Internet Crime

Let me tell you......

I am waving the white flag.

Multiple white flags.

Should you decide to post something for sale on

Craigslist.

Be forewarned........

Listen up.

It can happen to you.

Someone could contact you wanting to purchase said item

can they pay you with paypal?

"Why of course" you think

That is a safe way to complete a transaction for all involved.

"Ive been using Paypal for at least 10 years"

WRONG!!!

You can be sent e-mails that LOOK like they are from Paypal

with the logo

with special transaction numbers

They have deposited money and all paypal wants is the UPS tracking number.

It all looks legit.

You mail said item

send the tracking number

and wait for payment to be released into your checking account

which doesnt arrive

what you do get is an e-mail asking for more money to be wired for misc shortages.

WHAT?!

You call paypal

only to learn its all a scam.

There is nothing paypal can do because none of the e-mails were actually from them.

They will research it.

I have learned from the Sheriffs officer that it happens.

He actually knew of someone "working out of their home shipping packages"

Got the "work at home job " on Craigslist.

come to find out the unpaid for -stolen- items

were mailed to his address and he turned around and mailed them to another address.

He was just the middle man.

Took him two weeks to figure out something was fishy.

(today we also have heard of people selling items, using paypal, and the recipient claiming that merchandise was never received and seller loosing money- send it receipt signature required in these situations.)

Yesterday at Bible study, one of the ladies wanted to rent a home listed on Craigslist and contacted said person. They wanted X amt for rent, great price, go look at the house and when we come back in town we can show you the inside. They wanted first last and security to hold it. Thankfully they called the realty agency on the sign in the front yard. It was a scam.

People are looking up MLS listings and using those on craigslist to get money.

We Filed an FBI report.

Called homeowners Ins to see if they could possibly help???

Wishing I could purchase a ticket to California to visit this private address and find this person. Who just added insult to injury.

Because now we are "crossing jurisdictions"

and no telling if anything will ever come of this loss.

Something irreplaceable

and valuable

is now gone.

Was up till 5am.

Running it around in my head

praying for God to fix it.

Begging.

I know in ____ time I will be able to look back on this

see things learned.

I am thankful my family is alive and well.

taking one day at a time.

Looking for God

choosing to see grace......

This day is BEGGING to be a day of thanksgiving!

I hope all of this will be in the back of your mind,

that our loss can prevent something bad happening to you.

Under His wings,

Anna