"sketchy classified ads"

[Dog]

How do you deal with somewhat sketchy looking craigslist ads but if it is "real" it could be a great buy. Any tips or questions that you ask?

 

[dribble]

How do you deal with somewhat sketchy looking craigslist ads but if it is "real" it could be a great buy. Any tips or questions that you ask?

Contact them with your name and phone number and ask them to call you.

 

[Crazyhippy]

Cash, in person...

 

[ChrisV]

picture of the parrt with the date and name written on a paper. Old forum rules to sell stuff. Or call them.

 

[Mandelon]

I notice that the pictures always look like they are from somewhere else. You could do a google lens search on the photos, or a tin eye search.

If they look fake, they usually are. Craigslist is pretty much ruined by scammers.

 

[Dog]

Cash, in person...

It is local so it will be cash in person transaction. Kinda feels like a "If it is to good to be true, it is" situation.

I notice that the pictures always look like they are from somewhere else. You could do a google lens search on the photos, or a tin eye search.

If they look fake, they usually are. Craigslist is pretty much ruined by scammers.

Most of the photos in the ad look ok, however one doesn't. The item is a dslr camera. The photos of the lenses and accessories look like your typical guy doesn't know how to take photos to sell stuff photos. The photo of the actual camera looks like someone staged the photo.
They have a sob story about a family member dying and the item brings back to many memories and they just want the item gone. It is a good buy but as mentioned possibly to good to be true.

 

[Dog]

Does anyone else think this ad is sketchy? Or am I over thinking? The body is $1800 on Amazon and the lens is $800. They listed the ad at $800. I offered $500 and they accepted.

Hi everyone, I’m selling my sisters Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L is USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras and an extended battery adapter for $800. My sister died last year and these cameras were hers but it reminds me of her and all the memories we had so I’m ready to let it go, trying to move on and stop being sober.

Feel free with questions or offers.

Hoping these cameras go to people who can develop their love for photography like she did.

Sketchy photo...

 

[Groper]

This is what kills the deal for me:

My sister died last year and these cameras were hers but it reminds me of her and all the memories we had so I’m ready to let it go, trying to move on and stop being sober.

Why inject how your how you're feeling into an ad, nobody gives two shits about your sister, sorry.

The sketchy photo looks like a copied and pasted boilerplate one from an ad.

If their close, drive over and check out the item.

I'd check to see if they start sobbing when they hand you the item lol

 

[Blue Oval]

I bought both of my current boats on Craigslist. Caribe 14ft RIB was for sale cheap and sounded like a scam. Sent a message, ended up being someone I knew. Gas tank was full of water and would not run. Bought it, took care of the problems and ran it for 5 years without any problems. My Hydra Sport was on Craigslist, I sent a message and no one got back with me. It was almost 3 weeks and I got a call back. The guy left on vacation in the U.P. with no internet. I bought the boat. So, just saying sometimes things work out.

 

[TimeBandit]

"'stop being sober". WTF?

Maybe I should be a copy editor but why can't people be clear and concise?

Like others have said, cash in person and talk to them first.

 

[Dog]

This is what kills the deal for me:

My sister died last year and these cameras were hers but it reminds me of her and all the memories we had so I’m ready to let it go, trying to move on and stop being sober.

Why inject how your how you're feeling into an ad, nobody gives two shits about your sister, sorry.

The sketchy photo looks like a copied and pasted boilerplate one from an ad.

If their close, drive over and check out the item.

I'd check to see if they start sobbing when they hand you the item lol

I haven't used craigslist in a long time. I don't see any way to look at this sellers history of ads posted. That would tell a lot to me on this deal. The "sob story" adds some validity to the cheap price in my "I hope it isn't to good to be true story".

 

[Dog]

"'stop being sober". WTF?

Maybe I should be a copy editor but why can't people be clear and concise?

Like others have said, cash in person and talk to them first.

Yeah. Be methed up and sell me the item for way less than it is worth.

 

[Roosky01]

I don't use craigslist for anything anymore. Everything on it is either a scam or a "non-technical" person who is an ornery ass and pissed off at the world that he has to sell his pride and joy pieces of junk making any transaction slightly more enjoyable than waterboarding.

 

[Kachina26]

This is what kills the deal for me:

My sister died last year and these cameras were hers but it reminds me of her and all the memories we had so I’m ready to let it go, trying to move on and stop being sober.

Why inject how your how you're feeling into an ad, nobody gives two shits about your sister, sorry.

The sketchy photo looks like a copied and pasted boilerplate one from an ad.

If their close, drive over and check out the item.

I'd check to see if they start sobbing when they hand you the item lol

I got hung up on "develop a love for photography". I think they're just stolen and the tweaker selling them came up with a backstory to explain why they would have such an expensive piece of equipment.

 

[ChumpChange]

Does anyone else think this ad is sketchy? Or am I over thinking? The body is $1800 on Amazon and the lens is $800. They listed the ad at $800. I offered $500 and they accepted.


View attachment 1463613 View attachment 1463614 View attachment 1463615 View attachment 1463616


Sketchy photo...

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At this point just try and meet up. You never know where the scam starts but it could be that they suddenly become unavailable and need some middleman. Or it could be legit. Sometimes you just gotta roll with it.

 

[clark]

It is highly recommended that you meet in a very public plaace when dealing with a fairly large amount of cash, most local police stations will allow the use of their parking lots for this.

 

[Kachina26]

It is highly recommended that you meet in a very public plaace when dealing with a fairly large amount of cash, most local police stations will allow the use of their parking lots for this.

