Darien Freedman
Complaint 94397 Details

Was selling an item on Craigslist and so called "Darien Freedman" emailed me saying he was interested. I could smell a scam a mile away and this was what he said:

"Hello,I am interested in buying this item.Do you have more picture?
Thank you."

- I then sent him a few pictures

"Thank you for the mail,i am okay with the condition Likewise your
asking price is quite reasonable and affordable considering others
I've seen lately, I'll have it for $1,800,please kindly send me a
paypal payment request to set up purchase,i will arrange for pick up
after the cleared payment via paypal.Many Thanks"

- At this point, my gut tells me something isn't right.

Following other emails after a payment request was made:

"I was just about to pay when i had this problem with the pick up,my
pick up agent says i will need to pay for the pick up before they can
schedule a pick up time,they charged me $850.00 for pick up and
delivery,and payments for pick up made through western union money
transfer,i will add the $950.00 to the money i will send through
paypal as soon as i have made the payments,i will email you and let
you know and please i will need you to help me send the money to my
pick up agent through western union money transfer, this can be done
from any western union outlet office,there is always western union
money transfer section in most post offices(you can do it online as
well at www.westernunion.com)...,
i would have done it myself but as i am at sea and didnt bring my
credit card aboard, i am a little incapacitated.....I will appreciate
your help here. Looking forwards to hear from you so we can start the
transaction."
"I have transfered $2,750 usd into your account and i expected paypal
to have notified you to this effect.check your mail
folders(inbox,spam and junk mail)I added Extra $950 usd but $850 usd
will be sent to my agent through western union at any western union
shop,extra $100 is to cover the western union & paypal fee.Paypal said
they will temporary hold the fund until you email them the western
union details for verification,and also to enable my pick up agent to
come for pick up and inspection.Here is the agent's details where the
money will be sent.

Robin Edwards
Address 1286 West 14th Ave,
City West Yarmouth
State MA
Country United State
Zip Code 02673

Hope to hear from you soon."

"Thanks for your mail...but i want you to understand this...i have make
the payment in a GOOD FAITH and paypal have already deduct the money
from my account and when i contact paypal they told me the money will
be in your account as soon as you get back to them with the mtcn
#...for verification and i ask them why they doing this...they tell me
it for protection of you and me to be save from any internet scam on
craigslist...so please try to understand that and send the money out
right so we can be able to complete the transaction."

In between emails, I was filing an IC3 complaint, writing this, and sending him profanity laden emails.