What is the "Craigslist/Overpayment Offer Scam"?

Here is the description of the "Craigslist/Overpayment Offer Scam".

The Scam: You advertise an item for sale on Craigslist or other similar classified advertisement system. You are contacted by a potential buyer who sends you a check or money order(s) totaling more than what you were asking.

How it Works: The checks or money orders that the scammer sends you are counterfeit. They will instruct you to deposit the item(s) and wire a portion of the over-payment to another individual. They will give you a story or reason for this. It may be that the overpayment is to go to the shipper, some other third party, or perhaps they indicate this was a mistake. They may even tell you they will give you a little extra for your efforts. If you do deposit the check and wire the funds, the check may take at least (3) business days to be returned as counterfeit. Unfortunately, if you have already wired the funds, you will suffer the loss.

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