Last weekend, I put up a couple of ads on Craigslist for some of my old furniture and appliances – amongst them, a big rug.  For those of you who have never heard of such a thing, Craigslist is an online, unsecured, unverified market place.  You put up your ad for free and prospective buyers can contact you over email.  You then haggle, arrange a rendezvous and exchange your wares.  This is all well and good in theory, but in practice, things get a bit more….  interesting.  Consider this reply that I received with respect to the rug that I put up for sale.

still available for sale? please let me know..

This is how most Craigslist conversations start.  Very informal.  Not much detail revealed besides an email address (and perhaps, a name).

It is for sale!  You can reach me at XXX-XXX-XXXX.
Let me know when you want to come pick it up.

So far so good.

Hi,
Thanks for your response. I'm going on a vacation to London
but I will instruct my assistant to prepare and mail your
payment which I'm sure you will get in about 4 - 6 business
days. I'll add $20 extra for the delay. I'll pay by M O or
cashier check so send me your info (i.e full name, mailing
address and your phone number) so payment can be mailed out
immediately. I will also make arrangement for pick-up which
will be after you must have received and cashed the payment.Awaiting your info.Thanks
Frank

Now things are getting a little more interesting.  How many of you think that this is reasonably innocent?

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