Deleted
Joined: Jun 1, 2024 17:00:06 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2012 17:37:06 GMT -5
I was trying to sell my old washer and dryer on Craigslist and this one lady responded asking if it was still available. I said it was so she responded with the below:
"I'm sorry to bother you. I'm in a bit of jam my husband left me and took our set. I don't have the cash to pay for this but I have a 150$ spa gift certificate or a 100$ tanning certificate that I could offer in trade. I would never do this but I need to in order to keep my children clean for school. Its just been a rough time right now. The gift certificates are great. Just wandering if its something you would consider. Thank you. Barb (her phone number) if you need to talk to me"
I responded I normally wouldn't but i just got divorced with an infant so I can relate and I will accept the spa certificate. She didn't respond back yet. My friend thinks I am an idiot for falling for a scam but I really don't think this is a scam. What do you think?
|
|
kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
Posts: 7,983
|
Post by kittensaver on Dec 12, 2012 17:44:18 GMT -5
First - do you really WANT these certificates, or would you do it just to be nice and/or you have no other offers?
If you really do want them, then call the business offices of the folks who issued the certificates and ask if they are (still) valid (BEFORE you hand over the appliances). If she's not a scammer, she will not object to this.
Good luck whatever you decide. The only way to find out if this is a scam or a legitimate trade between two people is to do a little more investigation. Any time you get uncomfortable you can back out.
|
|
Tiny
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 21:22:34 GMT -5
Posts: 13,379
|
Post by Tiny on Dec 12, 2012 17:46:39 GMT -5
Hard to tell.. is the spa an actual spa name you recoginize? Can you call over to the spa to confirm they give out certificates and how you can validate one you have (or will have)?
I 'barter' gift cards/certificates/stuff fairly often (but not on craigs list) and I'm not scamming anyone so it could be legitimate.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jun 1, 2024 17:00:06 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2012 17:53:02 GMT -5
"do you really WANT these certificates, or would you do it just to be nice and/or you have no other offers?"
I definitely don't want the tanning certificate so I asked for the spa one. I could use it but no I don't really want them. I guess her email just hit my soft spot since I just got divorced today. I don't have any other offers but I just posted them last night so I am not in a hurry. She didn't say the name of the spa. It is a good idea to call the spa about the certificate. I guess I will wait and see if she gets back to me. My friend was thinking the certificates would be fake and she would turn around and sell it herself. She is only asking for the washer, not even the dryer so another reason why i dont think that is her intent.
|
|
kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
Posts: 7,983
|
Post by kittensaver on Dec 12, 2012 18:06:53 GMT -5
Well maybe it's just me, but I don't automatically assume everything is a scam - - especially when it comes to informal, private party transactions. To me scams are more like tricks where people mine your information (email address, personal data) and contact you ("Help! I'm stuck in an airport in Nairobi!"). You definitely don't have to take the first offer that comes along . . . unless you really want to. And like I said, if you decide to proceed then ask for a copy of the certificate and call the business office with the info (especially if the certificate has a serial number on it) to see if it's legit. If she objects, well, you have your answer.
Private transactions don't have to all be scary scams. Like Tiny mentioned, I too have engaged in them and they went well. Just do what's good for YOU.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jun 1, 2024 17:00:06 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2012 18:30:26 GMT -5
Yes I totally agree with you kitten. I don't automatically assume it is a scam either. And she gave me her phone number (with the area code for this area so no weird numbers or anything). But the below on the other hand is definitely a scam:
"Hi,
Thanks for the response . I'm going on a vacation to London but I will instruct my assistant to prepare and mail your payment which I'm sure you will get in about 2-3 business days. I'll add $20 extra for the delay. I'll pay by M O or cashier check so send me your info (i.e full name, mailing address and your phone number) so payment can be mailed out immediately. I will also make arrangement for pick-up which will be after you must have received and cashed the payment. Awaiting your info.Expecting to hear from you soon.P.S Advise if there is any defect"
|
|
endofera
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 31, 2010 10:05:39 GMT -5
Posts: 236
|
Post by endofera on Dec 12, 2012 18:41:09 GMT -5
I think everything is a scam and am always wary. So now she/he knows you live alone with an infant. I would be very careful.
|
|
alabamagal
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 11:30:29 GMT -5
Posts: 8,122
|
Post by alabamagal on Dec 12, 2012 18:49:47 GMT -5
Well it doesn't require you to send any money to Nigeria.....
