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Craigslist Fraud

Just thought I'd share my recent experience with attempting to sell some audio equipment on Craigslist.  Attempted to sell a Audio Research Ref 3LE.  I know now that doing so via Craigslist was probably stupid.  Anyway, I had a guy from out of state reach out to me.  Said that he wanted to buy it.  Asked that he send a cashiers check.  A couple days later the FedEx arrives with a check for $12K more than what I was asking...  The alarm bells went off.  Check was from a business in Chicago and the FedEx was from Florida.  They did a very convincing job of making up the check.  Reported it to the police - so I could feel better.  They let me know that the scammers would probably have come back and asked that I send part of the money back to them.. as if.  Rang the company that the check was reported to have come from (The Belt Railway Company of Chicago).  They said that I was the 6th person in the last week that rang them.  Wanted to put this out for y'all and hope that no one goes through this like I did.  Very thankful that it only cost me time, frustration and some dents to my ego.  
128x128thelostdutchman
mycarnival789's avatar
mycarnival789
10 posts
 
I have sold on CL before, with no problems. However, early Dec I posted a cartridge on several sites and had an experience 90% similar to @thelostdutchman. I get an email from one joker saying that he's interested. Then I get a text from a 3rd party claiming to be his wife (1st red flag) saying that he will pay more than I was asking (2nd red flag) and that he is sending someone to drop off a check (3rd red flag) via FedEx and needed my address (4th red flag). No way I was giving it out. I strictly meet in well lit public places. Out of curiosity, I Googled FedEx & Craigslist check scam and bingo. They spelled out the exact play. The back will take the check and deposit it. However, 5 days later, you get an NSF notice. 

Stay diligent. Trust but verify.
jnorris2005
185 posts
 
Rules for Craigslist:

1) No checks
2) Local Sales only
3) Face to face, cash, in public places
4) Expect low-ballers and no-shows
5) No checks
6) Local sales only
7) Face to face, cash, in public places

Finally,
8) Any questions, refer to rules 1, 2, and 3 or 5, 6, and 7
urbie
275 posts
 
Or you could do it C O D. That way if the person doesn't pay the freight company cash or by credit card they won't leave the item.
sid-hoff-frenchman
50 posts
 
+1 cash only. If you accept payment through something like PayPal or Venmo, after the buyer leaves with your gear, they can contact their credit card and deny the charge, claiming that their card had been stolen or something. The charge will be reversed and you will be out the money and never see your gear again.  
bikerbw
108 posts
 
Many good tips; scammers are preying on people who they think are desperate to get cash now because of the pandemic.  I've seen suggestions to use a police department/fire department/library parking lot or any place where there's a lot of pedestrian travel, like a Lowes or Home Depot - NEVER at your house if you can help it, and have someone come with you to watch from afar or near you.  Not that you couldn't get robbed/hurt at any of these places (and police won't interfere in private transactions, even on their property unless a law is being broken).  If you agree to meet at your house for a demonstration of your goods, try to make it outside; I've pulled speakers/amps out into the driveway for testing.  Don't agree to meet at night, either.
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