New and Dangerous Scam---Craigslist

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Author Message Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 3:08 pm:    Here in the States, Craigslist has become a way of buying and selling without cost to either party. It's basically an online 'flea market' or rummage sale. Lately there have been a number of sellers being robbed at gunpoint of their products by would be buyers. Here in No. Calif. some gang bangers pulled a 9mm on a guy selling sweatshirts after agreeing to meet at a local retailer parking lot!! (He and his buddies were captured, with one guy wearing one of the stolen sweatshirts!) Not good news for potential sellers of guitars and other expensive items! All we are left with is Ebay for relative secure selling/buyiing and that's going to hell thanks to scammers. I've made a few Ebay transactions and enjoy Craigslist, but now I limit new or used purchases from either known parties or legitimate retailers. Scammers and crooks have taken all of the fun out of friendly buying, selling or trading cool stuff like guitars in my opinion. What do you guys think? Thanks for letting me rant. Tim Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 4:12 pm:    I guess there will always be scammers. the internet makes it easy for them to find a victim. I know I wouldn't wanna meet someone I didn't know for a transaction. I did it once at the Great American Guitar Show a few years ago when I sold some vintage microphones to someone but we talked quite a bit before the show online and by phone and it turned out good! Markownly Username: Markownly Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 6:04 pm:    Tim, That's too wild!!! WOW! I guess it's not one world! I agree with you, it's a shame because you CAN find some good deals on Craigslist. Maybe if a meeting was set up like that, I'd plan to not go alone when buying OR selling! And you can rant all you want Tim. IMHO, you have earned that right. Your stature in this forum has earned my respect. Mark Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 6:40 pm:    Mark~ You are correct...Deals can be had, but as always, 'caveat emptor' rules the day. It's just a shame that we can't buy and sell without body guards (cyber and real). And thanks for the kind words. The respect is mutual. Tim Markownly Username: Markownly Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 6:53 pm:    Tim, Thank you. Mark Dave_g Username: Dave_g Registered: 01-2002 Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 8:06 pm:    Mark, jest bring a couple of friends with ya Markownly Username: Markownly Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 9:05 pm:    Dave, I love it!!!!! "...step away from the guitarcase!" Can you see meeting with a buyer behind a wallmart, and getting out your car with your guitar in one hand, and "him" on the other???? I love it!!! LMAO p.s. ..and i'm not making light of the recent situation that Tim spoke of. Mark Dave_g Username: Dave_g Registered: 01-2002 Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 1:28 am:    Mark..the best thing is that Bruno here has a twin, only about 30 lbs heavier...his big brother Shane. Very sweet animals, just don't come into my house uninvited or attempt to touch any member of my family as the boys have NO sense of humor and they are ALWAYS hungry ! (Sure they have chewed a guitar case or two also !) Littlepig Username: Littlepig Registered: 11-2004 Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 4:06 am:    This sort of thing happened before ebay. About 10 years ago friend of mine advertised a laptop in a small adds paper (like Exchange & Mart). Someone answered his ad. offered to pay the asking price and came round to collect. Once he was inside he pulled a knife and walked off with the goods. When I have bought guitars on ebay I have always colected them. So what is the solution for handing over expensive delicate goods? Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 8:21 am:    I don't think there's one solution, right? But I think to talk on the phone, make questions to see if the person is sincere.... try to get an impression helps. Of course it's still far from being a guarantee but it helps. So far, I have sold two guitars over the internet and both times the buyers came by. One time I was a bit suspicious because the guy was carrying a "funny" bag (I thought it could have a gun inside) but it turned out fine. Anyway, it's always a risk. Littlepig Username: Littlepig Registered: 11-2004 Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 10:25 am:    FG100, after my friend's experience I always thought meet in a public place to do the deal but it seems even that has it's problems. But you are right you've got probe a bit to see what they are like. Gemberbier Username: Gemberbier Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 6:35 pm:    http://www.oldielyrics.com/lyrics/patti_page/how_much_is_that_doggy_in_the_windo w.html Gemberbier Username: Gemberbier Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 6:43 pm:    Or http://www.woef.org/mkportal/modules/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=lastup&ca t=0&pos=4

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