Craigslist Advise

I posted a boat on craigslist to try and sell my dads boat. He has cancer and can no longer use it so I am just trying to help out. I keep getting replies to the ad via email and in the message body there are just random letters. One example is "King" and another example is "FTaboveg". Is this just spam or people trying to send a virus? How can I safely check email replies? I have thought I will just open all emails through my phone and delete any suspicious looking ones. Any tips or advice will be helpful.

 

I just say don't reply via email, and say I always have my phone so its quicker.

 

I always list my phone number. Also put in the ad that if you are replying by email to list in the subject line boat for sale with their phone number & say something to the effect all other emails will be deleted.
I do not get spam that way.
Also say not interested in shipping company emails or requests for payments etc. Be upfront & specific as possible works best.
That way I know what emails are legit. All others get deleted.

I just sold my sled today off craiglist this way. Guy is on his way to buy it in a hr. GLWS on your dads boat sorry to hear about the situation.

 

Always be specific in your listing like people said above.

I always list my phone number and "DO NOT TEXT OR EMAIL ME"

"CASH ONLY"

I don't bother with payments or checks.

What kind of boat?

 

Good advise. I hadnt thought of the subject line. Thanks.

17' Wellcraft Center Console

 

What you can do is use a service like Google Voice that gives you a phone number which you forward to your cell. If they harass you, just block the number on Google Voice. I have a few invites if you're interested. I use my GV number for almost everything. Keeps the spam away.

PM me.

 

Make sure you post part of your phone number in text like "nine two two" vs "922" It seems to cut down on telemarketers or at least it seems like it

 

I sell a lot of stuff on craigslist and list my phone number outright. I don't get any telemarketers.

Make sure you delete your listing as soon as it sells.

 

x2

 

x3. Also, if possible NEVER meet someone at your home or Dad's place. Always meet in a public place if you have that option and don't go alone. Bring a friend (a big one, with a gun!). I trust no one nowadays.

 

I usually meet them in a Wal-mart or Target parking lot. If any of you work in the security industry, or work for Wal-mart or Target. They have TONS of cameras in their parking lots. The only time I had someone come to my house was to pickup a mattress and a couch.

 

Good advice.

 

Best advice is to stay off craigslist.so many fucking losers,creeps,and scammers. I've had some good luck and some pain in the ass

 

Link to your add? Maybe someone on here may be interested

 

I never use phone numbers in online ads. I don't use my primary e-mail either. I have a secondary e-mail that I use.
I'd rather get e-mail spam than someone calling my house (telemarketers etc)!

If the e-mail looks legit, I'll respond. But if it has funky characters in it, or the person can't type or make an 'understandable' e-mail....forget it.

And yes...craigslist gets spammed all the time!

Make sure you get your money BEFORE shipping. If its local, meet them at a local restaurant (McD's, etc) or chain store. I've had good luck with craigslist. You just have to know what 'looks legit' or not. Don't respond to anything fishy. If the person is seroius (and its legit), they'll contact you again and maybe next time they're learn how to spell or type.

 

I wouldn't say to stay away from it. In the past 2 months I have sold...My ski boat, my Dad's 07 Shelby Mustang, my travel trailer, a blackberry, my original sport wheels and tires, and a bicycle.

I get those emails every time. They are just wanting you to respond and then they will send one back saying that it sounds fair and they will get their agent to come pick it up or some crap like that. What I do is respond to emails only if they sound legitimate. If they are sending broken English messages or asking stupid questions I ignore them. If it sounds like it's legit, I ask them where they are located. Most people on craigslist are looking for something fairly local. Be careful of people asking for more detailed pictures. Sometimes they will take your pictures and post their own scam ad. If I am meeting someone, I will meet in a populated place. I have even asked someone to meet me in the local police station parking lot if I thought they might be shady.

 

Signed up. Thanks! This will be a cool tool.

True. I hate the world today and the fear we must live in, but you have to protect your family and yourself. Once I meet someone face to face I can usually judge their character.

Yes. I have met at walmart for sales before and will always in the future. At least wallyworld's good for something...

Maybe you? Still rocking the bullbar?
http://greensboro.craigslist.org/boa/2292533426.html

werd