I am pretty skeptical, but this could be legit. How much were you expecting to get? I might just consider giving it away if you thought the person was really needy and you were not counting on the money.
|
|
kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
Posts: 7,983
|
Post by kittensaver on Dec 12, 2012 18:51:56 GMT -5
I think everything is a scam and am always wary. So now she/he knows you live alone with an infant. I would be very careful. With all due respect, I think there is a difference between being careful and being scared.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Dec 12, 2012 18:52:41 GMT -5
I think everything is a scam and am always wary. So now she/he knows you live alone with an infant. I would be very careful. Sorry I keep flashing to the craigslist killer...you can never be too careful.
|
|
Sum Dum Gai
Senior Associate
Joined: Aug 15, 2011 15:39:24 GMT -5
Posts: 19,892
|
Post by Sum Dum Gai on Dec 12, 2012 18:59:50 GMT -5
Maybe it's a scam, maybe not, but all your out is some used appliance that you don't need anymore. It's not like you're contemplating handing your life savings over to a slick talking "investment guru" or anything. Maybe she's lying and she gets a washer and dryer off of you for a gift certificate that you don't really want, but maybe she's telling the truth and you're helping out a family in pretty rough straits.
No harm verifying the gift certificate is legit of course, but I wouldn't run screaming just because she doesn't want to pay cash. Where else would a desperate mom with very little cash look for a washer and dryer if she really needed one other than Freecycle/Craigslist, yanno?
|
|
kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
Posts: 7,983
|
Post by kittensaver on Dec 12, 2012 19:04:50 GMT -5
Maybe it's a scam, maybe not, but all your out is some used appliance that you don't need anymore. It's not like you're contemplating handing your life savings over to a slick talking "investment guru" or anything. Maybe she's lying and she gets a washer and dryer off of you for a gift certificate that you don't really want, but maybe she's telling the truth and you're helping out a family in pretty rough straits. No harm verifying the gift certificate is legit of course, but I wouldn't run screaming just because she doesn't want to pay cash. Where else would a desperate mom with very little cash look for a washer and dryer if she really needed one other than Freecycle/Craigslist, yanno? I completely agree, Dark. You can't go around living your life being scared and paranoid of everything (well, okay, maybe you can - - but then you shouldn't be posting on Craigslist!) I think bunnysmom has enough good sense about her (as my nonna would have said) to not get lured into something unsafe. Nothing wrong with private parties negotiating to strike a deal. She can always cut off the negotiations at any time it starts to feel iffy.
|
|
Sam_2.0
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 15:42:45 GMT -5
Posts: 12,350
|
Post by Sam_2.0 on Dec 12, 2012 19:40:02 GMT -5
The part that makes it look like a scam to me are the dollar signs after the numbers instead of before. Seems like several of the scammer emails have that trait. That would make me worry.
Also, giftcards could be used online. So even if you verify the amount now, if the person has written down the important numbers they could possibly still use it later leaving you with a worthless card/certificate. I would not accept a giftcard that had the pin number scratched off/revealed.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jun 1, 2024 17:00:06 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2012 19:54:31 GMT -5
"So now she/he knows you live alone with an infant. I would be very careful." Well not necessarily. I didn't tell her I live alone (I could have moved in with my family-not that they are here but she doesn't know that). Also, the washer is at my townhouse, where I do not live anymore. My friend who thinks is a scam (is an ex-BF) offered to go along when we are doing the trade (if she gets back to me). The way I see it is exactly what Dark said. It is just a used washer. It is in good condition but it is still used and probably not worth more than a few hundred bucks. Having had my divorce final today, it hit me in my soft spot. I think I am okay with taking the chance that she is making up the story and will sell to someone else. I just didn't want to walk into an obvious scam. Part of me is even saying to just give it to her. Am I stupid??
