Craigslist Tips. Fake Money Order Scam.
It seems like the quick and easy way to buy and sell today is Craigslist. Knowing right off the bat, how much of a dark ally it can be. I decided to bring my eBay rhythm with me and take the plunge.
In 2012, I sold my iPad to a young man. We met up at Starbucks. Sat down, let him power up the iPad and use it for a few minutes (Yes all the data was securely wiped). He paid me cash for it. Maybe 200 some bucks? Pretty good first impression for a Craigslist transaction.
Today, I’m more immersed into Craigslist because I’m moving in a couple weeks. Selling some odds and ends to lighten my already minimalist load.
One particular item is my barbell. My heaviest item. It’s not travel friendly. So, I put up a listing. Few days later, I recieved a very common response. Do you still have (set item?). That usually waves most sellers away, but I still dig a little sometimes.
Normally I don’t accept cashier checks, money orders, or cash. Even back in the 1999 eBay days. It’s a hassle. But I decided to gamble, because it’d be nice to get that barbell off my hands.
He or she, also had a Manhattan area code. Normally, that wouldn’t bother me. However, a non Dallas area code with a name I laughed at, raised a red flag. Plus already trying to take control of the conversation. So I took control back. He/she lives near Austin.
The money order was shipped via UPS, which was the most careless move any buyer can do. UPS just leaves stuff out in the open saying “hey take me!” when I’m not home.
I find a small envelope with a UPS Next Day Air label on it. He or she paid at least $15–$20 to send a money order….with a Fort Worth return address. Open it, and see that that money order is made out for 5 times the amount of my barbell.
Then I saw that text. He/she had mentioned a mover, but that’s obviously blowing your own cover. Could have played a bit more, but didn’t have the time.
So there you have it. I also learned from a friend on Facebook that many tweaked versions of this go around. Mine was just designed to fork over money I’d owe my bank later. I didn’t even bother doing any research on the check. Shredded.
Craigslist Selling Tips!
- Use a different phone number. Google Voice or Burner
2. Put a home security system sticker (Brinks etc.) on your door, whether you have security or not ☺
3. Never let a buyer control the conversation.
4. Use the masked email address feature that Craigslist has.
5. Accept PayPal, Square etc. only as payments. I wouldn’t buy from anyone who doesn’t offer those either. Square Cash won’t work with non US numbers. That’s a good way to catch suspicious acts.
6. Be skeptical of those who reply “Do you still have…” or even housing listings. “Are you still looking…”
7. Complete the transaction in a public place if possible.
8. List your item at least once everyday, to increase chances for a response. Attention spans suck.
9. Read the Craigslist FAQ’s. They’ll mention no dice on Moneygram/Western Union etc.
10. Be yourself. I’ve sold to mostly older mom and pop folks. If they trust a youngin’ like me, it’s good business.
