Craigslist Scams - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Smackre · 05-20-2009, 03:47 PM

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,

Xerxys · 05-20-2009, 03:52 PM

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

Smackre · 05-20-2009, 04:02 PM

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.

PonyPotato · 05-20-2009, 04:05 PM

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.

Smackre · 05-20-2009, 04:07 PM

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

PonyPotato · 05-20-2009, 04:18 PM

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.

Xerxys · 05-20-2009, 04:22 PM

Pony has it straight up.

Smackre · 05-20-2009, 04:42 PM

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.

dippin · 05-20-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smackre

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

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.

Shell · 05-20-2009, 07:44 PM

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

vanblah · 05-21-2009, 06:29 AM

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.

cj2112 · 05-21-2009, 07:05 AM

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.

Lenny · 05-21-2009, 07:13 AM

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.

Poppinjay · 05-21-2009, 07:28 AM

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.

yournamehere · 05-21-2009, 03:23 PM

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.

Smackre · 05-21-2009, 10:00 PM

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.

Tully Mars · 05-22-2009, 06:02 AM

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.

Wrexify · 05-22-2009, 06:48 AM

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.

Zeraph · 05-23-2009, 02:37 PM

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

tooth · 05-28-2009, 03:28 PM

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

BobEvansHelp · 03-23-2011, 12:19 PM

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)

iFishVideos · 04-13-2011, 09:58 AM

Do Not Fall For It!

chinese crested · 05-08-2011, 11:15 AM

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.

05-20-2009, 03:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
Smackre Addict	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, __________________ Intel® Pentium® M Processor 730 (1.60 GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB) 17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen XGA+ Display 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 2 Dimm 256MB NVIDA® GeForce™ Go 6800

05-20-2009, 04:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
Smackre Addict	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. __________________ Intel® Pentium® M Processor 730 (1.60 GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB) 17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen XGA+ Display 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 2 Dimm 256MB NVIDA® GeForce™ Go 6800

05-20-2009, 04:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
PonyPotato Soaring Location: Ohio!	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. __________________ "Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark." — Henri-Frédéric Amiel

05-20-2009, 04:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
Smackre Addict	So I should say I can only ship to Address in the States via UPS with signature required. Would that cover my bases? __________________ Intel® Pentium® M Processor 730 (1.60 GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB) 17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen XGA+ Display 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 2 Dimm 256MB NVIDA® GeForce™ Go 6800

05-20-2009, 04:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
PonyPotato Soaring Location: Ohio!	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. __________________ "Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark." — Henri-Frédéric Amiel

05-20-2009, 03:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
Xerxys Junkie Location: My head.	Dude, you get the money first. Then send it to wherever!!

05-20-2009, 04:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
Xerxys Junkie Location: My head.	Pony has it straight up.

05-20-2009, 04:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
Smackre Addict	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. __________________ Intel® Pentium® M Processor 730 (1.60 GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB) 17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen XGA+ Display 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 2 Dimm 256MB NVIDA® GeForce™ Go 6800

05-20-2009, 07:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
Shell Cheers Location: Eastcoast USA	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 __________________ ..."Say what you think. Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" ~ Dr. Seuss

05-21-2009, 06:29 AM	#11 (permalink)
vanblah Junkie	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.

05-21-2009, 07:05 AM	#12 (permalink)
cj2112 Unbelievable Location: Grants Pass OR	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.

05-21-2009, 07:13 AM	#13 (permalink)
Lenny Upright	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.

05-21-2009, 07:28 AM	#14 (permalink)
Poppinjay You had me at hello Location: DC/Coastal VA	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. __________________ I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet

05-21-2009, 03:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
yournamehere Invisible Location: tentative, at best	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. __________________ If you want to avoid 95% of internet spelling errors: "If your ridiculous pants are too loose, you're definitely going to lose them. Tell your two loser friends over there that they're going to lose theirs, too." It won't hurt your fashion sense, either.

05-21-2009, 10:00 PM	#16 (permalink)
Smackre Addict	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. __________________ Intel® Pentium® M Processor 730 (1.60 GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB) 17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen XGA+ Display 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 2 Dimm 256MB NVIDA® GeForce™ Go 6800

05-22-2009, 06:02 AM	#17 (permalink)
Tully Mars Living in a Warmer Insanity Super Moderator Location: Yucatan, Mexico	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. __________________ I used to drink to drown my sorrows, but the damned things have learned how to swim- Frida Kahlo Vice President Starkizzer Fan Club

05-22-2009, 06:48 AM	#18 (permalink)
Wrexify Crazy Location: Kramerica	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. __________________ "Nitwit! Oddment! Blubber! Tweak!"

05-23-2009, 02:37 PM	#19 (permalink)
Zeraph Banned Location: The Cosmos	CL is like 90% scam by volume. Always get cash. Be weary of any responses within the first few hours.

05-28-2009, 03:28 PM	#20 (permalink)
tooth Addict	Local only, Cash only, Public meeting place only(or bring a big friend).

03-23-2011, 12:19 PM	#21 (permalink)
BobEvansHelp Upright	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)

04-13-2011, 09:58 AM	#22 (permalink)
iFishVideos Upright	Do Not Fall For It!

05-08-2011, 11:15 AM	#23 (permalink)
chinese crested Insane Location: hampshire	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.