Selling Items On Craiglist To A Scammer | Sept 11th, 2024

Introduction

Yesterday, I found myself in an unexpected situation while trying to sell an audio interface and an i15 wide on Craigslist after a trip to B&H. A buyer expressed interest in the audio interface, claiming to live in Astoria. I suggested we meet at a Target in Long Island City, specifically at the former City Bank building, due to the numerous security cameras in the area, ensuring a safer transaction.

Initially, the buyer tried to haggle, offering me $ 80 instead of the $ 100 I was asking for. After some back-and-forth, he reluctantly agreed to my price but insisted on using Zelle for payment. My experience in New York City has made me wary of Zelle, as many scammers exploit it. I told him I only accept cash or payments through Cash App or PayPal.

As the day progressed, I arrived at the Target location around 1:50 PM, ready for our 2 PM meeting. However, at 2:20 PM, he still hadn't shown up. I grew increasingly uneasy about the whole interaction, especially when I learned that he didn't seem familiar with the area or the building's history. Given the rise in crime and scams in New York, I began to suspect he was trying to commit fraud.

Throughout our conversation, the buyer's nervous demeanor was concerning. He asked me unusual questions about my appearance and expressed reluctance to meet in a well-monitored location. Instead, he wanted me to come to his neighborhood, which I refused because I didn't know it well and wanted to prioritize my safety.

After texting and emailing him to confirm our meeting details, he finally responded—but by that time, I was feeling the weight of my concerns. Based on his strange behavior, my instincts told me he might have been up to no good. I even suggested meeting at a local police station, but he didn't seem interested in that idea.

By the time it reached 2:24 PM, I decided to reach out through email to see if he was still coming. I had not heard from him further, and when I attempted to follow up, I found out he had blocked my message. This confirmed my anxieties about him being a scammer.

After filing the incident in my mind, I contemplated posting a warning on Craigslist about this untrustworthy individual. I realized that online marketplaces like Craigslist are breeding grounds for scammers looking for people in desperate situations. The entire situation took an emotional toll, especially as I was only trying to sell to cover my hostel expenses and buy groceries.

Through this experience, I realized the importance of caution when engaging in online sales. It's easy to think that people are genuine, but you must always be aware of potential red flags. Always choose a public place with security, never accept questionable payment methods, and trust your instincts.

Keywords

• Craigslist
• Scammer
• Audio Interface
• Target
• Zelle
• Cash App
• New York City
• Security Cameras
• Safety
• Payment Methods

FAQ

Q: What happened when you tried to sell your audio interface?
A: I encountered a suspicious buyer who tried to haggle and suggested meeting in a location that made me uncomfortable.

Q: Why were you hesitant to use Zelle for the transaction?
A: I've observed that many scammers utilize Zelle to facilitate fraudulent transactions, so I felt it was safer to stick to cash or more secure payment methods.

Q: What were some red flags you noticed about the buyer?
A: The buyer's nervous demeanor and reluctance to meet in a public place with many security cameras gave me cause for concern about his intentions.

Q: How did you confirm that the buyer was trying to scam you?
A: I inferred his intentions from his behavior during our conversation and ultimately was blocked after following up via email when he failed to show up at the agreed time.

Q: What advice do you have for others using online marketplaces?
A: Always meet in a well-monitored public location, be wary of payment methods like Zelle, and trust your instincts when something feels off.