I need help avoiding scams on craigslist (paypal, selling, deal) - Shopping and Consumer Products -stores, auctions, buying and selling, brands, malls, markets, Internet... - City-Data Forum

FreshFresh · 03-24-2009, 10:14 AM

When someone comes with a story about just visiting the state and asking me to move along with the sale ASAP are these warning signs?

He wants to make the exchange using paypal.

bjh · 03-24-2009, 10:29 AM

Ask in consumer/shopping forum.

country pride · 03-24-2009, 10:55 AM

Heck no! Scams are an everyday occurrence in Craigslist and sadly, it makes it hard for the legitimate seller in there to sell something. And an out-of-area person...Id really think on that one. Especially someone in a 'hurry'.

Jesse69 · 03-24-2009, 08:05 PM

How does this fraud happen when Paypal is supposed to back up the honesty of transactions?

JoanD'Arc · 03-24-2009, 08:07 PM

What kind of transaction is it? Real estate or something else?
And I've heard bad things about Craig's list, too.

maciesmom · 03-24-2009, 08:14 PM

If your question is how to avoid the scams - I'd say stay away from craigslist....

eevee · 03-24-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesse69

How does this fraud happen when Paypal is supposed to back up the honesty of transactions?

I'm pretty sure that's only the case w/ transactions done on eBay.

one of the main rules of Craigslist: never use Paypal! cash only! another major rule of Craigslist: deal w/ locals only! even the site itself warns people of these things

Coolhand68 · 03-24-2009, 08:16 PM

Where is he asking you to mail the item? If it's out of the country or a P.O. Box I'd say forget it.

WhereTheSidewalkEnds · 03-24-2009, 09:20 PM

I've sold quite a few things on Craig's List and have never had issues - BUT, as others have mentioned, I will only sell to locals and cash.

If the transaction seems fishy or is making you even THINK scam - then don't do it.'

I've only had one person from out of state ever respond to something I was selling and frankly, that one was legitimate. I was selling shin guards for ski racing. I didn't do it though because I didn't trust paypal and also, I was selling them for so cheap it wasn't worth the hassle. He was even going to send me a package to mail them in with postage already on it - but still no.

There are a lot of paypal scams out there, so I'd be very wary.

harry chickpea · 03-24-2009, 09:48 PM

As a business owner, I have found that the biggest red flag anyone can raise is needing it "now." If someone wants to rush you, 90% of the time it means they plan to avoid paying in some way.