|
|
Peace Of Mind
Senior Associate
[font color="#8f2520"]~ Drinks Well With Others ~[/font]
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:53:02 GMT -5
Posts: 15,554
Location: Paradise
|
Post by Peace Of Mind on Dec 12, 2012 20:07:29 GMT -5
My vote is it's a scam. If she can afford to go to London she can afford a washer/dryer. But now you know why she'll not have any cash. You may want to recommend she post on YM. Her priorities are skewed.
|
|
cubefarmer
Established Member
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 14:08:21 GMT -5
Posts: 443
|
Post by cubefarmer on Dec 12, 2012 20:12:20 GMT -5
I vote for scam as well. Dollar sign after the amount is weird. Who does that??
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jun 1, 2024 17:00:06 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2012 20:13:56 GMT -5
My vote is it's a scam. If she can afford to go to London she can afford a washer/dryer. But now you know why she'll not have any cash. You may want to recommend she post on YM. Her priorities are skewed. the person going on vacation to London was a DIFFERENT reply that bunnysmom got that she said she knew was a definite scam.
|
|
Peace Of Mind
Senior Associate
[font color="#8f2520"]~ Drinks Well With Others ~[/font]
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:53:02 GMT -5
Posts: 15,554
Location: Paradise
|
Post by Peace Of Mind on Dec 12, 2012 20:16:02 GMT -5
My vote is it's a scam. If she can afford to go to London she can afford a washer/dryer. But now you know why she'll not have any cash. You may want to recommend she post on YM. Her priorities are skewed. the person going on vacation to London was a DIFFERENT reply that bunnysmom got that she said she knew was a definite scam. But my version was funnier! ;D
|
|
kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
Posts: 7,983
|
Post by kittensaver on Dec 12, 2012 20:18:31 GMT -5
the person going on vacation to London was a DIFFERENT reply that bunnysmom got that she said she knew was a definite scam. But my version was funnier! ;D Agreed!
|
|
kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
Posts: 7,983
|
Post by kittensaver on Dec 12, 2012 20:19:27 GMT -5
I vote for scam as well. Dollar sign after the amount is weird. Who does that?? Some Europeans. Not weird to them!
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,687
|
Post by Tennesseer on Dec 12, 2012 20:20:06 GMT -5
Have the person with the gift certificates see if she can get cash from the spa and tanning salon.
Accept cash only.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jun 1, 2024 17:00:06 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2012 20:30:53 GMT -5
Honestly the $ sign after the number didn't catch my eye. It could be she was going to right 150 dollars, then wrote 150 $ instead. The one reason I didn't think it is a scam is because she gave a phone number. I didn't call it but it just could be a different kind of scam, as in she is just trying to get it for free and will resell.
|
|
kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
Posts: 7,983
|
Post by kittensaver on Dec 12, 2012 20:39:05 GMT -5
Honestly the $ sign after the number didn't catch my eye. It could be she was going to right 150 dollars, then wrote 150 $ instead. The one reason I didn't think it is a scam is because she gave a phone number. I didn't call it but it just could be a different kind of scam, as in she is just trying to get it for free and will resell. Bunnysmom - I know how easy it is to get your heartstrings tugged. Yes, this actually COULD be a way you could get scammed/used. Of course you will do what you want, but if you decide to give it away, give it to a recognized charity that will give you a receipt (Habitat for Humanity is a good one, if you happen to have a chapter in your area). The charity you give it to will either re-sell it or make sure a worthy family gets it. Better than wondering if a stranger really needs it or is just playing you, sez me.
