Craigs list scams

[a64pilot]

Not sailing related, but many do shop Craigs list.
I'm selling some stuff to get ready to go as I'm sure many of us do. Anyway I got what is obviously a BS response / scam. Response was long winded saying they wanted to buy the item, remove it from Craigs List etc., Husband would be purchasing with Bank Cashiers check etc.

Zip code on phone number that sent txt was from Chicago. I feel real certain this is not a legit sale so I didn't even bother with a reply, but my question is would they have really shown up with a bogus check to buy the thing? It's just a $900 kids motorcycle. I know they are not coming from Chigago to South GA for a $900 motorcycle, this has me a little confused

[Sand crab]

The $900 check is the giveaway. That's just regular cash to me although my wallet has far less.
My bank has a little more than that.

[senormechanico]

If they actually DO show up with a check, tell 'em to go cash it and come back with real money.

[model 10]

I got the same thing when we sold out. I talked to the bank and they said even a cashiers check can be returned as bad weeks later. They will take the money back out of your account. Easy way to get a motorcycle. For me it was the top wing of a Pitts Special. Weird people out there.

[MarkJ]

I had that scam tried on me when I posted my bicycle on Craig's List
Just ignore them.
I think ever ad gets one by an auto email responder harvester - whatever.

[oldragbaggers]

Yep.... I delete those messages fast. I have been selling all our stuff for the past months and have gotten those frequently, usually for higher end stuff like our antiques. They usually say they are not local, want to send me a cashier's check and will include a little extra so I can pay their movers for them when they arrive. If I bother to answer at all I tell them I only deal locally and that I expect whoever is purchasing to show up in person, pay cash, and remove the item. That's the only way I'll deal.

[a64pilot]

So someone would actually show up with a bogus check and claim the item?
Just seems like $900 wouldn't be enough to justify that, but I guess it is.
What else should I watch out for? I know not to let the wife or kids deal with them, but so long as it's a cash only deal other than fake money, not much else could go wrong?

Top wing of a Pitts? Really? Geez, I thought I had speciality items, but nothing like that.


Sent from my iPad Pro using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[accomplice]

I have purchased, and occasionally sold, several things on CL. I suggest asking for cash and stating that the first buyer with cash wins. If you're holding an item for someone, you're forgoing possible sales and may not get paid in the end.

[Terra Nova]

If the cashiers check is on a bank with a nearby branch, just go with the buyer to that branch to convert the check to cash.

[Cheechako]

Oh yeah, very common. I get texts all the time. saying something like "re: your electronic item for sale...." They don't even mention the "item" by name... you know its a scam. I just block that number.

[Canibul]

Interesting. I have a bunch of stuff to sell, which is difficult for me as I live in a foreign country ( from the US. Of course if I was from here, the US would be the foreign country, duh) and the stuff is in storage in Colorado. Six man life raft, SSB system, couple marine toilets, etc. There doesn't seem to be an easy way to do it.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Top wing of a Pitts? Really? Geez, I thought I had speciality items, but nothing like that.
Sent from my iPad Pro using Cruisers Sailing Forum

Couldn't sell it so gave it away. It was a custom all wood top wing. The 2 lower wing panels were ruined. You could never use it for anything without building another set of lowers. It was freakin beautiful with the acro stripes.

[jimbunyard]

Originally Posted by accomplice

I have purchased, and occasionally sold, several things on CL. I suggest asking for cash and stating that the first buyer with cash wins. If you're holding an item for someone, you're forgoing possible sales and may not get paid in the end.

Yep, sell it for cash to the first buyer who shows up with it. I only make arrangements by phone. Though I did buy a 115 4 stroke Yamaha off CL last month by sending a holding deposit via Paypal. Seller was in Pensacola so 3 hrs away and engine would have probably been gone before I could get there....

[Lake-Effect]

Scam, absolutely.

My policy with either Kijiji or Craigslist is cash only. I usually don't even give out my address and phone til there's been an email contact and some discussion. When possible, I have the buyer meet me somewhere intermediate, like a mall parking lot.

The only other payment option I will consider sometimes is Paypal, because I'm pretty sure the buyer can't arbitrarily claw back the payment without a long dispute process.

Canibul, your best option is a trusted friend or associate in Colorado who can manage the sale. Remote selling can be a massive pain for everyone.

[Macturn]

cash only will run them off!

The other one is they send a fake invioce to your paypal with extra money for "shipping agent" and ask you to refund that extra money to the agent... Cash only!