Better Business Bureau warns against Craigslist scams

[Wayne]

http://cjonline.com/news/local/2012-05- ... list-scams

Better Business Bureau warns against Craigslist scams
Posted: May 20, 2012 - 11:03am
THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

From California to Oklahoma to Georgia, cases of Craigslist crimes are cropping up like weeds as of late. Even as Attorneys General warn, alerts from District Attorneys and cautions from Craigslist itself proliferate, the public continues to be victimized by online schemers. Your Better Business Bureau urges caution when buying or selling on the popular classified ad site.

What has become known as “robbery by appointment” is a particularly devious scheme now on a sharp rise nationally. Here’s how it works: a seller advertises a product on Craigslist or another such service. The product could be anything from smart phones to jewelry or you-name-it.

A “buyer” contacts them and they agree to meet where the deal will be conducted. At that meeting the seller is robbed, in some cases beaten up and in at least one case in Washington State, murdered. Such incidents are being reported in broad daylight and in public places in “safe” neighborhoods. College campuses have even been the locations for these robberies.

In some instances the victim has been the person who showed up to purchase the item advertised online. A student in Georgia was about to make a purchase when the “seller” snatched the money from her hand and ran. The important thing to such thieves is that the appointment with their victim is arranged. At that appointment the robber either steals what’s for sale or steal’s the money of a seller without delivering merchandise.

Safeguarding yourself when making transactions

The following tips can help prevent your selling or buying transaction from turning into a crime scene:

• Insist on meeting in a busy public place like a café. The more people around you, the better.

• Bring someone with you to the meeting. It’s also a good idea to let someone else know that you are going to the location for the sale.

• Do not arrange for the meeting to take place at your home. Do not invite a stranger into your home.

• If you’re selling or buying an item of high value be extra cautious. Plan ahead to ask a lot of questions and get satisfactory answers before agreeing to the transaction.

• Take your cell phone with you and be prepared to call 911 if necessary.

• Don’t be pressured. Err on the side of caution, especially if something just doesn’t seem right about the sale. Trust your instincts.

Transactions that do not involve a face-to-face meeting are also commonly used to take your money from you. Scammers have always favored “deals” which involve wiring funds via Western Union, Money Gram or some other wire service. Such requests are one of the biggest red flags to watch for. Never engage in transactions that require wiring money. Also be aware that fake cashier’s checks and money orders are a common occurrence. Banks will cash them and then hold you responsible for the money.

As always, be aware of attempts to get your private financial information. Don’t give out any of it. Craigslist also warns users to avoid deals that involve shipping or escrow services.

The wide variety of merchandise available and the marketplace’s size make Craigslist and other similar classified services irresistible to buyers and sellers. Be aware that thieves know this too. Proactive precautions can help you avoid becoming victim to a scam or to “robbery by appointment.”

Contact your Better Business Bureau with concerns or questions. They are available at (800) 856-2417 or online at http://kansasplains.bbb.org.