Craigslist scam affects Hamden man

Hamden (WTNH) - A copy of a check provided to a businessman, from another businessman in California, is proof of a scam that hit home in Hamden. The plan was to deposit the check from California, take $1,100 out of his account in Connecticut and then wire it to a person in Wisconsin.

Ken Bustin, who operates "Re-Bath," thought he would put his two used ladder-racks on "Craigslist" and maybe make some money.

"Probably about three days later, I got an email saying, 'I'm interested in buying your ladder racks, I'll give you $100. If you don't mind, I'll send you a check in the mail.'"

But before the check arrived, the man, signed in as "James Conor" from California and said his secretary made a mistake -- issuing a check out for $1,100. So if Ken wouldn't mind, deposit the check, which takes a few days to clear, take 1,100 out of his account and keep the $100 bill. But when a mover stops by his Hamden office, give him the $1,000.

"I thought something was fishy about it," Ken said.

The story gets even more weird. The check wasn't signed by James Conor but by a Thompson Moore. And the return address on the UPS package was from a Kathleen Wurts. Ken did some homework and called the California bank listed on the check.

"Check the account number out, and they say the account number is invalid; it's not an appropriate account number," he said. "It's bogus."

But the story doesn't stop there. During News Channel 8's visit with Ken, he got one more email from James Conor. It seems the plan had changed. "Forward the rest of the cash, to the mover, via Western Union Money Order, Money Transfer..." the email read.

The lesson: Ken wants people to know that scammers are everywhere, even targeting people simply trying to sell slightly used ladder racks.

"When you get a check for a product you might be selling, make sure that check hits your account, and the funds are available. But ask the question, to the bank, did it clear?" he said.

News Channel 8 spoke with Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. He tells News Channel 8 that the scams on Craigslist are becoming more and more common, and if you have any concerns, contact his office.

Craigslist does warn of doing business multi-state or Western Union.

The check came from a city just south of Los Angeles. Out of curiosity, News Channel 8 looked online to see what a used ladder-rack would cost out there. We found one for $100 and another for $150; no need for someone from California to look for a ladder-rack almost 3,000 miles away.