A Scammer's Tale- (LONG POST) - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

03/05/2008 10:33:57 PM · #1

Scam alert! While browsing Craigslist I found a Nikon package that was too good to be true -- It advertised a D300, 2 professional Nikon lenses, SB-800, Battery Grip, and assorted other things. ONLY USED A FEW TIMES. All for the low, low, price of $900.00. The seller included some pictures of the equipment. Being the skeptic that I am and having a few extra moments to kill, here is my corrospondence with the seller. I googled TNT.com after his second reply and found it is a well documented scam. Bottom line, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. I'm posting this for its entertainment value(not much) and as a cautionary tale. (his text is italicized)

**************************
My first volley went something like this>>

Hi, saw your posting on craigslist. Is the package still available. I don't shoot Nikon but I have a friend who does. The package seems underpriced but maybe there is a good reason.

Mark

> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Chris Remus [mailto:chrisremus@hotmail.com]
> > Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 1:19 PM
> > To: Mark Peters
> > Subject: Nikon D200 10.2 MPixel D SLR, Package w 2 Pro Lenses ---$900
> >
> > Hello,
> >
> > I still have the Nikon D200 10.2 MPixel D SLR, Package w 2 Pro Lenses
> > and the price is $900.
> > My name is Chris Remus and I am a professionist photograph but for
> this
> > reason I'v had to move in London, United Kingdom.
> > At this new company where I work now they have gived me a new camera
> and
> > now I have to sell this one because I don't need it anymore
> > All original accessories, software and manuals...nothing missing. USA
> > warranty card. USED 5 TIMES IN HOME PHOTO STUDIO.
> > I've only taken about 900 photos with it. It really is in brand new
> > condition. Not a mark on it.
> >
> > For more info about shipping and payment please contact me.
> >
> > Thanks

> > Subject: RE: Nikon D200 10.2 MPixel D SLR, Package w 2 Pro Lenses
> ---$900
> > Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 13:13:42 -0800
> > From: mpeters@
> > To: chrisremus@hotmail.com
> >
> > OK, I'll pass it on. I'm a Canon guy myself but I have to wonder why you
> > would sell this package for 30% of market price???
> >
> > If my friend asks, how do you accept payment?
> >
> >
> > Mark>
> >

******
-----Original Message-----
> From: Chris Remus [mailto:chrisremus@hotmail.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 2:02 PM
> To: Mark Peters
> Subject: RE: Nikon D200 10.2 MPixel D SLR, Package w 2 Pro Lenses
> ---$900
>
>
>
> Hello again,
>
> Like I said I'v had to move in London, United Kingdom with my job.At
> this new company where I work now they have gived me a NEW camera and
> now I have to sell this one because I don't need it anymore
>
> 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 camera in less than 2 days, if you move
> fast as
> well. The solution is provided by a company called TNT which is similar
> to Fedex, DHL or UPS, which will handle the payment and delivery of the
> camera.I have found a procedure that will allow you to pay for the
> camera only after you will receive it and through this way you will see
> it and test it
> before I receive my payment.
>
> Please click on the link bellow to the TNT website to see how we can
> complete the deal safely and fast directly from the website of the
> company where the procedure is explained:
>
> //www.tnt.com/country/en_generic/about/ournews/euexpansion.html
>
> Like I said, I will pay for a 2 days delivery so you will receive the
> camera 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 the TNT store and leave the camera onto your name as the
> intended receiver.
> 3) TNT will check the camera to see if everything is OK with it and also
> the legal papers that will come along with the pai .
> 4) TNT will send you a delivery notification to let you know they have
> the camera,in which you will be told that they have the camera 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 TNT 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 TNT (MTCN, sender's name and address)
> 7) TNT will verify the payment informations and if everything is in
> order they will deliver the camera to you .
> 8) After you receive the camera, check it and see that all is in order
> you will instruct TNT to send me the informations about the money
> deposit and I will be able to receive the funds .
> I will pay TNT for the shipping and you will pay Western Union for the
> Money Transfer fee .
> Let me know if we can do this.
>
> Best regards>

*****

> Subject: RE: Nikon D200 10.2 MPixel D SLR, Package w 2 Pro Lenses ---$900
> Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 14:28:10 -0800
> From: mpeters@
> To: chrisremus@hotmail.com
>
> Again, why are you selling so far below market value?
>
> Where you live and whether or not you were gived a NEW camera has no
> bearing on your willingness to sell the package for 2000 to 3000 less
> than market value. Your posted price makes me think you are either
> scamming or an idiot. I'm not sure which, but I have a guess.
>
> Sorry, I'll pass.
>
> Mark

