I have been looking for a good laptop for college lately. While I was checking Craigslist I found a pretty good deal on a used Alienware. I contacted the seller and this is what I got in return:
Of course as soon as I saw this the first thing I thought was that it's a scam. Still, going by what they said, UPS wouldn't send the money until I've recieved it and had a chance to try it out. I still assume it's probably a scam, but I just wanted to get some other people's opinions first, such as how it would work and what problems there are with it.
QUOTE said:Hello,
Yes
My name is Nancy Smith and I am now in London, United Kingdom (I was sent here with my work ). I made an order for a new Laptop for UK use and I need the money from this sale to pay it.
We can close a deal ASAP.
Obviously we need a way to complete this deal that will allow us to make sure we receive what we are after.
I have found a way for us to complete the deal safely and fast, and in this way you will receive the Laptop in less than 2 days, if you move fast as well. The solution is provided by UPS, which will handle the payment and delivery of the Laptop.
I have found a procedure that will allow you to pay for the Laptop only after you will receive it and through this way you
will see it and test it before I receive my payment.
You can visit www.ups.com for more information. I'm sure you've heard about them, I worked with them many times.
Like I said, I will pay for a 2 days delivery so you will receive the Laptop right away.
I will explain to you step by step how this will work:
1) First, you will have to send me your full name and address. I will need them for the shipping.
2) I go to UPS and leave the Laptop onto your name as the intended receiver.
3) UPS will check the Laptop to see if everything is OK with it and also the legal papers that will come along with the Laptop.
4) UPS will send you a delivery notification to let you know they have the Laptop, in which you will be told that they have
the Laptop and that they checked it.
5) At this point you will have to go to a Western Union Agent Location and make a money deposit on the UPS payment agent name for the amount we agreed.
6) After you make the deposit you will have to send the info about the money deposit to UPS (MTCN, sender's name and address)
7) UPS will verify the payment informations and if everything is in order they will deliver the Laptop to you .
8) After you receive the Laptop, check it and see that all is in order you will instruct UPS to send me the information about
the money deposit and I will be able to receive the funds.
I will pay UPS for the shipping and you will pay Western Union for the Money Transfer fee .
Let me know if we can do this.
Thank you,
Nancy
Of course as soon as I saw this the first thing I thought was that it's a scam. Still, going by what they said, UPS wouldn't send the money until I've recieved it and had a chance to try it out. I still assume it's probably a scam, but I just wanted to get some other people's opinions first, such as how it would work and what problems there are with it.