"You feel victimized:" Sellers beware of fake buyers on Craigslist

MILWAUKEE — It seemed like the perfect online transaction: a buyer wanting to pay more than the seller is asking. But the seller quick learned the deal was too good to be true.

Some Craigslist users are trying to take advantage of consumers using the auction site.

"The first day we had the listing up — I got an email that didn’t look right," said Stephen Godlewski.

Craigslist ad Stephen Godlewski posted to sell his mother's car.

Godlewski was trying to sell his mother's car when he got a question about the price from a potential buyer.

"I told him $3,000. He said he was going to give me an extra $100 not to take anyone else’s offer and he was going to give me the price I wanted for the vehicle," Godlewski recalled.

Initially, Godlewski was thrilled, but that feeling changed when he was asked for personal information.

"He wanted my PayPal information so that he could go ahead and transfer me the funds," Godlewski said.

The potential buyer didn't ask Godlewski any important questions about buying a car. The buyer also seemed to be in a rush.

"You didn't send anyone over to look at the vehicle, but you’re going to send someone to pick it up. He doesn’t have time to look at it. That doesn’t make sense," Godlewski said.

Message from potential buyer that caused concern for Godlewski.

Godlewski called authorities.

"The check or the financial instrument is fake – you put this in your bank account withdraw this money and send them the extra $1,000 back," explained U.S. Postal Inspector Bladismir Rojo.

A few days later, banks realize the buyer's check or money order is fraudulent. The victim is on the hook for the money and loses the item he was trying to sell.

"You feel victimized. You feel someone invaded your privacy because its on your computer. It's almost like someone came into your house and took your money," Rojo said.

Approach online transactions with caution. If you are sent money orders or check, be sure they clear the bank before you turn over the item you're selling.