Craigslist Scams

[Den82]

A person contacted me on Craigslist about some beater MOTU figures I put up for sale. They told me they were disable and collected old toys from when they were a kid to help with their depression and that they only had 5. In such cases, you never want to assume the person is lying, because there is always a good chance they are telling the truth. But it's odd that I've gotten similar stories from people on Craigslist. For instance, once somebody who I knew for a fact was a reseller told me they 1940s Erector set they wanted to buy from me was for their 7 year old son.

Anyway, I told them I'd sell them the toys, but then they told me they would send me the cash in the mail (no mention of paying for shipping or anything).

That's when I got really suspicious. What would you do?

I think scams artists do such things, to take advantage of the fact they know most people will not risk assuming the person is a liar.

[Den82]

This message oddly came at the same time my "want ad" for vintage toys and figures was flagged. Maybe I am just paranoid.

[toys2cool]

so what are you assuming is the scam? that he's trying to get away with not paying the shipping?

if that's the case explain that you need the shipping money or you can't ship them

[Adam West]

Probably one of those stunts hoping that you will send the item before the cash is received. I remember eons ago, selling my first car (a used Honda Civic) at the parking lot of a shopping center that was pretty well known for buyers and sellers to buy and sell cars. Some clown walked up to my car asked my price, never looked it over and told me he would give me full price with a cashier's check (and would be back in an hour with it). I told him cash only. First, I had the car a bit overpriced so some haggling could be done and second he never even looked over the car so "scam" screamed all over.

[MEGO_SUPERMAN]

I have had that happen before.....They tell you a story about how they are disabled and it is the only thing that brings them joy. Can you sell me that for $5? It is odd though the things they ask for are of much more value than the $5. I offered some other free opened toys I did not care about....dude got offended. Had it happen another time and lost my head and sent it. I got $5 in cash and spent $10 to ship it. Dude sold it on ebay using my pictures for about $25 plus shipping. Make of it what you will....

[MegoSteve]

NEVER EVER send anything in the mail for a Craigslist sale. The whole point of Craigslist is that it's local, and to put something in the mail is just asking to be scammed. The very first thing under the "Avoiding Scams" page on Craiglist is:

DEAL LOCALLY WITH FOLKS YOU CAN MEET IN PERSON - follow this one rule and avoid 99% of scam attempts on Craigslist.

He may try to send you a fake money order or cashier's check worth more than what you are selling and ask you to refund the difference.

It's odd that he picked cheap toys, though... that kind of scam is typically done with cars and popular electronics (iPads, laptops, etc.).