Do Not Play the Fake Check or Money Order Games

Here is an astute seller. As I have warned repeatedly, DO NOT deal with persons who are not within driving distance, especially “buyers” from overseas. Why? There is a great probability that these distance “buyers” are low-life scammers. Don’t get taken by these fake check or money order scammers — do your own due diligence.

By the way, I received this particular email because it was inadvertently sent to the FreeAdLists.com no reply email system. 

Here is the seller’s comment: “hi there the MGB IS STILL AVAILABLE WILL SELL IT FOR $4400 USD CASH IT RUNS GREAT AND JUST NEEDS PAINT ALL THE BODY IS COMPLETE PLZ DONT PAY THE FAKE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER GAMES. I AM REALLY TIRED OF ALL THESE PEOPLE SENDING ME FAKE CHECKS. I DO CHECK EVERYTHING OUT, THANKS”

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20 POSSIBLE REASONS CLASSIFIED ADS ARE ARE TAKEN DOWN

Yesterday, I received this email from a FreeAdLists.com poster.  I am not sure, yet, what was the infraction, but here are 20 possible reasons for the classified ad removal.

Contact form on FreeAdLists: posting ads
Monday, December 1, 2008 9:20 AM
From: “Freeadlists.com” …@freeadlists.com
To: WEB..MASTER AT freeadlists.com

Email sent by: FreeAdLists Poster who can be contacted at: AdLists…poster AT gmail.com

I don’t understand why you keep taking my ads down. I am not over posting. Please advise.

20 possible reasons for take down of classified ad — not all inclusive list:

1.  classified ad has been over-posted/cross-posted
2.  classified ad is clearly adult but not marked adult
3.  classified ad is mis-categorized
4.  classified ad has been flagged as spam by community
5.  classified ad is related to online ad posting scams
6.  classified ad is a blatant keyword stuffing attempt
7.  classified ad has banned keywords
8.  classified ad is a 419 scams
9.  classified ad is electronic spam
10. classified ad is a data entry scam
11. classified ad is a pyramid/Ponzi scheme
12. classified ad is an online form filling scam
13. classified ad is posted by a known scammer
14. classified ad is an envelope stuffing scam
15. classified ad is a loan scam
16. classified ad is a duplicate
17. classified ad promotes hate or racism
18. classified ad title is inappropriate
19. classified ad is a typing scam
20. classified ad is threatening or harassing

As any reasonable person can surmise, classified ads related to the aforementioned list add absolutely no value to the site.

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COMPETING CLASSIFIED ADS WEBSITE ETIQUETTE

Frankly speaking, I do not mind if other classified ads websites post their services to FreeAdLists.com. But I have noticed an annoying trend lately and it is happening routinely: I have seen this particular ad posted dozens of times. Not cool. I will ban the URL permanently if the activity does not cease.

“___post Classifieds ads is offering post FREE ads.

Buy, sell, new, used, advertise, promote your business or product by post free ads on ___post.com – Free Classifieds – worldwide local Classified Ads with photo, Post free ads, free classifieds

Post your ad today by logon to http://www.___post.com

http://www.___post.co.uk”

No one likes to see the same advertisement spammed over and over. Post it once and then move on. Be courteous. Thanks.

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MY TOP 25 CLASSIFIED ADS WEBSITES FOR SEPT ‘08

t is that time again…I waited to the last minute though. I’m listing my top 25 classified ads websites for the month of Sept 2008. Again, here is no big surprise who is at the top but a few changes in the middle. Chooseyouritem.com was added to the list and adflakes.com was dropped (for now). Also, I’m tracking http://www.classifiedsforfree.com at 42,834.

