Armed Polite Society

Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: Kingcreek on January 26, 2018, 05:24:19 PM

Title: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: Kingcreek on January 26, 2018, 05:24:19 PM
Never bought or sold on CL until now but I have "things" to move from moms house because we started showing it for sale and need to wind down her estate.
So I lost a nice powered hospital bed and power recliner/lift chair for reasonable price local pickup only.
So these yahoos from 3 states away want to send me checks and say they will arrange to have somebody pick up. WTF? I assume the checks or MOs will be fake or something and they will want me to "refund" or what?
I don't get it. Can somebody 'splain it to me?
Title: Re: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: Jamisjockey on January 26, 2018, 05:26:01 PM
Never bought or sold on CL until now but I have "things" to move from moms house because we started showing it for sale and need to wind down her estate.
So I lost a nice powered hospital bed and power recliner/lift chair for reasonable price local pickup only.
So these yahoos from 3 states away want to send me checks and say they will arrange to have somebody pick up. WTF? I assume the checks or MOs will be fake or something and they will want me to "refund" or what?
I don't get it. Can somebody 'splain it to me?

They'll either suddenly get buyers remorse immediately after you cash the check, or they'll send it for more than the amount and tell you it's some kind of error and for you to just send them the difference. 
Title: Re: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: lupinus on January 26, 2018, 05:34:03 PM
In short, if it smells fishy on Craigslist it probably is. Several states away, funny payment terms, sounds off, etc etc just run like hell in the other direction

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Title: Re: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: Kingcreek on January 26, 2018, 05:44:53 PM
I listed them for cash at time of local pickup only. Why in heck would somebody from Mississippi send me a cashiers check for a used power recliner unless it's a scam?
I know people sometimes cash or deposit the fake checks and get stung by thier bank a few days later, but I don't see how it's even worth it for the scammers.
Title: Re: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: Jamisjockey on January 26, 2018, 05:48:41 PM
I listed them for cash at time of local pickup only. Why in heck would somebody from Mississippi send me a cashiers check for a used power recliner unless it's a scam?
I know people sometimes cash or deposit the fake checks and get stung by thier bank a few days later, but I don't see how it's even worth it for the scammers.

They're looking for the overage to be sent back to them, or they ask for a refund literally the second you deposit the bad check.
Title: Re: Re: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: lupinus on January 26, 2018, 05:55:06 PM
I listed them for cash at time of local pickup only. Why in heck would somebody from Mississippi send me a cashiers check for a used power recliner unless it's a scam?
I know people sometimes cash or deposit the fake checks and get stung by thier bank a few days later, but I don't see how it's even worth it for the scammers.
Throw at the wall and see what sticks.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Title: Re: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: Scout26 on January 26, 2018, 05:57:45 PM
Yep, if they're trying to change your terms.   Ignore them.
Title: Re: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: Brad Johnson on January 26, 2018, 06:21:10 PM
I started requesting they make a specific statement in their comms. In my case it was to name the Texas Tech mascot when they emailed or texted. Seems to work pretty well for weeding out the scams.

I've also see people start to put their contact info in a photo rather than in the product description.

Brad
Title: Re: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: Jim147 on January 26, 2018, 08:06:42 PM
Russia Russia Russia
Title: Re: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: Nick1911 on January 26, 2018, 08:44:43 PM
Yea, most of this is actually automated scripts running.  These aren't real people sending you these emails (mostly), it's computers.  Once they get a live one, someone will start negotiating a deal that involves getting money out of you somehow.

Brad's method works well, for the most part.
Title: Re: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: K Frame on January 26, 2018, 09:03:27 PM
The few times I have put anything up on Craigslist I have added a statement saying checks and money orders will be held for a minimum of 15 days or until they clear the bank and our found to be valid.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: Kingcreek on January 26, 2018, 09:50:07 PM
So, scam? Or no scam?
"Hi, are you Still have the BEAUTY AND HEALTH available forsale?reply me at email {larrykiss120@gmail.com}. Thanks GOD BLESS "
Jeez, I just want to find a new home for about $3k worth of hospital bed and lift chair for about $700. I'm about gonna give up on the games and just donate it or something.
Title: Re: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: TechMan on January 26, 2018, 09:56:47 PM
So, scam? Or no scam?
"Hi, are you Still have the BEAUTY AND HEALTH available forsale?reply me at email {larrykiss120@gmail.com}. Thanks GOD BLESS "
Jeez, I just want to find a new home for about $3k worth of hospital bed and lift chair for about $700. I'm about gonna give up on the games and just donate it or something.

Before you donate try an alternative: https://wellkeptwallet.com/top-20-craigslist-alternatives/ (https://wellkeptwallet.com/top-20-craigslist-alternatives/)  I have heard people talking about Offerup.
Title: Re: What is the deal with Craig's list scammers?
Post by: Boomhauer on January 26, 2018, 10:20:13 PM
I use OfferUp. Way better than Craigslist and the buyers are local, with far less scammers.