*****
That camera is a gift for me and now I have another brand new ($5000) and i don't want two
I sell so low because I want to sell in 1 day not 20 days ok stupid idiot

Ozzie

Nikon D90

03/05/2008 10:37:58 PM · #2

Definitely a scam with all the perfect spelling and grammar NOT!! Thanks for notifying us, I had to chuckle at the last sentence ending with ok stupid idiot

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

03/05/2008 10:50:07 PM · #3

A friend of mine pointed this ad out to me last week and asked if it was legit. I told him it was a surefire scam. Nevermind the price or grammar... no photographer on the planet would ever advertise this level of camera and and fail to mention which lenses are included.

03/05/2008 11:00:15 PM · #4

Originally posted by scalvert:

A friend of mine pointed this ad out to me last week and asked if it was legit. I told him it was a surefire scam. Nevermind the price or grammar... no photographer on the planet would ever advertise this level of camera and and fail to mention which lenses are included.

Exactly- I wanted to string it out a little more, but duty called. ;) I'm not sure if he caught my use of 'gived' in my last mail to him but it gave me a chuckle.

I found the same posts which had been flagged for deletion in two other cities by googling the text of the ad. My next question to him was going to be something along the lines of 'Why would you post in little ol' Modesto when SF/bay area is next door, with 5x the prospective buyers. :)

I'm still looking for a 5D body for about $1000.00. USED 5 TIMES IN HOME STUDIO would be perfect.

trevytrev

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

03/05/2008 11:10:21 PM · #5

There is one that goes around for a canon 30D and two L lenses for $1300. same email and excuses and I too did the same as you and googled TNT, saw that it is a scam. i also googled the listing and saw it posted in about 5 other cities, definte red flag. The sad part is if you search around you will see people who have had their money scammed by these people.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

03/05/2008 11:10:58 PM · #6

Originally posted by mpeters:

I'm not sure if he caught my use of 'gived' in my last mail to him but it gave me a chuckle.

It's not polite to mock a professionist photograph. ;-)

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM

03/05/2008 11:42:44 PM · #7

Originally posted by scalvert:

Originally posted by mpeters:
I'm not sure if he caught my use of 'gived' in my last mail to him but it gave me a chuckle.

It's not polite to mock a professionist photograph. ;-)

What about the photograph-er taker? Can we mock those?

Tajhad

Canon EOS R

03/06/2008 12:42:26 AM · #8

Obviously a scam but how did you find out by googling by TNT ? Obviously by the speeling/speling/spelliiing/spelling but TNT is a respected company in these neck of the woods !
By the way I have a Nikon 350D (the upgrade from the D300) with a Pentax 13-72 lens and a canon 680x flash I am selling cheap. Just PM me if interested.

Message edited by author 2008-03-06 01:14:00.

03/06/2008 01:43:12 AM · #9

Tajhad, This link was from my google search.

Chinabun

Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

03/06/2008 08:50:58 AM · #10

That was funny stupid idiot LOL. That's a pretty good scam. What at tard! I feel bad for the people who dont know any better and might fall for this.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

03/06/2008 09:02:42 AM · #11

Originally posted by Tajhad:

TNT is a respected company in these neck of the woods !

Yes it is (I've done some design work for them). The scammers undoubtedly chose TNT for a reason: suspicious people would find a legitimate company if they did a Google search. Most people know that Fedex/UPS/DHL don't work this way, but TNT is less likely to draw suspicion.

alanfreed

Nikon Z9

03/06/2008 09:03:40 AM · #12

I'm almost positive I saw a very similar ad in the Pittsburgh Craigslist photo/video listings just the other day, now that you mention it! The details feel eerily similar. Lovely to know that Craigslist apparently attracts wonderful human beings on the same caliber as the eBay scammers. It's really a shame you can't trust the authenticity of practically anything nowadays.

Ken

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

03/06/2008 09:24:02 AM · #13

There was one this week for a 5D, battery grip, 24-70 2.8, and other included goodies for $1300. He never responded to my email asking why it was so low and where he was located. Maybe he was busy selling his D300.

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

03/06/2008 09:32:39 AM · #14

Originally posted by mad_brewer:

He never responded because I bought it from him! I should have the package any day now! ;)

tjbel05

Nikon Z9

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

03/06/2008 09:35:47 AM · #15

Ha funny. This same person was advertising a Nikon D2x at the same price. I also knew he was scamming, but decided to play. He quit talking to me when I asked for the serial number on the Camera and Lenses. The ad was listed on Craigslist in 42 cities. I flagged it as spam.

