Craig's List savvy question

jmc · Apr 24, 2014

Hi All,

How would you read this situation?:

A couple of months ago I responded to a CL ad for a very used tractor. I also asked him to respond even if it was sold so I wouldn't bother him with followup questions. No response from him/her, but I got a response from CL at that time to the effect that the ad was in the process of being removed, and with no further explanation. After today, wish I had made a note of the exact wording. Oh well.

So today, I get a response from the seller that it's still for sale and that he just found my inquiry in his junk file. He wants my email so he can send more info, which I provided, before thinking too much about it. His initial response sounded legit, no broken English, and a reported victim of CL policy preventing him/her from providing pictures, etc. through the CL site.

What would you predict will happen next?

Thanks,

John

KiotiKowboy · Apr 24, 2014

jmc said:
... and a reported victim of CL policy preventing him/her from providing pictures, etc. through the CL site.

Prevented from providing pictures?

I've posted dozens of pictures on Craig's List.

bcp · Apr 24, 2014

Ask for the tractor's location so you can see it.

If a scam, there will be all kinds of reasons given why you can't go look at the tractor. Often they are "loaded in a container in a freight yard waiting for a shipping address." Or, "The tractor is 2500 miles away, so I can't answer any more than the photos show."

Bruce

George2615 · Apr 24, 2014

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.

Pixguy · Apr 24, 2014

Walk away, no Run.

deerseeker001 · Apr 24, 2014

was this posting in your City or close by?I would have him call you.

TnAndy · Apr 24, 2014

It's a very common CL scam. There is no tractor. He will try to get you to send money. You won't get a phone number from him, and a ton of excuses why you can't see it.....the usual one is "it's already at the shipper"

jmc · Apr 24, 2014

Thanks All. I do appreciate your CL experiences.

This tractor is a unique, low volume model that was orphaned by a major manufacturer. Tell you more later.

He posted pictures in his original listing, while it was up, but reported that he could not send me pictures in response to my inquiry. (I didn't ask for any)

The ad was either in my home town in SW Indiana or nearby in Indianapolis. Forgot, but probably in Indy.

Stay tuned.

George2615 · Apr 24, 2014

As a user of CL he was correct about attaching pics to a CL email reply. You can't do it. CL won't let you attach pics when replying via their email. If you gave him your email he can send pics direct. Keep us posted.

jmc · Apr 24, 2014

George2615 said:
As a user of CL he was correct about attaching pics to a CL email reply. You can't do it. CL won't let you attach pics when replying via their email. If you gave him your email he can send pics direct. Keep us posted.

That sounds more promising. Thanks.

John

Jstpssng · Apr 24, 2014

Don't pay for anything on CL until you see it, drive it, and can load it onto your trailer. Even then if it seems to good to be true... it probably is.

Xfaxman · Apr 25, 2014

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.

Happy Gilmore · Apr 25, 2014

Xfaxman said:
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.

Good idea Xfaxman

chvfrk98 · Apr 25, 2014

Alot of people are not tech savvy either. Go look at it. Don't pay money unless it's face to face. No brainer.

deerseeker001 · Apr 25, 2014

I bought my tractor on Craigslist and got one heck of a deal there out there just have to watch your local cities and check thru out the Day.If they don't have a phone number to call I forget that ad.I have bought different things on there never had a problem.

AaronS · Apr 25, 2014

My question would be why do they need your email address if they're able to email you through Craigslist. Smells very fishy and I'd be worried that my email was now being used for all sorts of bad stuff.

deerseeker001 · Apr 25, 2014

If you cant Talk on Phone forget it.

fordmantpw · Apr 25, 2014

AaronS said:
My question would be why do they need your email address if they're able to email you through Craigslist. Smells very fishy and I'd be worried that my email was now being used for all sorts of bad stuff.

You can't send pictures by replying through the CL email (according to another poster).

I like to use a separate email account for 'junk' stuff to keep from clogging up my 'real' email.

dpb800 · Apr 25, 2014

I've bought a fair amount of things on craigslist. You do run into alot of scams. The number one thing you must do to protect yourself is to see it in person and pay in person. If the person posting will not let you see it or pay in person move on.

I actually found our current tractor on Craigslist and the only reason we bought it at that time and that size of tractor with a cab was because it was such a good deal. I had to make several calls to verify it was for real and ended up driving over 900 miles one way to get it but we ended up purchasing a like new low hour tractor for 10k under market value. Best deal I have ever come across to date and we love the tractor.