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Thread: Weird Craigslist replies: What's the scam?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Granby, Connecticut - on the Mass border
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    350

    Weird Craigslist replies: What's the scam?

    Folks - Not to start another craigslist thread, but....

    I posted in the Free section about a twin size box spring that I have no use for, just trying to avoid taking it to the dump. I got one response from a "Guy Fawkes" saying "what is the lowest you would accept for this" .

    Ok, that's just dumb. I mean, it's posted in the Free section. And that's a pretty unusual, famous name.

    THen I got another, from a more normal name "Saige Dupont" saying "Interested in this item. Can come today." Seems a little nonspecific to be from an actual human who is actually interested.

    So I'm figuring these are both some sort of scam. But what's the point? Getting my email when I reply? Are emails addresses that useful/valuable? Or are they hoping to get a street address? What good does that do them?

    I thought perhaps some of the more experienced Craistlist users could shed some light on this.

    Thanks, Ken

    By the way, anyone in Northern Connecticut have a need for a twin box spring ?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
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    New England
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    Well I wouldn't call myself an experienced CL user but these sound like automated responses to me.

    Fishing for a big one. Waiting for a tug on the line.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
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    fayetteville Arkansas
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    629
    Yes, I've wondered the same about the purpose of these kind of replies on Craigslist. Still not sure of the purpose but am sure it's not good. I've sold a lot of items over the years on Craigslist's and have learned if you do not post your email address or phone number that cuts out 90% of these malicious replies. Only let them contact you through the Craigslist reply button.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
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    Quote Originally Posted by julian abram View Post
    Only let them contact you through the Craigslist reply button.
    This is the only way I sell on Craigslist. Then to complete the transaction I do it our local police station "Internet Transaction" area. It is monitored with video surveillance.
    Last edited by George Bokros; 09-22-2018 at 9:04 AM.
    George

    Making sawdust regularly, occasionally a project is completed.

  5. #5
    On those rare occasions when I do sell through Craigslist, I create an e-mail just for that sale. When I've sold the item, I delete the ad and delete the e-mail account.

  6. #6
    Join Date
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    George,

    I had never heard of Police offering an Internet Transaction Zone. Is it just a monitored parking lot? Or is there more to it?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Modesto, CA, USA
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    In California it means a corner of the police parking lot with a streetlight and 24/7 video monitoring/recording. I assume the desk Sargent keeps an eye on the monitor.
    Bill D.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    The Hartland of Michigan
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    Quote Originally Posted by George Bokros View Post
    This is the only way I sell on Craigslist. Then to complete the transaction I do it our local police station "Internet Transaction" area. It is monitored with video surveillance.
    I do the deals in the parking lot of a local gun shop.
    Never, under any circumstances, consume a laxative and sleeping pill, on the same night

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Medina Ohio
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    I have been to a couple that use the lobby as a transaction zone. One place was a police station fire station combo that you could have an officer or a fireman over look the transaction

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    NE Iowa
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jerome Stanek View Post
    I have been to a couple that use the lobby as a transaction zone. One place was a police station fire station combo that you could have an officer or a fireman over look the transaction
    Last thing I bought from a CL ad weighed 11,000 lbs and cost North of $20k. Don't think it would have fit in the lobby.

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