Like a crowded parking lot?

Woman Assaulted and Robbed in Hesperia Target Parking Lot Before Being Struck by Vehicle - Victor Valley News

A woman in Hesperia was assaulted, robbed, and then struck by a vehicle in a Target parking lot on November 25, 2024. She was assisted by Good Samaritans before being airlifted to a trauma center. The investigation is ongoing, with no suspect information yet. Read more at vvng.com #vvng #news...

www.vvng.com

 

[Your ad here]

Don't overthink it. If they're responding with something that is somewhat making sense and it's not going to make you go broke to at least check it out then go check it out. Even though we're close to 2025, people still struggle to advertise stuff on the internet or they really don't care to much about the details and just want a little bit of something for what they have and will sometimes tell an unnecessary story.
I've asked for more detailed photos from ads and have gotten the "Fuck bro, if you want it come over and bring the money". I drove 300 miles, met the guy, bought the item and more, and made a friend that's helped me with my business. As a seller myself I understood his response. I have also showed up to buy something and it's not what it was advertised as or it is stolen and just politely declined, thanked them for their time, and drove away empty handed... Just part of buying and selling.

 

[OkHallett270]

That ad doesn’t sound as sketchy as most of them to me. I would entertain that one with a response.

 

[RiverDave]

Honestly the line about stop being sober around the holidays kinda nudged my meter to the legit side of things.. lol

 

[mash on it]

I figured sober was a typo for somber. Makes more sense that way. Who knows?

Dan'l

 

[Ziggy]

Ads that inject way more info than necessary(especially reasons for selling)are always suspect to me.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Could be a chick selling it.

Guys = facts. Who, what, where, when, why.
Girls = feelings.

 

[MeCasa16]

I bought a house of Craigslist over text message… It actually went smooth.

 

[Desert Whaler]

I have bought all my current camera gear on craigslist. The last lens I purchased sounded Too good to be true. Turns out the guy had money and just wanted to pay it fwd. . We even met in Little Saigon. L O L.
Whenever I purchase a lens, I always bring a camera body to test out the auto focus image stabilization and take a few test shots. I try to keep my bullshit meter set to sensitive, but I also realize people don’t all communicate the same.

From my experience, if the lens is still being manufactured and sold at full retail , then I consider 25 to 35% off a pretty good deal, anything more than that, and I start to question it. If it’s a discontinued lens that’s been replaced with a newer model than you may see a little bit more off.

I try to visually inspect the lens as good as I can looking for chips, excessive wear, or signs of it being dropped. I also look for any dust inside the lens. If the person has the original box owners manual
any lens bag or even receipts and everything else checks out, I usually pull the trigger.

 

[JL95]

I have two bags of my late uncles dslr cameras and lenses. All Nikon lol. That’s probably a true story.

 

[C_J_J_C]

I buy and sell more than most on FB Marketplace, Craigslist, ect.

My best tips are when buying and you find a deal just say I have cash and would like to meet now. If they ask to meet anywhere other than the general area of what is posted or if they do not want to meet now or offer another time just move on. They are playing games.

Selling I always respond with "Face to face at (Public Place & Address) and cash only. Please call me so I know you are real person xxx-xxx-xxxx. If they are not willing to chat and meet where I want I don't wast the time.

 

[Dog]

I told myself just see what happens. So we negotiated the price. I asked where they lived, they said they live 100 miles away from me. And said they take paypal or money app payments. The little map thing shows them less than 10 miles away. I politely told them I would have to pass. They offered to have it delivered to me and I could pay after I saw it. I declined. Seemed like a lot of hassle.

 

[Desert Whaler]

I told myself just see what happens. So we negotiated the price. I asked where they lived, they said they live 100 miles away from me. And said they take paypal or money app payments. The little map thing shows them less than 10 miles away. I politely told them I would have to pass. They offered to have it delivered to me and I could pay after I saw it. I declined. Seemed like a lot of hassle.

FWIW a 24-105 mm f4 is arguably the most versatile lens you can have.
I have one, (although it's a Sony) and it'd probably be the last one I'd sell if I could only keep one.
They come up for sale frequently as a lot of people fall down the photography rabbit hole thinking they have to have a fast prime lens, or a longer / wider focal length etc. to get good images.
With the way sensors on cameras are nowadays, you don't 'need' to have all that super specialized gear to get great images.
A 24-105 is a great all around workhorse . . . it's nice to leave the house with just 1 lens and know that you'll be covered for most everyday situations.

You'll find one.

(edit) - not sure where you're at . . . but here's one in South Orange County asking $325 . . . guarantee he'd take $300 & maybe less.

Canon 24-105mm f/4 L Lens, version 1 - photo/video - by owner - electronics sale - craigslist

Canon 24-105mm f/4 version 1 Works perfect. Call Dave 949 four three nine 4663 NO SCAMS, LOCAL CASH PICKUP, NO TRADES IF THE AD IS UP IT IS STILL AVAILABLE.

orangecounty.craigslist.org

Looks a bit worn . . . but Canon / Nikon IMO are way more well built & durable than Sony . . . all my sony stuff works well, but it all seems really fragile.

 

[adam909]

How do you deal with somewhat sketchy looking craigslist ads but if it is "real" it could be a great buy. Any tips or questions that you ask?

Act like a cop and ask stupid questions that you know the answer to. Depending on answers or their knowledge about the item you can build an idea how legit the seller is. Ask to get different photos of specific details that isn't shown.