Let the Games Begin!

Like answering a strange number on my phone, knowing it'll probably be a scam and being prepared to give more BS than the caller, getting Craigslist texts has become another game of 'Not on MY watch!' When my phone *ding*ed this morning with a text notification, the title of this post was the first thing to come into my head.

They're fast, the scammers. The first one texted within 2 hours of the listing going live. I missed it for an additional 2 hours (I sometimes forget to carry my phone on my days off), but responded politely and apologetically when I finally thought to look for my cell.

213-306-6559: Hi. I'm interested in the singer. Available? (Not a local phone prefix, but that's not always germane in these days of cells.)

Me: Yes. Sorry about delay--wasn't tethered to phone.

(This one was going to let me simmer. I didn't get another text until the next morning.)

213-306-6559: ok. I'm currently travelling for work, I don't mind adding extra $50 to mark it sold, I'll overnight the check and arrange for pickup. Thanks

(Legit buyers buy in a city they're near. When I needed packing material for my parents' stuff while in Oregon, I wasn't looking on the Texas Craigslist!)

Me: There hasn't been that much interest. It will probably still be available when you get home.

213-306-6559: ok. Or I can have you ship it. I'll need name and address for the check. Thanks

(BING! {Guess who's been falling asleep to "Groundhog Day" on Netflix?} Today's secret scam word: SHIP.)

Me: Shipping not an option. If you need an old machine, you could try visiting goodwill or antique marts in your travels.

213-306-6559: I need this one. I can arrange pickup either way. May I have your info for payment

(Getting insistent, another tell-tale sign.)

Me: I prefer to do business the old-fashioned way: face-to-face, with cash.

~ ~ ~ End Transmission ~ ~ ~

The second scammer weighed in just before bedtime the first day.

323-200-5358: Hello, My name is Richard. (Hi, dick.) I came across your sewing machine advert on Craigslist, how long have you had it? what's the current condition?.

(BING! Hasn't read the verbosely detailed listing.)

Me: As the ad indicates, the machine is fully functional. I've had it about 6 years.

323-200-5358: Okay, that's good to know. I'm helping a good friend of mine to purchase it and the asking price works for me. Did she buy it new?

323-200-5358: you*

(Really? IN THE LISTING it states it was produced between 1968 and 1971, and I just told you I've owned it for 6 years. Too busy conning to count on your fingers?)

Me: No, I bought it used and replaced all the worn-out parts so it runs and sews well.

323-200-5358: Sounds good. We are currently away (traveling--they're always traveling) planning our daughter's wedding in few days, I can mail a cashier's check to you tomorrow and overnight it. Once the check is cleared in your account, I'll arrange for pick up. Please let me know if that works for you.

(Are you sensing a theme with the check overnighting?)

Me: That does NOT work for me.

323-200-5358: Why?

323-200-5358: I'm really interested

Me: Classic scam. Assuming you even live nearby, I can wait til you get back home.

323-200-5358: Not a scam

Me: Well then, we can pick this up when you're back in town.

~ ~ ~ End Transmission ~ ~ ~

 Off now to prepare Pink's listing and don the gloves for Round Two.

 

Later that day . . .

This has gone live as of 7pm Texas time:

I've plugged my phone into its charger.