Below is the most convoluted hoax I have ever seen... and because I really need a computer, I fell for for it. This scam involves an Macbook Pro computer, Western Union and a fake shipping company called Express TNT.
I found an ad on craigslist New York for a 15.4" Apple Macbook Pro, 2.16 GHz with OS X Leopard. The ad claimed that it was a year old and the warranty was transferable. The asking price was $680 obo.
I contacted the seller, one Dennis Owens. He claimed that he had just moved from New York to Manchester UK, but that he still had the computer and hoped I would buy it. He sent me pictures and told me about a third party transaction/shipping company (TNT) who would take care of getting the computer to me in the US. The following is a compilation of the letters messages he sent me: %%%%%%%%%%%%%% The laptop is still available and I hope you are still interested. My name is Dennis Owens and I am now in Manchester, U.K.
This machine has been used for professional needs over the past year, it is in great condition and runs perfectly, and beyond evidence of normal use there is only a small cosmetic blemish on the side which is shown in one of the pics. The warranty is fully transferable. One more thing, it works on US voltage so you do not need a converter.
I have attached some pics with the laptop to this e-mail so you can see the condition of the laptop. Please get back to me and let me know if you like the laptop if you're really interested in buying it.
I will pay for a 2 days delivery so you will receive the laptop within 3-4 days.
Obviously we need a safe 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 laptop in less than 3 days, if you move fast as well. The solution is provided by a worldwide delivery company called TNT. TNT is similar to Fedex, DHL or UPS and they will provide assistance in hadling the payment and delivery of the laptop.
With this procedure you will have the change to test the laptop before I receive my payment.
The procedure is explained on the TNT webpage and please click on the link below to the TNT website to see how we can complete the deal safely and fast directly from the website of the company. http://cargoexpresstnt.com/about.tnt/index/details.html
Here is the text of the package confirmation e-mail from the fake shipping company, express-tnt.com:
TNT International Express Features:
International Express Letter with one letter rate and no commodities or weight restrictions.
Shipment picked up at an agreed time.
Next-day express delivery to all U.S. destinations by 3 pm. available for documents and packages, International Express includes door to door service Monday to Sunday during normal business hours.
Status of shipment available via the Internet with Tracking.
TNT International Express Third Party Delivery Service reduces risks associated with Internet transactions by acting as a licensed, trusted, neutral third party providing assistance to Internet shoppers for Internet transactions.
TNT International Express Inc. Third Party Delivery - How does it work?
Phase 1: Buyer and Seller Agree to Terms
Both parties agree to terms, which includes a description of the merchandise, sale price, number of days for the Buyer's inspection.
Phase 2: Transaction - 8 easy to follow steps.
1. The Buyer will provide the Seller with his shipping information.
2. Seller will go to a TNT Location and will leave the merchandise in TNT's custody with the Buyer's name and address as the intended receiver.
3. TNT will make a complete verification of the merchandise, and TNT will also verify the legal papers of the merchandise.
4. TNT will send to the Buyer a written confirmation that the package is in TNT's custody and also, that the package content has been verified and it is ready to be delivered to the Buyer's shipping address. In this delivery notification TNT will also send a complete description of the merchandise, with detailed specifications of the merchandise.
5. At this point TNT will send a complete set of payment instructions to the Buyer, instructing the Buyer on how to make the money deposit to TNT, to the name of the TNT Agent responsible with the transaction. The Buyer and the Seller will receive a Reference Number that identifies their specific transaction.
6. The Buyer will complete his/her payment following the specific instructions sent to the Buyer by our TNT Customer Service. TNT will verify the payment information provided by the Buyer, and after the payment is received by our TNT Payment Service, TNT will deliver the package to the Buyer's shipping address. This service is a door to door service.
7. The Buyer receives the package and verifies the merchandise. After the Buyer verifies the merchandise - and only if the Buyer is completely satisfied with it because the merchandise matches the description sent by the Seller - the Buyer will instruct TNT to release the payment to the Seller.
8. If for any reason, the Buyer will not be satisfied with the package content, the Buyer will return the merchandise to TNT with no expense, no questions asked. In this instance the Buyer will receive a full refund from TNT with funds taken from the Seller's Trust Fund. Here's the fake email from the fake company:
Important TNT Payment Instructions/Shipment Details
Please read the Instructions carefully.
Tracking Number: 65578716
Status: Payment Verified
Click here to track your package: Tracking Dear TNT Customer,
We have verified your payment through Western Union Money Transfer:
- MTCN: 641-890-8635
- Sender's Name: ***** *******
- Amount Transferred: US $680.00
Delivery Type: TNT Express Overnight Delivery
ETA (estimate time of arrival ): Wednesday, February 13, 10:00 AM EST
This Macook ad is a total scam. Don't do it. They are liars and thieves. Do not send money to anyone you do not know in order to purchase a computer (or any other item) you have not seen. Do your transactions locally. There should be no reason to involve Western Union in the purchase of a computer. And in no case should a computer purchase involve overseas shipping. In the end, I'm out $738, but a little wiser. Not that it's much of a consolation...
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