It's a warning for people who like to sell things online. Dishonest buyers are looking to steal money by sending sellers worthless money orders.
Here's an example: A seller posted a picture of an elliptical machine on Craigslist with the asking price of $1500. Officials say she not only got a response, but the buyer sent her $2500, well over the asking price.
But the money order the buyer sent was counterfeit. The con artist was hoping to trick the seller into wiring back the overpayment from her bank account before the bank realized the money order was worthless.
"The entire transaction was bogus," Tom Ouelette, U.S. Postal Inspector said. "The buyer never had any intention of buying anything. The intent was to get the seller to wire transfer the money.
"Consumers need to be aware that whenever you are selling something on an online auction site and you get a payment for more than what you asked for, it's probably a scam," Ouelette said.
Fortunately, in this case, a red flag went off for the seller. She contacted postal inspectors and didn't lose any money. They recommend you deal locally whether you're the buyer or seller.