Tammy

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

03/06/2008 09:49:01 AM · #16

Originally posted by tjbel05:

My hero.

Tez

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

03/06/2008 09:49:17 AM · #17

i had this but on a site called Gumtree- a guy was selling a 5D with the kit lens for Â£350. I said yeah sure i'll buyt it, where can we meet etc.

He sent me one back saying he was moving to Germany so needed a quick sale (hence the price), he had only used it twice but it was "too much camera for him", and I should pay through a company called Royal Mail (the only postal company in UK) and i can deposit my money with them and then he will send it etc etc. I then said that for that price, I'll fly to Germany myself since I have family there, meet him wherever he likes and pay him. I also asked why he wanted payment in Â£Â£Â£ when he would be using euros over there. He said this was no good because he wasn't moving for a month, and I replied saying I wasn't going there for about 5 weeks anyway so there's plenty of time and shall we meet up or shall I report him for scamming?

He didn't reply after that.

i reported him for scamming.

tjbel05

Nikon Z9

03/06/2008 09:55:23 AM · #18

Originally posted by _eug:

Originally posted by tjbel05:
Ha funny. This same person was advertising a Nikon D2x at the same price. I also knew he was scamming, but decided to play. He quit talking to me when I asked for the serial number on the Camera and Lenses. The ad was listed on Craigslist in 42 cities. I flagged it as spam.

My hero.

You're silly! Its a good thing we all share these stories. that way people here know what to look for!

03/06/2008 10:02:10 AM · #19

Originally posted by tjbel05:

Originally posted by _eug:

Originally posted by tjbel05:
Ha funny. This same person was advertising a Nikon D2x at the same price. I also knew he was scamming, but decided to play. He quit talking to me when I asked for the serial number on the Camera and Lenses. The ad was listed on Craigslist in 42 cities. I flagged it as spam.

My hero.

You're silly! Its a good thing we all share these stories. that way people here know what to look for!

I am quite serious. You're my hero for reporting 42 listings on CL as spam. I'd never have the patience.

Something that you CL searchers might like over Google: crazedlist.org

Message edited by author 2008-03-06 10:02:37.

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM

03/06/2008 10:07:17 AM · #20

hehe

I just did a Crazed search for the title in the South and got a hit in West Palm Beach. Hittin' that SPAM link.

Venom

Canon EOS R

03/06/2008 06:53:03 PM · #21

Originally posted by scalvert:

Originally posted by mpeters:
I'm not sure if he caught my use of 'gived' in my last mail to him but it gave me a chuckle.

It's not polite to mock a professionist photograph. ;-)

I love it! He also sent so BS my way so ask him for additional photos of say ..."the back of the camera body"..."close-ups of the 70-200"...etc.

As I figured, I didn't get much more than a few quick 'web shots'!! These people ARE just plain STUPID IDIOTS!!

Sorry to have gived you a peace of my mined!!

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM

03/10/2008 02:59:28 PM · #22

Here we go again... :P Posted on CL-Modesto today.

Canon EOS 5D & 24-70mm F/2.8L SLR Digital Camera Kit - $1000

My goal is to elicit a 'stupid idiot' response to one of my emails without obvious baiting. And to maintain anonymity, I'm using gmail. For those of you that care, I'll keep you posted.

Venom

Canon EOS R

03/11/2008 11:04:49 AM · #23

Originally posted by mpeters:

For those of you that care, I'll keep you posted.

Yeah, let us know how it turns out! I think that these people are just

their heads on a brick wall! Do they really get that many people to send them $$ thru TNT?!?
PS. Makes me want to

!!!

03/12/2008 07:56:53 PM · #24

His reply...

On Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 12:26 PM, Stan Sherwood wrote:

Hi there,

I still have the Canon gear. I'm located in Hellena MT ( i have the gear with me), if you're still interested in the
sale please let me know and maybe we can work something out. So drop me a line if you're up for grabbs!

Thank you!
Stan Sherwood

****
My reply to him

Hi,

It seems pretty cheap. I'm not up on all of the latest prices but if the equipment is in good condition it would be worth a look. How would you rate the condition of each item?
BAD) << 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 >> (GOOD

Sammer (Me)

Message edited by author 2008-03-12 19:57:44.

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II