What's the deal with this scam?

[markw]

I work for a chain of small retail establishments that handle all contracting in-house.

Yesterday, some guy called up and said he was from another store (he wasn't) and was replacing signs and would be at our place tomorrow. I've heard nothing about this from our people (and I would have) so i was immediately on guard.

He then said I needed a "verification number" for this and the next phone call would provide it.

Sure enough, the next phone call was a robotic "craigslist verification number". I did take it own.

He then called back and asked what it was. Now, it was my turn. I said I wouldn't tell him. He got angry and said they couldn't do the work without it. I said they would get it when they came. I also said I was going to check with the district office about this.

Now, what's the value of a "craigslist verification number" and how could this be of value?

FWIW, I got a call later from district that other offices ha been hit with this and some did respond.

 

[Ares]

I work for a chain of small retail establishments that handle all contracting in-house.

Yesterday, some guy called up and said he was from another store (he wasn't) and was replacing signs and would be at our place tomorrow. I've heard nothing about this from our people (and I would have) so i was immediately on guard.

He then said I needed a "verification number" for this and the next phone call would provide it.

Sure enough, the next phone call was a robotic "craigslist verification number". I did take it own.

He then called back and asked what it was. Now, it was my turn. I said I wouldn't tell him. He got angry and said they couldn't do the work without it. I said they would get it when they came. I also said I was going to check with the district office about this.

Now, what's the value of a "craigslist verification number" and how could this be of value?

FWIW, I got a call later from district that other offices ha been hit with this and some did respond.

It was a scam to get the code so he could post something that was against their rules like a prostitution or porn ad, if it gets found out it's your number that gets blacklisted from craigslist not his. Craigslist has been asking for a phone# for awhile now and you need that code before your post goes live hope this helps Mark.

 

[BMXTRIX]

And I wouldn't have to do this to people if Craigslist would just let me put the pictures up of my girls like I used to be able to.

Damn!