If it sounds too good...
All that we could say, has already been said at Wikipedia's Caveat emptor page. We do what we can and within reason, to protect our property (this site) and ensure its validity. But you have to do your part as well.
The basic premise is this: We provide a community forum where any John Doe can post information. We do look at each new ad to make sure that it's not blatantly over the top, or in violation of our site policies. And if we see a problem, we delete the ad - no comments provided, no justification given. It's free. That's the deal. But, as a purveyor of this information, you have to understand that an offer which sounds to good to be true, usually is. And if you see something out of the ordinary, or in violation of EEOC or Fair Housing laws and rules please report it to us. Even though we look at each new ad, simply because we allow an ad to be posted does not make it true or valid. You must examine each ad and use your own judgement as to it's specific claims and validity.
Things to look out for
** Requests or demands to send or receive wire transfers, money/postal orders, cashier checks, Western Union, etc.
** Any request whatsoever for your bank account information - any piece of it (bank name, branch, account, etc.). Any request for social security information or PayPal information or login.
** There are a few legitimate "work at home" type of offers in the world. Most will specify a known company name. However, most are questionable if not fraudulent. Be especially aware of any service which requires payment up front to receive information about an offer or job. Be aware of job offers for "posting ads," doing "online surveys," and "mystery shopping." Again, some may be valid - use your judgement here - but most are not.
** Any request whatsoever for your bank account information - any piece of it (bank name, branch, account, etc.). Any request for social security information or PayPal information or login.
** There are a few legitimate "work at home" type of offers in the world. Most will specify a known company name. However, most are questionable if not fraudulent. Be especially aware of any service which requires payment up front to receive information about an offer or job. Be aware of job offers for "posting ads," doing "online surveys," and "mystery shopping." Again, some may be valid - use your judgement here - but most are not.
Verification messages/emails and branded services.
College Classifieds.com will NEVER send you an email message asking for your email address, password, credit card information or anything else. We will not send you a message with an attachment telling you that your account has been suspended. And, there is no such thing as a College Classified payment protection service or escrow service. Please report any suspicious activity.
Known Scams! - Do not reply to these, please report them! (scroll down)
There are a few known scams circulating the internet and specifically, free listing services. Because we do review every ad which is posted as well as every ad reply, we expect to see few of these. However, if one slips through, be aware and do not reply to the ad or the ad reply. The intent of the person operating the scam is to obtain personal information and or financial data. Here are some examples.
* The "pet adoption" ad. There are many variants of this ad, most, if not all are scams. The different versions of this ad have been circulating since at least 2004 and are an attempt to gain access to personal information as well as defraud you of your money. Most originate from Nigeria, Ukraine or Russia, though lately they have come from within the US. Considerable numbers of newspapers have been ripped off due to these kinds of classified ads, all of which are placed using stolen credit card data. In short, any ad similar to these is pulled, and the account blocked. That is our right!
Example 1:
READY TO GO, I Currently have two adorable AKC Male and Female English Bulldogs puppies available. Champion bloodlines and come with health certificate, wormings, updated shots, small baggie of puppy food and full AKC registration and 1 year health guarantee. The puppies available now are $700 Each. Puppies available now for more information please contact Chelsea Arakaki on her email address: chelseabulldogs@gmail.com
Example 2:
Adorable akc reg english bulldog for adoption. $450 Current vacc, full shots & dewormings. Email/Call Jim (jdek200@yahoo.com) 304-553-0552
Example 3:
Responsible breeder raising quality AKC French Bulldogs in a loving environment. Beautiful, happy, healthy puppies ready to become a member of your family. james_micheal2005@yahoo.com checked & health certified.
Example 4:
AKC Male and Female English Bulldogs, yorkie terrier, maltese puppies available. Champion bloodlines and come with health certificate, wormings, updated shots, small baggie of puppy food and full AKC registration and 1 year health guarantee. contact: 315-836-4934
Example 5:
We have three puppies still available out of a litter of ten beautiful AKC registered English bulldogs. These little pups have a Champion bloodline, great personalities and wonderful dispositions. Contact me via email on robert_melissa000@yahoo.com
READY TO GO, I Currently have two adorable AKC Male and Female English Bulldogs puppies available. Champion bloodlines and come with health certificate, wormings, updated shots, small baggie of puppy food and full AKC registration and 1 year health guarantee. The puppies available now are $700 Each. Puppies available now for more information please contact Chelsea Arakaki on her email address: chelseabulldogs@gmail.com
Example 2:
Adorable akc reg english bulldog for adoption. $450 Current vacc, full shots & dewormings. Email/Call Jim (jdek200@yahoo.com) 304-553-0552
Example 3:
Responsible breeder raising quality AKC French Bulldogs in a loving environment. Beautiful, happy, healthy puppies ready to become a member of your family. james_micheal2005@yahoo.com checked & health certified.
