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Member since 3/8/10
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Posted on: 3/21/13 9:24 AM ET
I just wanted to post that something here has been on the news .... 2 serious stabbings this week alone of people going to buy from Craiglist alone & on side street. One person is seriously hurt, the other is in the hospital in stable condition. They are 2 separate incidents. .... Now police are suggestion that you ask for transaction to take place at the police station. If it is legit the people will not object to that. If they are criiminal intent you will not hear anymore from them. .............I know allot Craiglist for sm on PR so I thought I would mention it. ....Scary!
Please be careful.
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Posted on: 3/21/13 9:32 AM ET
What a great warning, thanks! I'm expecting to take delivery of a Horn of America table this weekend from a Craigslister. My MIL and hubby will be here and we live in a very active neighborhood (also dog-sitting a 100lb Rottweiler this weekend, on top of having our German Shepherd at the home). I've spoken to the owner and have taken precautions. Craigslist can be a great place to get deals but stories like yours also bring out the potential for things to go horribly wrong.
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Member since 6/27/03
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Posted on: 3/21/13 9:42 AM ET
i use CL all the time...both buying and selling...but mostly selling and I'm much more cautious now. If item is small enough, i use a high-traffic retail area--often starbucks parking lots...to make the exchange. If I've been in phone contact w/ the person and feel comfortable (and you can tell when you speak to them)...then i let them come to my home. Likewise, i don't go to homes where i have not spoken w/ the person via email/phone...usually both. Because when you think about it--things like sewing machines are associated almost always w/ females and perception (false) is only older females sew...so a criminal could target vulnerable victims by using something like sewing machines as the bait. I do try to be careful. Sometimes will google map the area also to see what sort of neighborhood it is. So far, all transactions have been more than pleasant but I do worry that could change and that keeps me on my toes. I did some stupid stuff in my early days w/ the sewing machine deals. OMG...i shudder to think. But it was all good--just that now in retrospect, I would pass on a few of the places I went even if not alone!
  
Member since 4/27/08
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Posted on: 3/21/13 9:56 AM ET
I use craigslist and Freecycle frequently myself. I often have people pick up from my front porch if I feel comfortable and I know several people are going to be home. It doesn't involve letting anyone into my house (for freecycle) and provides minimum effort for me. My neighborhood is also quite good and very nosy, so I feel safe on that part. I like to meet out by the metro if its something small that I can carry and pass off. When I go to pick up craigslist things, I always bring a big tall guy with me. Heck, even when I pick up from freecycle. My boyfriend is rather intimidating looking, and it's just good to have him on hand. XD

Honestly, I think it's good to be aware and be careful. But it shouldn't prevent you from continuing to use those services, while being careful. Out of the thousands of transactions every day that take place via craigslist, very few end in violence. The odds are pretty good in your favor, and even better when you're smart about it.
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Member since 2/17/06
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Posted on: 3/21/13 10:01 AM ET
In reply to sewfrequent
Quote: sewfrequent
If I've been in phone contact w/ the person and feel comfortable (and you can tell when you speak to them)...then i let them come to my home.

If someone has truly bad intentions towards you, they are NOT going to give that away on the phone. The most dangerous people are very charming and very convincing that they are just harmless regular folk.

Think about all the people attacked by people they found through craigslist...do you really think the attackers let the victims have a clue that they were planning to harm them?

edit:

Meant to say also that I am not saying don't use craigslist, just be smart. Use a public place, and don't be alone. Unless you are that hulking big guy.
-- Edited on 3/21/13 10:04 AM --
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Cathryn
  
Member since 12/22/10
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Posted on: 3/21/13 10:08 AM ET
In reply to Cat n Bull
I am 6ft 2 and I scare people! Seriously, be careful and use common sense. I use craigslist and ebay local pick ups, for both buying and selling. If they don't want to meet at in a public area, with the lot on cctv, I guess they do not want the item. I had one guy PUSH for my home address, pardon me while I push the disconnect call button. Not happening.
  
Member since 2/17/06
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Posted on: 3/21/13 10:16 AM ET
In reply to fabrictherapy
LOL!
I am 5ft even and don't scare anyone.
My husband on the other hand can be a scary looking dude.
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Cathryn
  
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Posted on: 3/21/13 10:35 AM ET
Both stabbings here were men! There were men waiting for them .. stabbed them & took their money. The men were alone the stabbers had friends. : ( .......
I do not Craiglist myself I just felt concerned as I know allot of PR members do Craiglist for sewing & sm. .... that's all just concerned...
Take care of yourself when you use it ....Thank you so much!
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Member since 12/3/06
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Posted on: 3/21/13 11:15 AM ET
Sounds like the buyers may be the most vulnerable as they are the ones with money in their pocket.


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Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 3/21/13 11:17 AM ET
I think much depends on where you live, local crime levels and your personal sense of safety.
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I have bought several items on our local online classified, been invited into home and had great experiences. I have even had a sewing table delivered by a seller.

I have given away lots of stuff on Freecycle. I love it and have almost always had the item picked up at our house, but I have delivered a few things to peoples homes too.

People bought and sold items through the newspaper classifieds, local notice boards etc for many years before Craigslist and other online classifieds.
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