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Do you think these scammers are just targeting people selling larger items?
Most likely yes. I sold a lawn mower for $50 with no issues but advertised something else at a higher price point and got inundated!
Funny story...I saw a car for sale on craigslist and asked about it. I wanted to see it in person and they told me that the car was in Salt Lake City...except there were palm trees in the background . My response was that I had a friend in SLC who would be right over to look at the vehicle. Never heard back from them again.
Do you think these scammers are just targeting people selling larger items?
I ask this because a few months ago, I posted furniture on CL, with my home number (that none of us answer unless we recognize the number).
I got a few calls from people, asking for information.
The people that purchased the furniture left their phone number on my answering machine so I called them back and set up a time for them to come over when hubby was home. I also told them we would only accept cash.
They showed up on time, purchased the furniture, everyone was happy.
I agree it is somewhat scary to have strangers coming in to you home but being cautious and getting the buyers information, like phone number and address, is about all you can do.
Vicki
The scammers hit the electronic section pretty good. They will send you a fake certified check in hopes of you shipping the item before it clears. I got one scammer to send me three checks to my old office address. The first time I told him the package was left outside and the rain ruined it. Next time we had a tornado and it got sucked up. Next was a coyote ate it, but they didn't send one after that I try and give them as much grief for as much trouble as they cause. The checks were terrible looking, and you could easily tell they were fake. They used ups account numbers for different businesses around the country, so I am assuming those companies got stuck with the bill for shipping.
I do not even both with emails from Craigslist anymore. They will send something like "Still available?" When you reply they have your email address to add to their list, and then they will send a scam email right after. They probably wont bother with the furniture section, because it would be hard to ship any of that stuff.
I have used Craigslist often for a long time and have never had a problem..
I am cautious though..I use a separate gmail email address and use that to screen out people who don't sound normal..The scammers never get past the first email.. Then I correspond by email at first to see if they sound normal ..
.. I don't see how its different than the old classified ads in newspapers (except its free)
If they are coming to the house I never give out the address until right before the appointment time..
You don't want to give that out and still be deciding when to meet..It clues people into when you are not home.
If I have any doubts I meet them in a busy public place ...
The scammers hit the electronic section pretty good. They will send you a fake certified check in hopes of you shipping the item before it clears. I got one scammer to send me three checks to my old office address. The first time I told him the package was left outside and the rain ruined it. Next time we had a tornado and it got sucked up. Next was a coyote ate it, but they didn't send one after that I try and give them as much grief for as much trouble as they cause. The checks were terrible looking, and you could easily tell they were fake. They used ups account numbers for different businesses around the country, so I am assuming those companies got stuck with the bill for shipping.
I do not even both with emails from Craigslist anymore. They will send something like "Still available?" When you reply they have your email address to add to their list, and then they will send a scam email right after. They probably wont bother with the furniture section, because it would be hard to ship any of that stuff.
I send the "Still Available?" emails, because half the time or more, I get a response like ,"Sold it. I need to take that down. Sorry."
But, I put my real name and contact information in the email. I think that helps.
I send the "Still Available?" emails, because half the time or more, I get a response like ,"Sold it. I need to take that down. Sorry."
But, I put my real name and contact information in the email. I think that helps.
My Google voice number is always in my ad, which is why I ignore emails from my Craigslist ads. Especially when I put "phone calls only, do not email" right at the very top.
I also send emails asking if something is available (if there's no phone number), but I usually add a sentence or two so people know i'm a real person.
My Google voice number is always in my ad, which is why I ignore emails from my Craigslist ads. Especially when I put "phone calls only, do not email" right at the very top.
I also send emails asking if something is available (if there's no phone number), but I usually add a sentence or two so people know i'm a real person.
Why would you make the email option available when you don't want emails?
I use the CL anonymizer, or sometimes don't allow emails at all.
But my email address is all over the internet enough that I will never stop the spam.
Why would you make the email option available when you don't want emails?
I use the CL anonymizer, or sometimes don't allow emails at all.
But my email address is all over the internet enough that I will never stop the spam.
I have more than one email account. Two for real estate, and two personal accounts. There is no way I would send emails for Craigslist items with my work addresses.
I keep the email active in my ads for the late night inquiries. If I can google their email address and see they are a real person they will get a reply. The anonymizer only works when people view your ad. It doesn't work when you reply, which is how you get added to their spam lists. As soon as you reply to that spammer, you are added to their list and sold to numerous companies. Then chances are they will try and scam you out of whatever you're selling.
I have had some crazies in years past selling iPhones. I used to sell my prior model each time a new one came out and it worked great. I could cover the cost of the new phone easily.
But, you get tons of scammers. I find their emails hilarious.
Who on earth falls for that anymore?
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Things must be real different out here. I just sold $5k of furniture on CL in Phoenix, roughly 12-14 different ads. No problems, no scammers, no weird stuff on my phone or email. A FEW low ballers, but nothing unexpected. In years past, we sold cars on CL easiky, happily and with satisfactory deals on both sides.
On the other hand, when we moved here and wanted to buy on CL, it was a PITA. No returned phone calls, or emails. Lousy photography - and we were looking for higher end furniture at higher end prices.
The scammers hit the electronic section pretty good. They will send you a fake certified check in hopes of you shipping the item before it clears. I got one scammer to send me three checks to my old office address. The first time I told him the package was left outside and the rain ruined it. Next time we had a tornado and it got sucked up. Next was a coyote ate it, but they didn't send one after that I try and give them as much grief for as much trouble as they cause. The checks were terrible looking, and you could easily tell they were fake. They used ups account numbers for different businesses around the country, so I am assuming those companies got stuck with the bill for shipping.
I do not even both with emails from Craigslist anymore. They will send something like "Still available?" When you reply they have your email address to add to their list, and then they will send a scam email right after. They probably wont bother with the furniture section, because it would be hard to ship any of that stuff.
Now I understand what y'all are talking about. But I agree with Bpobill in that they won't mess around with furniture because I am NOT going to ship anything like that!
I'll keep y'all posted on how it goes!
Vicki
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. My response was that I had a friend in SLC who would be right over to look at the vehicle. Never heard back from them again.
I try and give them as much grief for as much trouble as they cause. The checks were terrible looking, and you could easily tell they were fake. They used ups account numbers for different businesses around the country, so I am assuming those companies got stuck with the bill for shipping. 
