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Craigslist scammers!
- Thread starter bpclay1
- Start date
- Oct 18, 2012
- 6,683
- 5,538
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Fender, Spector, Ampeg, Curt Mangan, Nordstrand Pickups, Korg , Conquest Sound
I have bought and sold on CL for years and have only had two problems. Except for those two incidents, people have always showed up with the cash when I was selling and always with the instrument, amp, cab etc when I was buying. I will only deal in person and always meet at a public place that has security cameras such as a mall, McDonald's, Guitar Center.
To byclay1: I agree your heart is in the right place. Interesting post. I get that you were venting but also asking for ideas or experiences if someone has come up with a good way to combat the scammers on Craigslist. I also share your dismay that people are so quick to ignore the problem, or worse, use the back assward excuse that there are too many scammers, so why bother even trying to do anything about it?? No, you don't have to be Batman. But people, no need to duck and cover without even considering putting up some resistance. The op was just asking for ideas?!?!?
I think part of the confusion on the thread is that either people did not understand your post or are unfamiliar with the "scam" frequently run on craigslist. I assume you mean the scam that involves the buyer being out of town (or serving overseas), so they will send payment (which is bogus) and a "friend" or transport company will come pick up the item? The payment bounces or gets reversed and the item is gone. Or version 2 in which they offer to pay you extra and have you ship the item. The payment bounces or gets reversed and the item is shipped out.
Yeah. I hate that those scammers too. Often wondered what options are to throw a kink in their crooked operations.
If anyone has some real world experience on how to snafu their scam (other than ignoring it), would be good info.
I think part of the confusion on the thread is that either people did not understand your post or are unfamiliar with the "scam" frequently run on craigslist. I assume you mean the scam that involves the buyer being out of town (or serving overseas), so they will send payment (which is bogus) and a "friend" or transport company will come pick up the item? The payment bounces or gets reversed and the item is gone. Or version 2 in which they offer to pay you extra and have you ship the item. The payment bounces or gets reversed and the item is shipped out.
Yeah. I hate that those scammers too. Often wondered what options are to throw a kink in their crooked operations.
If anyone has some real world experience on how to snafu their scam (other than ignoring it), would be good info.
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The reason so many people are saying just to ignore it is because trying to outwit a scammer is a losing proposition at worst and a huge waste of time and energy at best. There is nothing more valuable a resource than your time. If people choose to use it chasing windmills, so be it.
I choose caveat venditor.
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Potentially true. But I think the op was asking for ideas? How he values his time is up to him. Maybe he will find that some of the ideas would be worth his time, maybe some not.
The idea I provided was "caveat venditor," seller beware. You can't control what others do, but you can control what you do with it. It's as valid an idea as vigilantism. Admittedly, though, it's not for everyone.
Caveat venditor is a very valid idea. I am sure the op will add it to the list of options.
Anyone have other ideas, keep posting!
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heres the thing that many people no longer believe: most people are just normal decent people trying to live regular lives. The paranoia and skepticism of our own neighbors is one of the saddest things to happen to our society
No. Do not play hide and seek with strangers you meet on CL.
Vet people over the phone and via e-mail. Be brief and to the point. If it sounds fishy, no meeting.
Have a witness for the transaction. I have people come to my house, but not in my house. I have a front porch and a garage, and a family member just inside with an equalizer and a cell phone. People are crazy, check the news; A pregnant woman and her unborn baby just got brutalized responding to a CL ad for baby clothes here in Denver. Most people are not crazy, but you have no control over it and your number may come up.
Get the transaction over a.s.a.p. Remember: You just met this person, and no matter how "cool" they may seem, you're not out to make friends and hang with strangers you met on CL. This is a business transaction. Deal, or no deal, gracias y adios.
Vet people over the phone and via e-mail. Be brief and to the point. If it sounds fishy, no meeting.
Have a witness for the transaction. I have people come to my house, but not in my house. I have a front porch and a garage, and a family member just inside with an equalizer and a cell phone. People are crazy, check the news; A pregnant woman and her unborn baby just got brutalized responding to a CL ad for baby clothes here in Denver. Most people are not crazy, but you have no control over it and your number may come up.
