Here's Another Reason To Be Carfefull On Craigslist

Here is a link to a Craigslist robbery that was on our local news . It happened in a neighboring county . You never know who your dealing with when someone answers your ad .

Whizkid
Craigslist Robbery

we had 2 guys here that killed 1 guy and shot at another just to rob them, was advertising for jobs

Dont think the thought doesnt cross my mind every time I get a call to buy hay. Another reason I like having my hay in its own shed away from the equipment/tools/toys/etc. Keep the German Shepherd with me usually.. surprising how that dog can keep attitudes in check..lol and wandering folk where they belong..lol

But to keep things in perspective here;
There are millions and millions of transactions made via Craigslist every day.
Be prudent?
Yes of course.
Be paranoid?
Depends on your faith in God and your fellow man.

No matter where you advertise,you run a risk when people come to your place to look at your for sale item......So far I've had good luck with Craigslist..

Why bother with Craigslist? Just take from a guy at a gas station - at least you know its full of fuel that way.

You are a lot more likely to find me armed or very close to serious firepower (with backup shooters) at my house than at a gas station or retail store. But that is what theives are counting on when dealing with the law abiding public.

I also have had good success selling on CL.
One of the first things a person sees in my driveway is a sign that states, Ignore the dog, but beware of the crazy old man that has a gun.

I have met a few CL sellers/buyers down at the parking lot of the County Sheriff's Dept, to buy sell something small. I figure that is a safe place to meet..

Not too long ago, I had a chainsaw for sale. Gave the man directions to my home and set the chainsaw on the tailgate of my truck, setting next to my circle driveway.
I heard the car and looked out to investigate. When I opened the door, I noticed the driver had got out, left the car running, with two other black men inside and left the door open, with a straight escape path?
I cranked the saw and showed him how it would cut.
He questioned the 16" bar and said it looked like a 12 or 14?
I assured him it was a 16 but he wanted to measure it and didn't have a tape.
I watched him leave after I took the saw inside.
I can only assume what he would have done if I had went into the garage to get a tape???
There was NO TAG on the car!!!!

I received a few weird answers to some of my ads, but never responded to those. Had some buyers that were very careful approaching the house before they decided that it would be okay.

Had 3 young guys in a compact pickup that came to look at a screen door; they were very leery until I showed them the door. They didn't bring anything to tie it down so I gave them sufficient rope to tie it down so it wouldn't blow out on the highway. Then they decided that I was okay and stayed and talked awhile.

my dog was a great judge of character ,,, she most always likes everyone that comes to buy hay,.. but she growled and barked at one 1st time they met ,, he paid cash serveral times ,, then gave me a bad chek ,,.. just buried the dog a couple monthes ago ,,. now I ott figure it out myself

My rules for Craigslist transactions

Meet on neutral turf in a fairly busy area

Leave last after the transaction took place

Inform friend or family of what is happening

Have another male friend with me

Always carrying

Paranoid? No. Just very aware of what other humans are capable of. Especially after an almost bad incident with the wife.

Its a good point, awareness is a key element to survival, though I find it a pleasure to meet and deal with everyone I have ever met for the purpose of buying something advertised in this area and beyond, having sourced much needed things of older quality at prices not seen often, one should always consider the circumstances, where they are going to, dealing with money etc. and not be distracted from being completely aware, being excited by the purchase or deal.

Location--- If item is in a bad part of town, I pass, lots of good, honest, people live in these areas but --as a rule???
Now I can't control that when selling but I can "somewhat" screen them out!
Like, if they want to offer less, sight unseen, I cut them short. Nothing wrong with them asking if price is negotiable.
Or if they want to know my address before they discuss item?
I agree with meeting at a certain location, but sometimes that is not possible, and they may not show.
I have sold and bought MANY used items, and what really P***es me off is for them to not be home or not show up to see item!!
I guess because of dealing with a lot of people, over the years, I tell the person if I am interested--I never leave after stating I am interested in item, with no intention of buying--leading them to think I will purchase item!
Sometimes my tinder heart gets in the way--Like a young man listed a chainsaw for sale and he gave a good description. When I got to his home, he had the saw on the front porch and he, his wife and two little girls were setting in chairs.
The saw had running issues and he was asking premium price. I made him an offer for considerably less then what he was asking and he thought about it for what seemed like five minutes and then accepted.
The delighted face of his wife and children is what I remember.
While placing his saw into the bed of my truck, he stated he lost his job and had bills to pay and his little girls needed shoes and were hungry!
I left and drove about two blocks, returned and gave him the rest of his asking price.
I knew I did the right thing when I saw tears in his eye.

I bought a craigslist car yesterday, after much phone discussion. Showing up at a stranger"s house with several thousand dollars is always reason to take care. They were equally cautious.

We had an excellent transaction. I left with the Audi TT Quattro I"d been looking for, they were picking up a 4 door BMW later that day for their growing family. Then I got to discover how the TT would deal with my driveway. Yup, 1st gear was low enough to come up slow. And what a hoot to drive on pavement.

Delete

(quoted from post at 21:24:55 01/21/14) Here's one bad transaction near me just last night.

click here

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I thought that video the subject of this post??

Yep your right. I got to reading everyone elses experiences and saw this on my facebook page a few minutes later. Sorry for the repost.

(quoted from post at 22:50:56 01/21/14)
Yep your right. I got to reading everyone elses experiences and saw this on my facebook page a few minutes later. Sorry for the repost.

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No Problem--I was thinking that I may have missed something.