Need some advice on wether or not this is a scam

[iBookG4user]

I'm selling a computer on Craigslist right now and I'm asking $500 for it a got a response from someone who said that they were interested. Although this email sounded fishy to me, for one I put it in the inland empire (California) craigslist and the guy is located in New York, and you can probably pick up the rest from the email.

Hello,thanks for ur prompt response.
I am highly satisfied with the condition of the item and will be very happy to buy it. Actually, I am buying this item Urgently for my Daughter studying in school as a surprise Birthday gift, and the birthday party will comes up in 3-4 days time.....i woud have love to come and pay in CASH but due to distance, that's not possible now ok, so I will like to commence with the payment ASAP. So all you need to do now is to send me your full name and your Full house contact address, I mean your (Name, Str Address, City, State, Zipcode), so that i can make the fast and secure payment by sending a Money Order through United States Money Order Service today and willing to offer ($550 usd Excluding shipping), so for you to remove the item from the posting ok. I will try and handle the shipping myself with FedEx courier service okay?. Actually, I work as researcher /scientist. I am currently working on contract for my company international agricultural research center supported bythe CGIAR, research and technology. Am running an Advance Study in Alfred University, NewYork. (cell phone taken out)
Thanks.
(work and address information taken out)

Any advice?

 

[MultiM]

Looks pretty clear to me: keep the ad posted, this guy is fishing for personal info and is not serious.

 

[itcheroni]

Every time someone can't meet on Craigslist, I just assume it's a scam. This is especially true because I always see the same story lines. Distance + it's a gift for someone else + willing to pay more + money order.

 

[emw]

Any advice?

If you need to ask...

 

[adk]

DEAL LOCALLY WITH FOLKS YOU CAN MEET IN PERSON - follow this one simple rule and you will avoid 99% of the scam attempts on craigslist.

FAKE CASHIER CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS ARE COMMON, and BANKS WILL CASH THEM AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE when the fake is discovered weeks later.

AVOID DEALS INVOLVING SHIPPING OR ESCROW SERVICES and know that ONLY A SCAMMER WILL "GUARANTEE" YOUR TRANSACTION.

I'm shocked that you even had to ask about this one.

 

[steamboat26]

Just reading the email, you can tell its probably a scam
He randomly changes subjects several times, why should you care where he works?
Also, his seemingly awkward use of words should be another tip.

 

[Demon Hunter]

It's obvious it's a scam before you even finish the first sentence.

 

[lancestraz]

I didn't even read the OP's post and I'm confident saying: Yes, it's a scam

Edit: Read it. Scam.

 

[3nm]

the ONLY reason to sell stuff on CL is because you can deal locally. if this very condition cannot be met, you can be sure that it is a scam.

ebay + paypal is a safer option if you intend to sell your stuff out of your local area.