I recently posted an ad on Craigslist to sell a co-ordinate measuring machine. I got these replies from 'Eric Smith'-
"Hello,
Do you still have your item for sale?Get back to me for more discussion."
I thought that the wording was odd, but not everyone is a computer savvy, typing fiend, myself included. So I replied with my phone # and told him to give me a call.
Email #2 -
"Hello
Thank for the prompt response to my inquire?I hope the Item is in good condition"and when last was serviced,how long have you owned the item,i will like to know better..The reason why am asked you all this is because i want to buy the item for my company and i dont want any complain on it..so my only quickest payment option is PayPal as i can send money via anytime.Since I'm requesting this transaction to be done via PayPal, i will be responsible for all the PayPal fee/charges on this transaction,i will like to buy this item for the exact price listed so if my offer accepted let me know and kindly send me your PayPal Email and Your Full Name so the payment can be made right away ...And i will take care all Transportation Preparation for the item..i would like this Transaction to occur soon.So i look forward to hear from you soon
Please Advice
Eric "
OK, nice.... I replied that it was to be a face to face, cash transaction only, no paypal involved at all. I figured that would be the end of it, but noooo, he doesn't give up
that easily!
Email #3
"Alright i understand,but i just want to let you know that i can't bring cash to you cos am currently on the sea due to the nature of my job,and am only paying through my PayPal account cos they are very fast and secure and it's one of the best means of transacting online, even in a situation like this where the seller is in some distance away from the buyer it will make every thing work fine and fast,so get back to me with your PayPal money request or PayPal email address so i can issue out the payment in time..i will like to hear from you back "
While I'm curious as to what anyone 'on the sea' would use my machine for(his explanation could be entertaining!) I think I'll just let this 1 go.....

Probably a Nigerian bank president forced into exile by capitalist pigs, and currently surviving as a pirate on the upper Mississippi, parrot and all...

Like my Momma always said, "Forrest, stupid is, as stupid does!"
I had almost this same "conversation" about a vehicle that I put on craigslist. He would even pay for transportation and if he did not like the vehicle, he would ship it back on his nickel...all the way from Washington State to Missouri. Yeh right!!!!!!!!!!!