Got Scammed on Craigslist

KirkS518 wrote in post #15339406
We're getting off topic, but I've met CL'ers at a Police Station lobby.

I would consider any CL request to meet in a police lobby to be extremely paranoid and that's not the place to conduct business. I would refuse such a request and move on.

craigslist was meant for local transactions not shipping things.

Yes, yes, yes. Many lessons learned, my biggest one was being in a hurry to get rid of the lens while dealing with everyday distractions and being inexperienced with selling items myself. As for the be armed, I do carry (being a woman) when out shooting (photos) and the first lens I sold I had the guy come to our shop where not only was I carrying, but my husband and stepsons were also there should anything have gone wrong. I would much rather a buyer come to our shop than either meet them somewhere or at my home, I wouldn't normally carry for things like that BUT right now there might be some people out there hellbent on the idea that the world is going to end in a few days and you never know how they'll act. I do carry when out shooting, since I am mainly by myself and I like shooting dilapidated building or creepy night scenes where this isn't going to be anyone else around normally.

I'm sorry I don't understand the need to carry a weapon. If someone (a marine) who has an extensive weapon training and most likely hand to hand combat lost a fight with bad guys, what kind of protection do you expect a weapon will provide? Are you going to pull your weapon and shoot back in public? That's a scary thought.

morph2_7 wrote in post #15342121
I'm sorry I don't understand the need to carry a weapon. If someone (a marine) who has an extensive weapon training and most likely hand to hand combat lost a fight with bad guys, what kind of protection do you expect a weapon will provide? Are you going to pull your weapon and shoot back in public? That's a scary thought.

Yes, I'm sure we all agree that it is much better to not defend yourself. Just let some thug rape or murder you.

How in the world do people develop this mindset?!!

If they're really out to get you they'll do so, weapon or not. Most people when faced with a pointy object, a firearm (where applicable for states who allow open/concealed carry), or otherwise will think twice though. That's all you need it to do. If it allows you to make your escape it is worth it. If you don't need it at all, that's even better. First and foremost you shouldn't put yourself in a position to need it (read: don't meet in sketchy places) but if you do happen to need it, better to have it than not have it. That Marine arranged a meeting on their turf in their apartment building which was his mistake.

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I always meet at the local target or starbucks. So far nothing bad has happened yet.

Once they mention, i'm buying it for a friend, i need it shipped i'll pay extra, paypal. Its a scam.

Just deal with cash.

sc300jz wrote in post #15352183
I always meet at the local target or starbucks. So far nothing bad has happened yet.

Once they mention, i'm buying it for a friend, i need it shipped i'll pay extra, paypal. Its a scam.

Just deal with cash.

I do the same. Except when I sold my Canon 10-22mm, where the buyer was 2 hours from my house. He asked to use PayPal and, knowing that this was a typical scam, I waited until funds were transferred first. But I probably won't do that again.

My wife almost got scammed just like the OP, but I caught her in time.

frugivore wrote in post #15357001
I do the same. Except when I sold my Canon 10-22mm, where the buyer was 2 hours from my house. He asked to use PayPal and, knowing that this was a typical scam, I waited until funds were transferred first. But I probably won't do that again.

My wife almost got scammed just like the OP, but I caught her in time.

The problem with taking PayPal on an item that you personally deliver to the buyer is that you have no proof of delivery PayPal will accept. There have been cases where the buyer even signed a receipt that listed the item where PayPal has found against the seller and refunded the money. Never ever accept PayPal for something you don't ship.

K6AZ wrote in post #15358096
The problem with taking PayPal on an item that you personally deliver to the buyer is that you have no proof of delivery PayPal will accept. There have been cases where the buyer even signed a receipt that listed the item where PayPal has found against the seller and refunded the money. Never ever accept PayPal for something you don't ship.

Good advice. I did ship in my case.

One time i sold a wii on ebay. Buyer claimed he never recieved it. So dispute happened. I showed them my shipping receipt and they accepted it.