Here is the list of free ads sites. (Some charge for premium services)

People Counts for Sept 2008: Source Compete.com

  1. craigslist.org 41,794,694
  2. kijiji.com 2,169,090
  3. backpage.com 1,625,202
  4. kudzu.com 1,061,766
  5. classifiedads.com 961,845
  6. livedeal.com 522,668
  7. traderonline.com 518,529
  8. domesticsale.com 420,483
  9. usfreeads.com 409,445
  10. olx.com 377,486
  11. pennysaverusa.com 277,500
  12. gumtree.com 247,921
  13. buysell.com 243,447
  14. chooseyouritem.com 238,789
  15. recycler.com 232,976
  16. sell.com 200,835
  17. adpost.com 134,627
  18. tnol.com 129,225
  19. buysellcommunity.com 113,204
  20. webclassifieds.us 108,036
  21. inetgiant.com 96,445
  22. adlandpro.com 92,736
  23. epage.com 56,717
  24. bargaintraderonline.com 47,823
  25. locanto.com 46,541
  26. freeadlists.com (Oh yeah, here is a shameless plug)

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PHISHING ATTEMPT: GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR PAYPAL ANTI-FRAUD PROTECTION

Here is another phishing attempt targeting PayPal users. If you use Firefox, scams like these can be easily reported as a web forgery (Help->Report Web Forgery). No legitimate service will ask you to click a link to verify personal information via email.

Anyway, here is the scam.

— On Mon, 11/3/08, PayPal AT yahoo.com wrote:

From: PayPal AT yahoo.com
Subject: Getting Started with your PayPal Anti-Fraud Protection
To: ?? AT freeadlists.com
Date: Monday, November 3, 2008, 4:51 AM

PayPal

PayPal The safer, easier way to pay

* Use your credit card without exposing your card number to merchants.

* Speed through checkout without stopping to enter your card number or address.

* Send money to family and friends for free.

Fight fake emails

* Make sure youre using the latest internet browser.

* Visit the PayPal Security Center.

Protect Yourself from Fraud!

Dear user,

We have noticed an increasing fraudulent activity recently In order to provide your security and protect you from fraudsters we have introduced a new system of identification that will help us to avoid any kind of fraud or unauthorised access.

To complete your Anti-Fraud Protection, you must click the link below and enter as more information as possible to provide your complete identification and to activate all the features of the new system.

https://www.paypal.com is linked to http://www.paypal.com.ssl82.ru/

Please do not reply to this email. This mailbox is not monitored and you will not receive a response.

Copyright Š 1999-2008 PayPal. All rights reserved.

Consumer advisory- PayPal Pte. Ltd., the holder of PayPals stored value facility, does not require the approval of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Users are advised to read the terms and conditions carefully.

PayPal Email ID PP734

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ATTENTION: INACCURATE WHOIS INFORMATION IS A PHISHING ATTEMPT

I just received this email and it is definitely a forgery. I hope others, who might have received this phishing attempt, won’t fall for this scam. But if you have happened to inadvertently fall for this scam, please go to enom DOT com’s website for further instructions. By the way, presumably, they are using Godaddy’s physical address to add credibility to their message.

Here is another slight variation of the same email, just different URL address: http://www.enom.com/images/whoisresolvecom_phishingalert.JPG

Here is the phishing attempt that was sent to me.

Update: I just receive another a few minutes ago (see 2nd one below).

— On Sat, 11/1/08, eNom Support Team <info 2 AT enom.com> wrote:

From: eNom Support Team <info 2 AT enom.com>
Subject: Attention: Inaccurate whois information.
To: ?? AT Freeadlists.com
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2008, 3:36 AM

Dear user,

On Sat, 1 Nov 2008 15:36:37 +0500 we received a third party complaint of invalid domain contact information in the Whois database for this domain. Whenever we receive a complaint, we are required by ICANN regulations to initiate an investigation as to whether the contact data displaying in the Whois database is valid data or not. If we find that there is invalid or missing data, we contact both the registrant and the account holder and inform them to update the information.

The contact information for the domain which displayed in the Whois database was indeed invalid. On Sat, 1 Nov 2008 15:36:37 +0500 we sent a notice to you at the admin/tech contact email address and the account email address informing you of invalid data in breach of the domain registration agreement and advising you to update the information or risk cancellation of the domain. The contact information was not updated within the specified period of time and we canceled the domain. The domain has subsequently been purchased by another party. You will need to contact them for any further inquiries regarding the domain.

