Pacific Grove police warn of Craigslist scam targeting sellers

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION) Pacific Grove police are warning residents about a scam that they say is being reported more often lately.

The scam is reportedly happening on Craigslist and is targeting sellers. Police said buyers arrange to purchase an item, but over pay the seller, saying there was a clerical error or that a third party requires payment.

When the seller sends the over payment back or forwards it to the third party, police said the buyer cancels the original form of payment, so the seller is out the amount of the over payment.

To avoid becoming a victim of this scam, police recommend:

• Not accepting payment that is not what you agreed on.
• Requiring in-person pickup and payment through cash or a trusted online service.
• Trusting your intuition. Police say that if a situation seems off, it probably is.