|
|
Peace Of Mind
Senior Associate
[font color="#8f2520"]~ Drinks Well With Others ~[/font]
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:53:02 GMT -5
Posts: 15,554
Location: Paradise
|
Post by Peace Of Mind on Dec 12, 2012 20:48:55 GMT -5
Honestly the $ sign after the number didn't catch my eye. It could be she was going to right 150 dollars, then wrote 150 $ instead. The one reason I didn't think it is a scam is because she gave a phone number. I didn't call it but it just could be a different kind of scam, as in she is just trying to get it for free and will resell. Bunnysmom - I know how easy it is to get your heartstrings tugged. Yes, this actually COULD be a way you could get scammed/used. Of course you will do what you want, but if you decide to give it away, give it to a recognized charity that will give you a receipt (Habitat for Humanity is a good one, if you happen to have a chapter in your area). The charity you give it to will either re-sell it or make sure a worthy family gets it. Better than wondering if a stranger really needs it or is just playing you, sez me. I think this is an excellent idea.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jun 1, 2024 17:00:06 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2012 21:10:01 GMT -5
Yes it is a great idea. And I am thinking more and more that it is a scam. She responded back right away to my first email saying it was still available but when I responded to hers with I normally wouldn't but I just got divorced today with an infant, maybe I made her feel bad??? Because she still has not responded back. Maybe she thought I was scamming her
|
|
constanz22
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:32:17 GMT -5
Posts: 4,219
|
Post by constanz22 on Dec 12, 2012 22:18:46 GMT -5
I think it's a scam...sorry...I have not had very good luck with CL for the past couple years, seems to be more scams than legit buyers, not worth my time. I have had GREAT luck over the past year selling items on Facebook. Just do a search for (your town/county) and "virtual yard sale", "rummage sale", etc. and you will likely find several such groups. I have been able to sell all kinds of excess stuff this past year, and have bought some really cool stuff too! I know lots of people, IRL and online that use them in their towns and also have had great experiences!
|
|
NotSoFair
Established Member
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 22:02:59 GMT -5
Posts: 426
|
Post by NotSoFair on Dec 12, 2012 22:44:04 GMT -5
Well maybe it's just me, but I don't automatically assume everything is a scam - - especially when it comes to informal, private party transactions. To me scams are more like tricks where people mine your information (email address, personal data) and contact you ("Help! I'm stuck in an airport in Nairobi!"). You definitely don't have to take the first offer that comes along . . . unless you really want to. And like I said, if you decide to proceed then ask for a copy of the certificate and call the business office with the info (especially if the certificate has a serial number on it) to see if it's legit. If she objects, well, you have your answer. Private transactions don't have to all be scary scams. Like Tiny mentioned, I too have engaged in them and they went well. Just do what's good for YOU. I just got one of those today from a friend's email, except that he and family were stuck in the Philippines instead of Nairobi.
|
|
NotSoFair
Established Member
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 22:02:59 GMT -5
Posts: 426
|
Post by NotSoFair on Dec 12, 2012 22:47:45 GMT -5
Yes I totally agree with you kitten. I don't automatically assume it is a scam either. And she gave me her phone number (with the area code for this area so no weird numbers or anything). But the below on the other hand is definitely a scam: "Hi, Thanks for the response . I'm going on a vacation to London but I will instruct my assistant to prepare and mail your payment which I'm sure you will get in about 2-3 business days. I'll add $20 extra for the delay. I'll pay by M O or cashier check so send me your info (i.e full name, mailing address and your phone number) so payment can be mailed out immediately. I will also make arrangement for pick-up which will be after you must have received and cashed the payment. Awaiting your info.Expecting to hear from you soon.P.S Advise if there is any defect" Did this come from the same lady? I assume not.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jun 1, 2024 17:00:06 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2012 9:20:02 GMT -5
No that was from somebody else and definitely scam.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Jun 1, 2024 17:00:06 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2012 9:50:35 GMT -5
Her bringing up that she has kids that need to stay clean for school is what makes it sound like a scam to me. Sounds like she's trying to tug on some heartstrings with that one.
|
|