Example 4:
AKC Male and Female English Bulldogs, yorkie terrier, maltese puppies available. Champion bloodlines and come with health certificate, wormings, updated shots, small baggie of puppy food and full AKC registration and 1 year health guarantee. contact: 315-836-4934
Example 5:
We have three puppies still available out of a litter of ten beautiful AKC registered English bulldogs. These little pups have a Champion bloodline, great personalities and wonderful dispositions. Contact me via email on robert_melissa000@yahoo.com
Example of a reply to an ad attempting to defraud the advertiser. In this example, the person is replying to a "for sale" item and is attempting to start a conversation, the end result of which is to obtain your bank account via a supposed deposit of funds for the item for sale. This is a real example, having been posted from a user in Nigeria. The additional tip off is the phrase "Happy new year..." Obtuse greetings such as this are a red flag. We also flagged this not only because of the originating location (Nigeria) but also because it was used for multiple replies.
Example 1:
Happy new year Is the your item still available for sale What is your final asking price?
Example 2:
I am ready to buy your ad now, immediately, today, but I need to wire the funds to you. Please reply/call/email back with your bank account number and I will wire the funds immediately.
Happy new year Is the your item still available for sale What is your final asking price?
Example 2:
I am ready to buy your ad now, immediately, today, but I need to wire the funds to you. Please reply/call/email back with your bank account number and I will wire the funds immediately.
Nasty example of a reply to an ad requesting help with child care. These people stop at nothing.
Example 1:
phashmol_2@yahoo.com - Hello , Am Tom samson .i saw ur ads ,so am looking for a babby sitter who will take good care of my son for me .because am a contractor and i travel all over here and there . i lost his mother two month ago in a motor accident and i love him so much .i will want u to take good care of him .so i will want u to get back to me with the actaul amount for three month okay .so get back to me as soon as possible. Tom
phashmol_2@yahoo.com - Hello , Am Tom samson .i saw ur ads ,so am looking for a babby sitter who will take good care of my son for me .because am a contractor and i travel all over here and there . i lost his mother two month ago in a motor accident and i love him so much .i will want u to take good care of him .so i will want u to get back to me with the actaul amount for three month okay .so get back to me as soon as possible. Tom
Example of a reply to an ad attempting to defraud the advertiser. In this example, the person is replying to a "for rent/sale" property and again, is attempting to start a conversation, the end result of which is to obtain your bank account via a supposed deposit of funds for the property deposit. This is a real example, having been posted from a user in Nigeria (again). We also flagged this not only because of the originating location (Nigeria) but also because it was used for multiple replies.
Example 1:
Greetings! Thank God I found your ad, it's just what I was looking for! I am Walter Thompson and I live in Australia/England/pick a country and will be moving to Atlanta/Detroit/New York/pick a city next month. I need to know how much it costs to rent/buy your apartment and if you allow me to move my furniture in soon. My financier is located in the US and will take care of the deposit once you approve the application and verify the transfer. Please reply with information. Etc., etc. - (Again, the goal here is a bank account number.)
Example 2 the person claims to be from the UK, currently working in Africa, planning to move to the US and all the while, submitted this from an IP address located in Italy:
Hello, My name is (_name_deleted_), I am 25 years of age from the Great Britain, a very simple and quiet person to live with. I love travelling, sporting and enjoy meeting people. I dont smoke but do not mind people who do being around me. I am cool, pretty laid back and easy going person and like to have a mate who is very responsible and understanding mate. I work currently in the field in Africa.I'm working presently with my company JEK Construction Inc here in Africa. I had CCNA in certification and do hope to end my current assignment soon I hope to come down as soon as I do to explore my talent and love to have a more profitable job. I'm willing and ready to lease for 9months. I saw your advert and I'm sincerely interested in the place advertised as I will be moving to the in as soon as I leave here (Africa). Please reply to my message if it's still available for rent. Thanks as I anxiously await your response. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. Regards (_name_deleted_)
Example 3 posted from an IP address in Israel:
Hello... I would like to know if your place is still available for rent.Please i would appreciate it if i could get a few pictures of the place if it is still available as i am not in a position to come and take a look at the place and i need to show them to my dad.He is the one incharge of all the payments arrangements.Please note that i am highly interested in your place. Well here is a little about myself.i am a young lady of 26,from edgeware,in london.I am honest,cheerful,very open, a christain.I am not a neat freak,buti believe in keeping my enviroments clean.I am from a family of 3,i have 2elder brothers who are both married and living in seperate countries.I live over here with my dad who is also out of town to carry out a construction project in Spain.Well.i am not sure if all that i have stated is nessesary..but i am not sure what you want to know about me.It would be more helpful if you could kindly specify what you want to know.Well,i am actually coming down for my Masterate Degree programme with the Universities and hoping to find myself a home away from home.I am looking for a short time lease,but if i end up liking the place i might decide to finally settle down.I am hoping to move in before the end of this month (Febuary).It all depends on soon so i can get a suitable place. Hmm .,.a little more about me.I love kids,animals,very easy to get along with.Well ..that's all i can think of for now.Please get back to me with the actual monthly rent plus the utilities and let me know if you are comfotable with the short time lease so i could have my dad contact you as regards the payments...Happy New Year. Hope to hear from you. Thanks alot. Mary
