Craig's List savvy question

[jerrybob]

Bought my tractor on CL as well....but....this is a scam and you should not provide any information. Ask for a phone number.....go see the tractor.....do not exchange any info. or money. On another forum......I just saw a lady wanting a trailer....saw it on CL.....sent them a $500 down payment......never saw trailer and now is out the 500 bucks.....dumb! Be careful........good luck.

 

[Tig]

If I am suspicious of an ad, I copy the title, or part of the title and do a google search on it. You know it is a scam when it shows up in cities all over the country.

Google will also let you search pictures which is valuable in detecting a deception.

 

[fordmantpw]

Never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever EVER pay before you have viewed the item and are ready to pick it up. Paying a small fee after you have seen it until you can come back with your vehicle to get it may be acceptable, but DO NOT EVER pay any money without seeing it.

One exception to that may be paying via PayPal for something that the seller is shipping to you. But even then, do NOT pay before seeing at least a picture, and make sure the seller is 'verified' through PayPal so that you are covered for any losses.

 

[jmc]

OP here. Yeah, it's hard enough for me to fork over cash even AFTER seeing well used machinery, much less before. No problem avoiding that trap. But I was wondering about that notice on CL about his ad being removed. Does CL do that when something smells bad? Or maybe he asked them to remove it because he thought it was sold? May not even matter- haven't heard back from him yet. Thanks, All.

 

[RoyJackson]

Sounds like a possible scam since CL sent you a response the ad was being removed. Why would CL prevent him from posting pics? I do it all the time. I have several ads with pics posted. If he still sounds ligit replying to your email the next question I'd find out how close he is to you and whether you could see the tractor in person.
I still think its a scam. CL removes ads if they are scams or if the seller deletes the ad. Don't send any money or any more personal info. Just my opinion. There are lots of used tractors on the market.

Not necessarily a scam...it's possible the tractor had been sold and the buyer backed out or couldn't raise the money

As far as pictures...could be the seller doesn't know how to post them on CL (I know it's not difficult, but some folks just aren't computer savvy).

So, if you're still interested in the tractor, I suggest you respond. If it is a scam, you'll know it soon enough...

 

[Xfaxman]

OP here. Yeah, it's hard enough for me to fork over cash even AFTER seeing well used machinery, much less before. No problem avoiding that trap. But I was wondering about that notice on CL about his ad being removed. Does CL do that when something smells bad? Or maybe he asked them to remove it because he thought it was sold? May not even matter- haven't heard back from him yet. Thanks, All.

Yes CL will remove it when people click the "Prohibited" box at the top of the ad.

If you still have the ad, google the title or anything unique in the ad and let us know what shows up.

 

[bcp]

But I was wondering about that notice on CL about his ad being removed. Does CL do that when something smells bad? Or maybe he asked them to remove it because he thought it was sold? May not even matter- haven't heard back from him yet. Thanks, All.

There was a problem around here for a while with other sellers of similar items reporting someones ad to CL so it would be removed. All it takes is one mouse click.

Bruce

 

[George2615]

OP here. Yeah, it's hard enough for me to fork over cash even AFTER seeing well used machinery, much less before. No problem avoiding that trap. But I was wondering about that notice on CL about his ad being removed. Does CL do that when something smells bad? Or maybe he asked them to remove it because he thought it was sold? May not even matter- haven't heard back from him yet. Thanks, All.

The original poster on CL can remove his own posts by logging in and hitting delete. I've done it several times when I've sold something. CL can also delete a post if it turns out to be a scam.