Get the transaction over a.s.a.p. Remember: You just met this person, and no matter how "cool" they may seem, you're not out to make friends and hang with strangers you met on CL. This is a business transaction. Deal, or no deal, gracias y adios.
But if I have to go through all this, it's not worth a couple bucks. I'd rather donate the stuff to Goodwill.
It's a personal decision based on your comfort zone. I have things I donate to charity, but I have things that have a little more value and I'm not so wealthy I can just give it away.
If you streamline the CL process, cut it right down to the essentials, and use caution and common sense, it's not that complicated.
So if I am reading this correctly, if you ignore a scam email, you are essentially condoning all criminal activity? Sounds reasonable.
As stated earlier, the OP really doesn't have the correct temperament for selling. Inviting extra trouble into your life just guarantees extra trouble. Nothing more.
As stated earlier, the OP really doesn't have the correct temperament for selling. Inviting extra trouble into your life just guarantees extra trouble. Nothing more.
I mostly just came to that realization on my last Craigslist deal. It looked more like a drug deal than a business transaction and I was carrying a knife. I've had other CL transactions that went perfectly fine, but that last one soured me to CL.
That makes sense. I'm still waiting for my first "scary" CL experience, and it might make me think twice too. So far, just nice people who, like me, are determined to save/make a little money and get the transaction over quickly.
I only use CL to buy or sell maybe 1-2 times per year on average. I just picked up an SWR golight 4X10 in perfect condition for dirt cheap. I nearly spent about five times that on the Markbass equivalent. When it works, CL is a blessing.
I need a nice recliner for my living room. I'm not going to spend $700-$900 for a new one. I'll find a gently used recliner on CL for 1/10th of that or less, all day, every day.
You've taken a giant leap here with absolutely no connection between the two issues. Internet scams are a dime a dozen, some people can see them coming from a mile away, and just walk away. They seem to have you on the hook for some reason or other, possibly it's your personality type that demands retribution and punishment at all costs. You want people to get on board with your crusade and unfortunately, most people can see that it's just a waste of time and effort.
As for the old lady getting her purse stolen, the rape or hold up, I would think that most good citizens would get involved and do something to help the person being accosted. I know I would. There's no connection between you with your teeth firmly clenched on this internet scam where if you let go nothing happens, and some thug physically committing a crime on another person. You just can't compare the situations at all.
My suggestion? Walk away and do something constructive with your time.
It's just not necessary to waste any time or energy on potential scammers. I've done many, many Cragislist deals and never been close to being burned as the scammers are ridiculously easy to spot. When they send and e-mail that says they are interested in 'the item', or want to pay full price it's a scam, so just ignore it. That email only lead to the "I'm going to be out of town" and the 'moving company" routine. Seeking vengeance or justice is also chasing rainbows as the scammers are probably waaay better at hiding their identities that we are.
When I'm selling a $1,200 bass for $1,000 and someone offers to do me a favor and give me $200 for it because the bass sucks, that's a real person.
Other things: Have an e-mail for Craigslist and only use that. The ad should always says 'cash and carry' and 'lowballers' ignored. I've had low ballers up their offers until getting a response. Ask if they have questions. They should. If they don't, that's the end of that.
Never, ever has anyone or will anyone ever come to my house. I'll meet them at the corner gas station if need be (cameras everywhere).
When I'm selling a $1,200 bass for $1,000 and someone offers to do me a favor and give me $200 for it because the bass sucks, that's a real person.
Other things: Have an e-mail for Craigslist and only use that. The ad should always says 'cash and carry' and 'lowballers' ignored. I've had low ballers up their offers until getting a response. Ask if they have questions. They should. If they don't, that's the end of that.
Never, ever has anyone or will anyone ever come to my house. I'll meet them at the corner gas station if need be (cameras everywhere).
And just like that, the OP is out of the running for the "least fun person at the party" award...
This is prudent advice, and probably the best way.
Unless, like me, you need to sell a bedroom set or unload a three-ton pile of decorative rock.
