Okay, when I sell stuff on amazon.com, I clearly say what's included...

[Deja Q]

yesterday some scammer sends an inquiry of "can i buy." and I responded. Then I get another e-mail in return, whose grammar and URL links obviously show it's a fuckin' attempt ad PHISHING. Even two different e-mail addresses were used; the first one having a slightly dissimilar name -- if this were legitmate, and you'd have to see the pattern of discrepancy, there would be NO disparity. Not to mention, why say "can i buy" when the "BUY NOW" button is prominently labeled... but the phishing attempt was obvious; the wording between amazon.com's official verbiage and what they poorly put in its place, which includes a disclaimer to be sure to update all my account information.

Utterly laughable.

Okay, so theirs was a failed attempt. A bad attempt too.

So, today, wow. Another possible buyer and for something else I'm selling! Hot damn! I'm gonna be rich if I take all of these inquiries at face value! Wheee!! The listing openly states it includes RAM and system board are included. This fella asks if it comes with RAM and a system board. Uh, how the fuck can't you NOT SEE IT? It's the first 40 characters that get displayed when listed! Come on, you cretins!!

So, what would happen if I did respond? Let's see, I'll respond saying that it does include RAM and board, just like how I clearly mentioned that in the listing for all to see, and then I'll get an e-mail from "amazon.com" saying it's been sold. Going to amazon.com rather than clicking on the convenient embedded link they oh-so-kindly included, I'll see that NOTHING has been sold. Yes, I'm aware people can spoof e-mail addresses too. I work in IT, not management.

What sort of fool do these bastards think I am? The wrong sort of fool, that's what.

And should I put in my ads "All phishers will be reported to all relevant authorities?" These twerps are as incognito as a pig with wings playing the ukulele...


So that's my PSA for today. Be careful what you sell and be careful how they try to trick you by spoofing someone else's e-mail address and try to point you to a fraudulent site. And DO fight back by turning in any suspect e-mails you get sent. Better to be over-cautious than a blind fool.

[timeforpeace]

1. Is selling on Amazon any better, or worse, than selling on eBay?

[hobbit709]

2. I get that on craigslist too.

Had one that wanted to know if I could reinstall Windows, etc. on 14(eleven) Dell laptops.
I emailed him:
"OK, make up your mind, is it 14 or eleven that you are trying to scam me with.
By the way, I forwarded this to the proper authorities and your email provider."

Never heard back.

[ecstatic]

3. Beware of the fake "Paypal Payment Received" emails

that might show up after a person with a fake profile buys your item. They hope you'll just send the item without making sure the payment was really sent.