Is this a scam?
 

I answered an ad on craigslist and the seller, instead of being local was in Europe. He said we'd use the following procedure for the transaction:

About the procedure, things are pretty simple. First I go to Royal Mail with the item and start the delivery procedure. After I give them the item for you, Royal Mail will send you a notification to let you know the process has been initiated, and that they have the item for you. Also, in the notification they will send you clear instructions on how to make the payment to Royal Mail, to the Royal Mail agent's name. After you complete your payment, then you will notify Royal Mail, they will collect the payment and once they have your payment, then they will deliver the item to you asap. Delivery time is 2 days. After you receive the item you will have 5 days (i think it's enough) to test it to see if it is as I said, also to see that everything is in good order and then if you are satisfied with the items, then you will instruct Royal Mail to release the payment.

I will support the shipping and handling charges that are almost $175.00 USD. And you will support the fee to send the money to the Royal Mail company. Fee that is almost $95.00 USD. So the total estimated price that you will pay for it is $1,395.00 USD.

So if you want to make this happen please provide me your full name and shipping address.

That's how an escrow service works. Do some research on your own and see if Royal Mail indeed offers that service.

Maybe it's legit or maybe not, but personally, I would never do this. Too many opportunities for scams.

BTW, did the seller represent themselves in the ad as being local? If so, then they initiated this offer with subterfuge, which never bodes well.

I was just going to say the same thing. It might be legit, but why take the risk? I wouldn't. But do check with Royal mail to see if it is.

But surely there must be another way to get the equipment you need locally. And if this is a camcorder, are you sure it's NTSC and not PAL?

The seller isn't a Nigerian Prince, is he?

run away!

That is typical of a craigs list scam.

The thing that's weird is that the seller is in Italy and he wants to use Royal Mail, I assume that's the USPS of the UK? Makes no sense. I'll run away. It's just a laptop.

If in doubt, run away!

Email the seller and tell him you just learned you have a location shoot in Italy in a couple of weeks and ask if you can pick up the item in person - see what he says.

Do a search in other cities on craigslist and I'm sure you'll find the same ad. I feel that this is a remixed version of the Nigerian scam. http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/taking-ca...-scamming.html

100% - it IS a scam. Cease communications with him ASAP.

Definitely a scam! Run away and be glad you asked first...

UPDATE:

This is definitely a scam. I know for sure now. It's a Macbook Pro listed in for $1300. Here's the ad again. Buyer beware.

About the procedure, things are pretty simple. First I go to Royal Mail with the item and start the delivery procedure. After I give them the item for you, Royal Mail will send you a notification to let you know the process has been initiated, and that they have the item for you. Also, in the notification they will send you clear instructions on how to make the payment to Royal Mail, to the Royal Mail agent's name. After you complete your payment, then you will notify Royal Mail, they will collect the payment and once they have your payment, then they will deliver the item to you asap. Delivery time is 2 days. After you receive the item you will have 5 days (i think it's enough) to test it to see if it is as I said, also to see that everything is in good order and then if you are satisfied with the items, then you will instruct Royal Mail to release the payment.

I will support the shipping and handling charges that are almost $175.00 USD. And you will support the fee to send the money to the Royal Mail company. Fee that is almost $95.00 USD. So the total estimated price that you will pay for it is $1,395.00 USD.

So if you want to make this happen please provide me your full name and shipping address.

Nigerian scam, it is well known in europe. They even use it for sellers, providing a look-a-like fake paypal service.