City authorities are warning residents about a recent flood of online scams involving Craigslist.
The Kalispell Police Department has come across several “overpayment” scams from sellers on Craigslist, city officials announced last week.
In a typical overpayment scam, someone contacts an online seller and informs them that they wish to purchase the item or items for sale. The prospective buyer gives an excuse for sending a check of an excess amount, like $2,500 for a $100 item, and asks the seller to send the excess funds to a drop off location. But the check is later found to be a forgery and the seller is liable for the forged check.
Officers urge online sellers to deal locally with prospective buyers; never wire funds; avoid cashiers checks and money orders that could be fake; never give out financial or personal information.