Example 4 posted from an IP address in Turkey:
hello, how are you today, my name is chelsea, am interested in your ad, and i love to be a roomate........kindly let me know the present conditions of the apartment and the price. i will love to move in asap. if your price is moderate enough, i will direct my Uncle to send a check payment to you asap. thank you chelsea
Example 5 posted from an IP address in the UK:
phashmol_2@yahoo.com - Hello, My name is Tom samson ,I am from the United State of America,i came over to United kingdom for a modelling trip,i am coming to the state soon ,so i am looking for a nice and cool room,i am intrested in yours so i want you to mail me back with the total amount that will be paid and also a some pics for the room is there is any,i will also want you to calculate all the necessary bills,there is a boss of mine in the state that i will ask to make my last payment to you in a cashiers check so i want you to get it cashed then deduct yours and send the balance to me Via Western Union which i Will be using for my coming over,i want you to know that i will be responsible for the western union harges and i want you to send me the name and address you want the check made out to and also your phone number so i can always get in touch with you,you will be sending the balance to my travelling agent as soon as you get! it cashed and i will also include my picture in the message so you can see me. Love to hear from you A.S.A.P Tom samson
Greetings! Thank God I found your ad, it's just what I was looking for! I am Walter Thompson and I live in Australia/England/pick a country and will be moving to Atlanta/Detroit/New York/pick a city next month. I need to know how much it costs to rent/buy your apartment and if you allow me to move my furniture in soon. My financier is located in the US and will take care of the deposit once you approve the application and verify the transfer. Please reply with information. Etc., etc. - (Again, the goal here is a bank account number.)
Example 2 the person claims to be from the UK, currently working in Africa, planning to move to the US and all the while, submitted this from an IP address located in Italy:
Hello, My name is (_name_deleted_), I am 25 years of age from the Great Britain, a very simple and quiet person to live with. I love travelling, sporting and enjoy meeting people. I dont smoke but do not mind people who do being around me. I am cool, pretty laid back and easy going person and like to have a mate who is very responsible and understanding mate. I work currently in the field in Africa.I'm working presently with my company JEK Construction Inc here in Africa. I had CCNA in certification and do hope to end my current assignment soon I hope to come down as soon as I do to explore my talent and love to have a more profitable job. I'm willing and ready to lease for 9months. I saw your advert and I'm sincerely interested in the place advertised as I will be moving to the in as soon as I leave here (Africa). Please reply to my message if it's still available for rent. Thanks as I anxiously await your response. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. Regards (_name_deleted_)
Example 3 posted from an IP address in Israel:
Hello... I would like to know if your place is still available for rent.Please i would appreciate it if i could get a few pictures of the place if it is still available as i am not in a position to come and take a look at the place and i need to show them to my dad.He is the one incharge of all the payments arrangements.Please note that i am highly interested in your place. Well here is a little about myself.i am a young lady of 26,from edgeware,in london.I am honest,cheerful,very open, a christain.I am not a neat freak,buti believe in keeping my enviroments clean.I am from a family of 3,i have 2elder brothers who are both married and living in seperate countries.I live over here with my dad who is also out of town to carry out a construction project in Spain.Well.i am not sure if all that i have stated is nessesary..but i am not sure what you want to know about me.It would be more helpful if you could kindly specify what you want to know.Well,i am actually coming down for my Masterate Degree programme with the Universities and hoping to find myself a home away from home.I am looking for a short time lease,but if i end up liking the place i might decide to finally settle down.I am hoping to move in before the end of this month (Febuary).It all depends on soon so i can get a suitable place. Hmm .,.a little more about me.I love kids,animals,very easy to get along with.Well ..that's all i can think of for now.Please get back to me with the actual monthly rent plus the utilities and let me know if you are comfotable with the short time lease so i could have my dad contact you as regards the payments...Happy New Year. Hope to hear from you. Thanks alot. Mary
Example 4 posted from an IP address in Turkey:
hello, how are you today, my name is chelsea, am interested in your ad, and i love to be a roomate........kindly let me know the present conditions of the apartment and the price. i will love to move in asap. if your price is moderate enough, i will direct my Uncle to send a check payment to you asap. thank you chelsea
Example 5 posted from an IP address in the UK:
phashmol_2@yahoo.com - Hello, My name is Tom samson ,I am from the United State of America,i came over to United kingdom for a modelling trip,i am coming to the state soon ,so i am looking for a nice and cool room,i am intrested in yours so i want you to mail me back with the total amount that will be paid and also a some pics for the room is there is any,i will also want you to calculate all the necessary bills,there is a boss of mine in the state that i will ask to make my last payment to you in a cashiers check so i want you to get it cashed then deduct yours and send the balance to me Via Western Union which i Will be using for my coming over,i want you to know that i will be responsible for the western union harges and i want you to send me the name and address you want the check made out to and also your phone number so i can always get in touch with you,you will be sending the balance to my travelling agent as soon as you get! it cashed and i will also include my picture in the message so you can see me. Love to hear from you A.S.A.P Tom samson
