The Craigslist 419

It was only a few days ago that I posted a recent 419 scam email that one of my junk accounts received. But now a new twist landed in the inbox of my main account. They responded to an ad I posted on Craigslist, and did so in a very crafty way. Here’s what happened.

About a month ago I posted an ad on Craigslist offering tutoring/lessons. A few days ago I received the following email:

Hello,

I require your tutorial service for my daughter who needs tutorial in Music. I would like to make a tutoring arrangement between you and my daughter for the month of November/December 2010, I would like you to tutor her within a period of 1 month, on a schedule basis of 1 hr Daily, 3 times weekly, totaling 12 times in a month.

Kindly get back to me with the total cost for your services.
Regards,
Linda

I answered this email minutes later, asking for additional details, etc. At this point, I actually thought it was a legitimate inquiry. It took several days for a response, which came in last night. Then it became clear how the modern 419’s are going after people on Craiglist… The email read:

HI ,

Thanks for your reply regarding my inquiry. My name is Linda Brigg and i am with the US CONSULATE in Denmark, my 15 year old Daughter (Miriam) will be coming to U.S for her holiday,and she is interested in undergoing your lessons programme. She is a middle school student,very brilliant ,sharp and smart little girl. She will be meeting you for 1 hour lesson per day(3 times per week) either at your house or any nearest library(Morning or Afternoon) and i am willing to offer you $30 per hour.I got a good and responsible nanny that will relocate to your location to take proper care of her and also to always drive her down to the location of the lesson .You would be receiving a check drawn from a Bank in the US, from the foreign affairs department in the US. This check would be made out for the cost of the tutorial services you are rendering, and also for the flight expense and nanny fees of my daughter.

Regarding this- I hope i can trust you with this payment, as the payment would be made out in excess, so all you have to do is to have the check cashed or deposited the payment at your bank, deduct your tutorial service fee, plus an additional $50 for run around fee and any learning materials that is required of her. The balance of the money should be sent to the Nanny via MoneyGram Global Money Transfer. Moneygram transfer is available at every Walmart outlets.

The nanny will be contacting you with further arrangement and instructions regarding pickup/drop off of my daughter to where you would always teach her.

I hope i can count on you for the tutorial and the money to be sent to the Nanny. I look forward to read a detailed message from you containing the following information, if you are OK with my arrangement, Send me your full name, address(not p.o box) and cell phone # so that i can write the check payable to your name. The payment will be mailed to you as soon as possible.

I hope to hear from you as soon as possible.
Cheers,
Linda

It has 419 written all over it. They want me to cash this check, take out my tutoring fees, and wire them the rest. And anyone who knows anything about a 419 scam will tell you that this check will bounce and the money will come out of your account.

If you’ve posted a lesson/tutorial ad on Craigslist, or have been contacted in any way similar to what you’ve read above, DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY INFO or ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION. This is a scam. Period.