07-03-2012, 08:18 PM
I don't generally purchase items at a distance on Craigslist, it goes against all "the rules".
When I do, it's generally something rare, and I do a lot of due diligence with phone calls, asking for specific photos to ensure the seller actually has the item, to be reasonably assured of the condition, the seller's veracity, etc. I am also usually prepared to lose the money.
After several weeks of conversation by phone, text and e-mail, I recently paid for a set of Boxster S II wheels and tires from a person named "Joey Royer" in Williamsport, PA. I sent him a good sum of money, and I made sure to use PayPal and to back the transaction with my Visa card for added protection.
Once he received the money, all communication ceased and the wheels never arrived. I engaged the PayPal dispute / claim process (historically unsuccessful), and filed a claim with Visa.
To my utter surprise, PayPal recovered the full amount of funds and credited them back to my Visa card.
I post this as a warning just in case someone sees these wheels listed on Craiglist again. They had been resprayed by "a previous owner" but otherwise appeared to be in good condition. I have saved the original listing with pictures, and full transcripts of the email and text exchanges.
For your safety, look out for email "jroyer88@live.com", and phone number (570) 898-3882.
When I do, it's generally something rare, and I do a lot of due diligence with phone calls, asking for specific photos to ensure the seller actually has the item, to be reasonably assured of the condition, the seller's veracity, etc. I am also usually prepared to lose the money.
After several weeks of conversation by phone, text and e-mail, I recently paid for a set of Boxster S II wheels and tires from a person named "Joey Royer" in Williamsport, PA. I sent him a good sum of money, and I made sure to use PayPal and to back the transaction with my Visa card for added protection.
Once he received the money, all communication ceased and the wheels never arrived. I engaged the PayPal dispute / claim process (historically unsuccessful), and filed a claim with Visa.
To my utter surprise, PayPal recovered the full amount of funds and credited them back to my Visa card.
I post this as a warning just in case someone sees these wheels listed on Craiglist again. They had been resprayed by "a previous owner" but otherwise appeared to be in good condition. I have saved the original listing with pictures, and full transcripts of the email and text exchanges.
For your safety, look out for email "jroyer88@live.com", and phone number (570) 898-3882.
