you want to buy, please provide me the requested details!
Thanks!