Craigslist Scams
 

Hello,

I put a computer on craigslist

And about 2 hours later I got a email from someone instreaded in buying it.

He wants to use paypal which I am happy about. Because paypal is pretty secure.

But he wants me to send the item to a international friend. And that sounds weird to me.

Is this some type of scam? Am I going to send it out of the country and he say I never sent it? Is there anything I can do to cover my bases?

Thanks Eric,

Dude, you get the money first. Then send it to wherever!!

I planned on that. Get the $$. But then I ship it out internationally and he says it was never shipped. And takes me to court and tries to sue me or something.

It's a scam.

He'll file a dispute with PayPal claiming the item was never mailed/received and since it's international you can't insure it or track it to prove to PayPal that you did it right.

Don't do it.

So I should say I can only ship to Address in the States via UPS with signature required. Would that cover my bases?

That could work.

Generally, Craigslist produces local buyers, so I'd wait until someone local is interested and then you can exchange item/cash in person.

Pony has it straight up.

couldnt he still tell paypal I sent him a empty box? Theres no way to prove it was actually shipped.

---------- Post added at 12:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:26 AM ----------

I think im just gonna say If you want to buy something then meet me at a coffee shop or something. Seems like the only way to not get scamed.

Not only should the address be in the United States, but it should be the exact same address on the person's paypal account. If the person files a dispute with paypal requesting the money back, the only way you have of protecting yourself is by showing proof that you mailed the item to the registered address.

Be careful!

...i just advertised a car for sale on Craigslist. I got an email from a guy who said he wanted to buy it (sight unseen and he asked no questions about it). He said he would send me a check for the full amount plus $3,000 for shipping overseas. Then he asked me to go ahead and send the $3,000 in cash to his pick-up/delivery man. Of course, I knew it was a scam...the check would bounce in about 10days after the bank clears it and then you're out $3,000. I think these offers are automatically generated (probably from Nigeria) because I received another a couple of weeks later that was identical.

...i've heard of this scam before. In fact, it happened to a woman selling lots of artwork on Ebay. A man told her he would buy them all and gave her the same scam. Unfortunately, she did what he asked and she lost a lot of money when the bank told her it was her responsibility for the bounced check and not theirs.

Shell

My policy with CL is local only. If I had to ship something I'd use a packaging service so that there would be a third party to verify that the item went in the box. Then I'd also probably spring for insurance on it if the item was expensive.

I would not ship anything sold via craigslist. Anything I sell via CL is strictly a cash transaction. If I wanted to deal with the hassle of shipping, and use paypal, I'd sell the item on ebay. I always assume that any unconventional transaction is a scam.

I have to agree, I've had some pretty sketchy communication on craigslist. I just choose not to deal with someone if I'm uncomfortable with the situation.

The WaPo did a story recently on CL dating. Apparently, several area women have been attacked. One was attacked four times from CL ads she responded to.

The article admitted she lied about her age as 24.

But seriously, attacked four times and you keep responding? I suppose if you're 64, and responding to queries like, "I also like to burn people of other races", that might be expected.

For the record, I am a 40 MWM, looking for SGW (serious golf weekends) and REA (renewable enegry alternatives). I realize those two are at odds, but as of late, I've only played at courses that support wildlife habitats. It's amazing how the two can intertwine.

No attackers please.

Already been said, but - there's no reason in the world you shouldn't be able to sell a computer locally. Personally, I would never buy a used computer unless I saw it operating with my own eyes.

Just for the record - I did buy a computer from a CL ad. I drove to the seller's house - he had it up and running and I checked the OS, HD space, and memory, etc. Got a great deal. I upgraded the memory from 0.5 MB to 2 MB and it's a great 2nd computer - I use it mainly for MS Flight Simulator. It's nice not having to remove the yoke and rudder pedals when I'm done.

I got 3 more scam emails today. Told them all local sale only. Said to everyone I will meet anyone who wants to see the laptop at a coffee shop and we can exchange there. I do not go to peoples houses or to my house. There is to many crazy people out there.

For the record I receive shipments for the US all the time via Fed-Ex and UPS. They are traceable and I have to sign for verification of receipt.

But I agree, it sounds like a scam.

Every time I list something on craigslist, I get an immediate 4-5 offers within the first hour or so. I usually respond and talk to the people... who knows, maybe someone legitimate just happened to look at craigslist at that exact moment. Usually around the 3rd or 4th email, they spring the "ship this overseas" request and I walk away. Just be patient and someone local will come along.

I suppose it's the price we pay for instant free worldwide advertising.

CL is like 90% scam by volume. Always get cash. Be weary of any responses within the first few hours.

Local only, Cash only, Public meeting place only(or bring a big friend).

Craigslist is for physical transactions only. (although I saw a funny Tv show where a guy thought he had won a lottery from Nigeria - everyone told him that it's the biggest scam- next episode and a guy from Nigeria was giving him the money)

Do Not Fall For It!

Meet in a public place if possible as suggested - you do not want wierd peeps in your home, you dont want the wrong people admiring your treasures in a wanting sort of way - and yes do have a friend/witness with you. If the purchaser then wants to send it overseas - well thats what couriers are for, and that is not your job. Always err on the side of caution.