Anyone experience Craigslist fraud?

[dragfish]

I posted an ad for a musical instrument on Craigslist the other day and got an immediate response from a guy by text.
He didn't ask a question about what I was selling-he just stated that he was sending a certified check overnight for the full amount plus money for shipping and tax.
Over 3 different contacts with him all of his texts came from different area codes. Craigslist warns about fake checks that take weeks to be detected by your bank, then you're responsible to repay the amount.
Still haven't got the check yet (should be tomorrow) and I'll have my banker see if there's a way to trace it back somehow-would love to bust this jerk.
But no-no sale!

 

[Punisher]

What you selling your Flute but you loved blowing on that thing.

emoLaugh emoLaugh emoLaugh emoUpsmile emoUpsmile emoUpsmile

 

[Hiwassee Angler]

Yeah man. Thats a scam. I just got one today actually. I'll post pics of it. If you like. If you can't do it face to face. Don't do it.

 

[dragfish]

Thanks basspro for the mature response. After looking into Craigs warnings on fraudulant replies that was their first rcomendation.

 

[Andrew]

One of the very common scams on there. If you receive it just tear it up and don't bother replying to this person with any personal info..

 

[jd131]

I think they have an automated system that scans craigslist and sends texts out if you have your phone number in the ad.....always spell out some of the numbers in your phone number..".four 2 three" instead of "423"
. And I always ask that they call me instead of email...the scammers ask for you to send an email.

 

[digitalcb]

The following warning is included by Craigslist on every listing

"Avoid scams, deal locally! Do NOT wire funds (Western Union, Moneygram).
Beware cashier checks, money orders, shipping, non-local buyers/sellers. More info"

 

[SpurHunter]

If they are sending you a check, your already in serious danger of being defrauded since you gave them your name.

 

[SpurHunter]

And absolutely, 100% DO NOT DEPOSIT that check. Destroy it.

 

[takenoprisoners]

And when you do meet them in person, you better be ready to protect yourself. http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/24138769/chattanooga-police-investigate-shooting-on-highway-58

 

[owtdoorguy]

Super common. Was selling a golf bag in Atlanta 5 years ago and received a check for $2k for a $40 golf bag. Scam was for me to deposit check, "pay" the shipping agent, and keep the rest...yeah right! I have been selling on CL since middle of 2000s and get these all the times. You want to meet the person face to face and work only in cash if possible, unless you have a Square reader for your smart phone. Only time I went against that a guy in DC wanted to buy my kayak and have it air-freighted to him for a river race the following weekend. I was game ONLY if he wired the money direct to my bank. I worked at the bank at the time so I knew the money could only go one way, IN and not OUT. It worked out fine, made a killing, and shipped the guy the kayak the next day from the ATL airport. (lived in atl at the time) That was the only time a "fishy" offer worked out for the better. Guy was a straight laced lawyer out of DC, found him on linkedin and a corporate page and his $$ was legit.
Best of luck, lots of loonies out there trying to get your cash.

 

[Dgreen]

takenoprisoners - 12/6/2013 8:04 AM

And when you do meet them in person, you better be ready to protect yourself. http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/24138769/chattanooga-police-investigate-shooting-on-highway-58

When I saw this I wondered if it was a Craigslist deal. Does anyone know. I have met sellers a few times at public places to buy things but have always been leary of this happening. My advice is always do these things where there are cameras. Tell the other person you want to do this for your safety and theirs. That should never be a problem if its legit!

 

[takenoprisoners]

Great idea to do it where there are cameras. I'm guessing it's Craigslist, but whatever it was, the guy didn't buy them at a store.

 

[buzz]

A favorite "scam" starts out...." I am in the service, and need to sel my ??????? on craigslist......they will even send nice photos....BEWARE!!!!!!!!

 

[beetlespin]

I hate craiglist. Nothing but garbage on there anymore and you get a bunch of crap to deal with everytime you post something.

 

[SpurHunter]

beetlespin - 12/6/2013 1:25 PM

I hate craiglist. Nothing but garbage on there anymore and you get a bunch of crap to deal with everytime you post something.

I have found a bunch of great deals on there in the last year or so, as well as selling a ton of stuff. You just have to know what to watch out for.

 

[dragfish]

beetlespin - 12/6/2013 12:25 PM

I hate craiglist. Nothing but garbage on there anymore and you get a bunch of crap to deal with everytime you post something.

What kills me is somebody will go through all that hassle to sell a $15 doll!

 

[Liveliner]

Any time and every time make certain the check or Money order is valid before you release anything.. No exceptions ever. With checks you can have your bank validate before depositing it into your account. NSF charges from your bank could get you if the check is worthless.

 

[Liveliner]

I am using the facebook Buy, sale and trade groups. Guns, Trucks, baby diapers and all between.

 

[digitalcb]

Wouldn't be surprised to learn this was really a drug deal gone bad.

takenoprisoners - 12/6/2013 9:04 AM And when you do meet them in person, you better be ready to protect yourself. http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/24138769/chattanooga-police-investigate-shooting-on-highway-58

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