The following was sent to my email for something I put for sale on craigslist. I realize its a scam. Do people really fall for them and what kind of scam is it? My identity is not worth stealing so what else to gain from this? Thanks

Sounds Good,
I will like to proceed with the transaction asap and my mode of payment will be via bank check drawn on my bank (Bank Of America) as there are too many scams online with bogus paypal payment and money orders,the item will be picked up from you by my shipper so you don't have to worry about shipment of the item also the check will be sent with the fund to cover cost of item and also shipment by my shipping company due to company policy the amount i placed with my company can only be written on a single check so that is why i want you to receive the check and send the excess fund to my shippers that will arrange the pickup when the check clears at your bank,once your bank verify and cash the check you will deduct your fund and send the excess fund to the shipping company so they will proceed with the pickup because i also have other items to be picked up,i should have handled this myself but i am not available to do this now i am currently away for my company seminar that is why i want to do this to facilitate the transaction so proceed to delete the advert of this item if my mode of payment is accepted and get back to me asap with your full name,physical address and phone # to send the check to you.

Regards
Charles

I had that same one. You should tell him that the rules have changed, he is to provide you the full payment in unmarked newly minted Swiss Francs, and the method of shipping will be by horse-drawn cart. Tell him also that a period between sentences is his friend...

yea I almost didn't read the whole thing, aggravating trying to read that crap

It's a common scam-

He sends you a money order, including some in excess, you 'cash it', send him the remainder and your item. Two weeks later, the check is bad.

http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams

However, your version is different... I'd play along and tell him 'just write your check to the shipping company and they can pay me cash when they pick it up.'

For great laughs, check out http://www.419eater.com/html/trophy_room.htm

And the best revenge story ever on a scammer:

http://www.zug.com/pranks/powerbook/

__________________
"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter, and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." A. Lincoln

My neighbor fell for this deal after he recently lost his job about year or so ago. He ended up having to pay the bank a few hundred dollars.

That revenge on the scammer was pretty cool.

I hate scum bags who prey on honest hard working people!