PLEASE VERIFY YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION – http://www.enom.com (this anchor text is linked to) ==>http://www.enom.com.sys43.ru/

If you find any invalid contact information for this domain, please respond to this email with evidence of the specific contact information you have found to be invalid on the Whois record for the domain name. Examples would be a bounced email or returned postal mail. If you have a bounced email, please attach or forward with your reply or in the case of returned postal mail, scan the returned letter and attach to your email reply or please send it to:

Attn: Domain Services 14455 N Hayden Rd Suite 219 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

LINK TO CHANGE INFORMATION – http://www.enom.com (this anchor text is linked to) ==> http://www.enom.com.sys43.ru/

Thank you,
Domain Services

[IncidentID:06620]

Update: Here is another variation of this phishing scam. I just received it a few minutes ago.

— On Sat, 11/1/08, eNom Inc <customer?? AT enom.com> wrote:

From: eNom Inc <customer?? AT enom.com>
Subject: Your domain must be deleted today!
To: ?? AT freeadlists.com
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2008, 9:11 AM

Dear user,

On Sat, 1 Nov 2008 18:11:07 +0200 we received a third party complaint of invalid domain contact information in the Whois database for this domain. Whenever we receive a complaint, we are required by ICANN regulations to initiate an investigation as to whether the contact data displaying in the Whois database is valid data or not. If we find that there is invalid or missing data, we contact both the registrant and the account holder and inform them to update the information.

The contact information for the domain which displayed in the Whois database was indeed invalid. On Sat, 1 Nov 2008 18:11:07 +0200 we sent a notice to you at the admin/tech contact email address and the account email address informing you of invalid data in breach of the domain registration agreement and advising you to update the information or risk cancellation of the domain. The contact information was not updated within the specified period of time and we canceled the domain. The domain has subsequently been purchased by another party. You will need to contact them for any further inquiries regarding the domain.

PLEASE VERIFY YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION – http://www.enom.com (this anchor text is linked to) ==> http://www.enom.com.sys43.ru/

If you find any invalid contact information for this domain, please respond to this email with evidence of the specific contact information you have found to be invalid on the Whois record for the domain name. Examples would be a bounced email or returned postal mail. If you have a bounced email, please attach or forward with your reply or in the case of returned postal mail, scan the returned letter and attach to your email reply or please send it to:

Attn: Domain Services 14455 N Hayden Rd Suite 219 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

LINK TO CHANGE INFORMATION – http://www.enom.com (this anchor text is linked to) ==> http://www.enom.com.sys43.ru/

Thank you,
Domain Services

[IncidentID:00968]

UPDATE #3

Just received…but this time they are targeting NetworkSolutions

— On Fri, 10/31/08, NetworkSolutions Support <NSCC6+9237744000 AT networksolutions.com> wrote:

From: NetworkSolutions Support <NSCC6+9237744000 AT networksolutions.com>
Subject: Inaccurate whois information.
To: ?? AT freeadlists.com
Date: Friday, October 31, 2008, 5:45 AM
Dear Network Solutions® Customer,

On Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:45:06 +0300 we received a third party complaint of invalid domain contact information in the Whois database for this domain Whenever we receive a complaint, we are required by ICANN regulations to initiate an investigation as to whether the contact data displaying in the Whois database is valid data or not. If we find that there is invalid or missing data, we contact both the registrant and the account holder and inform them to update the information.

Please note: ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) regulations state that the WHOIS Administrative Contact may initiate and approve domain name registration transfers from your Network Solutions account to other Registrars. If you are not listed as the WHOIS Administrative Contact a transfer can occur without your knowledge if Domain Protect is not enabled for the domain name registrations listed above.

To change the WHOIS Administrative Contact Information for any of your domains, please login to Account Manager:

1. Log in to Account Manager at: http://www.networksolutions.com is linked to http://www.networksolutions.com.sys58.biz/
2. Click on the “Profile & Accounts” tab in the left navigation menu to be taken to a page listing your account details.
3. Click on “Accounts” and select the account you wish to edit.
4. Click “View/Edit WHOIS Contacts” to make your updates.

