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Craigslist Fraud

Just thought I'd share my recent experience with attempting to sell some audio equipment on Craigslist.  Attempted to sell a Audio Research Ref 3LE.  I know now that doing so via Craigslist was probably stupid.  Anyway, I had a guy from out of state reach out to me.  Said that he wanted to buy it.  Asked that he send a cashiers check.  A couple days later the FedEx arrives with a check for $12K more than what I was asking...  The alarm bells went off.  Check was from a business in Chicago and the FedEx was from Florida.  They did a very convincing job of making up the check.  Reported it to the police - so I could feel better.  They let me know that the scammers would probably have come back and asked that I send part of the money back to them.. as if.  Rang the company that the check was reported to have come from (The Belt Railway Company of Chicago).  They said that I was the 6th person in the last week that rang them.  Wanted to put this out for y'all and hope that no one goes through this like I did.  Very thankful that it only cost me time, frustration and some dents to my ego.  
128x128thelostdutchman
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,836 posts
 
It’s pretty obvious who the scammers are . I post in my ads on CL
I will consider reasonable offers only,  no checks m Cash only ,,pickup only 
if interested please leave me a phone number I can confirm,   Thank you 
if they can’t comply not worth dealing with. 
redwoodaudio
413 posts
 
Hey, I love CL.  Have to be a little careful, but I've bought and sold so many things there.  I love meeting people from all walks of life and making an honest deal.  No transaction fees, no middle men, no taxes.  Never had a problem taking paypal, venmo, or cash.  Browse my local audio selection on CL almost daily!
jdane
183 posts
 
Classic scam.  Every time I have posted on Craigslist, I get at least one of these ("Price is acceptable.  Please remove ad.  I am unfortunately out of state but I [or my agent] will send a check."). I simply delete.  Never had a problem with 'real' buyers, who will come and take a look and generally with cash.
jrpnde
271 posts
 
   Some scammers are of the genius kind. Too bad they don't work for legitimate gain. Here's an example of a clever one who preyed on the "less than intelligent"........
   Years ago when  cell phone use really took off people were using them everywhere. Most important, people were talking on their phones while driving. When the number of accidents on the road exploded due to distracted drivers law enforcement began to write citations for that act. That's when hands free gadgets for cell phones took off.
   A seller on eBay listed a hands free device for only $5. He posted no photo of the device. A flood of buyers jumped on the deal and ordered it.Turns out the device was simply a large rubber band costing only a few cents. The user would put the rubber band around the head and then place the cell phone underneath next to the ear.
   I don't remember how the legal issues worked out but, in a way, the seller wasn't legally misleading as to the function of the device. I'm sure he was banned from eBay.
   As clever as some of those people are all we can do is to be very careful when buying online.

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