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Scam or not ?

G

galaxy121

macrumors member
Original poster
Mar 22, 2008
63
0
So I put my basically still new macbook pro on craigslist to sell because I just got one of the new imacs and I got a potential buyer. I just want to know what everyone thinks and see if this could be a scam or not. I talked to him online and he sounded legit. He even talked as if he knows my school and people who went there. We agreed on a deal on the phone and he said he will email me the terms of our agreement. He vetted out from me on the basis of that I had his phone number and I have talked to him on the phone atleast 3 times now so I know he isnt using a fake number.

The buyer emailed me this

Hello this is Vincent, I spoke with you today regarding the purchase of (1) 13" Macbook Pro 2.26ghz, 2gb Ram, & 160gb. Both the seller and I agreed on the purchase price of $1050. Seller confirms that this deal is legitimate and reassures that this is not "hot" merchandise. Seller agrees that there is no damage or defects to the machine internally and is in full working condition. Buyer understands this sale is "as-is" an takes full responsibility of any repair issues that may arise. Seller agrees to fulfill this deal as stated upon agreeing to the following terms and conditions. Both the seller and buyer agree that this is a legal binding agreement between both parties to fulfill this transaction successfully. If the following is correct, I need to get your full name, contact # and address so Fedex can arrange shipping & COD payment for tomorrow. Please respond with the following info. We appreciate your business. Thanks Again

Vincent Parker

857-***-****
Click to expand...

I again talked to him today and asked him how a COD transaction will work since i have never been involved with one before. He explained that when FedEx comes to pick up the package, that I will get paid on the spot for my macbook to get shipped. Now can any other macrumor members diagnose this for me as a scam or not ?
 
If you're the one shipping....shouldn't it be you setting up the COD? Does FedEx even do COD? I know UPS does.

You need to be getting his contact and shipping information not that other way around. Heh...I'd call fedex and see how they pay and what guarantees you have on the money you get. Is it a check backed by fedex? If you get the money first then you are safe so long as a check doesn't bounce or something lol
 
psingh01 said:
If you're the one shipping....shouldn't it be you setting up the COD? Does FedEx even do COD? I know UPS does.

You need to be getting his contact and shipping information not that other way around.
Click to expand...

Well he told me his company has a corporate account with FedEx so I will be getting the payment and they will then collect the macbook
 
There is a reason you shouldn't be doing shipping deals on Craigslist. Too many ifs and maybes.
 
Him laying out the terms sounds pretty legit and perhaps is just him trying to cover his own ass... that is until he brings up the shipping part.

You never know. This could be legitimate, but I wouldn't bet $1050 on it. Not worth the stress or the risk. Getting a slightly better selling price for the item is not worth risking a thousand dollars over. Just politely turn down the offer, and know that you made the right decision.

I've been scammed/almost scammed too many times and I hate to see it happen to other honest people.
 
This is a probable scam just because the price ($1050) is above the market value, in addition to the shipping and COD. Because you can buy the low-end MBP for just ~$1100 from reputable sellers online, your MBP should go for no more than 1000 with a reasonable/legitimate buyer.
Deal locally, with cash, and list a price that you'll be willing to lower.
 
well he sent me a shipping label that has both tracking numbers on it and the amount for the COD and I did call FedEx and it sounded legit so I am in a crossroad now. I made sure that I called FedEx before calling him back and spoke to another representative and everything seemed fine.
 
Fed Ex confirmed that they would pay you upon their receipt of the laptop? Gotta say I do not believe it.....


Good Luck. :rolleyes:
 
Imho

Hello there:

Craiglists is for face to face transactions,maybe FEDEX can assure you they pay. Avoid to all cost runing into a deal, full of legal gibberish. Always stick with your gut feeling. And remenber: If sounds too good...Upfront money also can do magic with most fraudulent schemes!:cool:
 
Yeah I have decided not to go for it. Everything seems right, but my gut feeling is saying no.
 
its a scam, sorry.

The COD or money order or whatever will be fake account.

Its an old scam, think the first time I saw it was 5+ years ago?

FWIW, you can get a brand new 2.26 13" MBP for $1050.
 
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