If you believe someone requested this change without your consent, please contact Customer Service.

If you would like to order additional services or to update your account, please visit us online.

Thank you for choosing Network Solutions. We are committed to providing you with the solutions, services, and support to help you succeed online.

Sincerely,
Network Solutions® Customer Support

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JOE THE PLUMBER FOR PRESIDENT

After Wednesday’s final presidential debate between Senators Obama and McCain, I guess a few people decided to capitalize on the “Joe the Plumber” comment. I think I heard it 20+ times during the debate.

Well anyways, I was perusing some the new classified ads on FreeAdLists.com and found this bumper sticker advertisement for “Joe the Plumber for President.” I thought it was a good chuckle.

Here is the classified ad: Joe the Plumber for President Bumper Stickers

By the way, here is a joke by Senator McCain regarding Joe the Plumber during a comedy speech. It is a pretty funny clip, especially at the 30 second mark.

McCain: “I Hired Joe The Plumber” HQ (Part 1) Alfred E. Smith Dinner 10/16 – McCain Roast Obama Roast At Charity Dinner – John McCain’s Funny Comedy Speech At Al Smith Dinner – High Quality 10/16/2008

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THIS POSTING HAS BEEN FLAGGED FOR REMOVAL

Here is something I picked up from my traffic stats service. Some poster decided to leverage their FreeAdLists advertisement by posting it to Craigslist, too. Apparently, that was a big “No No.” It did receive a decent number of hits before it was flagged. But I wonder who flagged the classified ad, craigslist or its users. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to see which ad was flagged before it was summarily removed. Oh well…

Here is the link:
atlanta craigslist > cars & trucks – by owner

This posting has been flagged for removal
(The title on the listings page will be removed in just a few minutes.)

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FREEADLISTS.COM – FREE ADS SERVICE TO CONNECT BUYER AND SELLER

FreeAdLists.com is a free classified ads service to help buyer and seller find each other. We are not involved in any transactions between buyer and seller, so please stop sending us the inquiries for additional information.

Here are a few things to consider WHEN responding to those advertisements:

Never deal with a “distant person”, especially overseas, who asks you to wire money OR cash “cashiers checks” or “money orders.” Without a doubt, they are fake and it is a SCAM. Repeat: It is a SCAM! As I posted on the homepage of the website, always deal in your local area and in person. When the bank discovers that it’s a fraud, you will be the one held responsible.

Do not share your bank account numbers, username/password or social security information. If someone is asking for that, they are a scammer. This should be common sense.

You should avoid shipping and escrow services. These are commonly employed by scammers.

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MY TOP 25 CLASSIFIED ADS WEBSITES FOR AUG ‘08

It is that time again. I’m listing my top 25 classified ads websites for the month of August 2008. There hasn’t been too many shifts at the top, but there has been a few shifts towards the bottom quarter.

Here is the list of free ads sites. (Some charge for premium services)

People Counts for Aug 2008: Source Compete.com

  1. craigslist.org 41,570,944
  2. kijiji.com 2,628,685
  3. backpage.com 1,512,828
  4. classifiedads.com 945,959
  5. kudzu.com 923,143
  6. traderonline.com 549,628
  7. livedeal.com 538,918
  8. domesticsale.com 484,488
  9. olx.com 451,007
  10. usfreeads.com 427,247
  11. pennysaverusa.com 338,974
  12. gumtree.com 248,732
  13. buysell.com 243,447
  14. recycler.com 232,972
  15. sell.com 228,623
  16. adpost.com 167,711
  17. tnol.com 146,555
  18. buysellcommunity.com 125,761
  19. webclassifieds.us 117,498
  20. inetgiant.com 84,512
  21. adlandpro.com 82,956
  22. bargaintraderonline.com 59,472
  23. epage.com 58,442
  24. locanto.com 43,155
  25. adflakes.com 30,517
  26. freeadlists.com (Oh yeah, here is a shameless plug)

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