Craigslist PSA - make the beast with two backs YOU THIEVES!!!

[DarkStaR]

Craigslist PSA - make the beast with two backs YOU THIEVES!!!

I recently purchased an item in craigslist, and decided I didn't want it due to the condition it was in, so I re-posted on craigslist to sell it off and break even.  I met up with a potential buyer, and it ended up being the original owner and the cops.  The cops pretty much knew I didn't steal it, as I used all valid contact information.

Now the owner has his part back, and I'm out $900 until the police catch that make the beast with two backser.

Things I did right:

1) Did not delete any of the contact information, unfortunately all I had was a phone number.
2) Save a screen shot of the post.
3) Asked a friend to take a picture of the car and plate…unfortunately all he get was the plate number.

Things I could of done better:

1) Asked for ID.  If it was all legit, he wouldn't of minded.
2) Although we met at a safe predetermined location, I should of met at a location where I am sure there are cameras recording.
3) I should of paid more attention to what he and his car looked like.

I'm sure there are more things I could of done better, but oh well.

Apparently the original owner tried to contact the thief also, but I beat him to the punch.

Moral of the story:  Always assume it's stolen, and take as much information as you can.  If they do not want to present identification…Walk Away.

[uglyducky]

dude.  that SUUUUUCKS.  any headway with finding him?

[factorPlayer]

that sucks.  what was the item?

[kopfjäger]

Moral of the story:  Always assume it's stolen, and take as much information as you can.  If they do not want to present identification…Walk Away.

Too bad you didn't listen to your own (after the fact) advise. 

[Popeye the Sailor]

Too bad you didn't listen to your own (after the fact) advise. 

Real helpful, Kopf.

[ManaloEA]

How did you pay for it? If there is a way to track down the funds, you might be able to find the person... like a cancelled check?

[DarkStaR]

dude.  that SUUUUUCKS.  any headway with finding him?

Not yet.  There are 2-3 police departments involved, so it'll probably take some time, especially as one of the police departments is in a BIG city.

that sucks.  what was the item?

It was a hardtop for my car.

How did you pay for it? If there is a way to track down the funds, you might be able to find the person... like a cancelled check?

Cash.

Too bad you didn't listen to your own (after the fact) advise.  

It's all good, I should of known better.

I just hope the kid was really stupid enough to leave his real plates on the car, and used his real phone number.

It'll be SO satisfying when the cops catch that piece of shit, and i get my money back.

I'm really not holding my breath to get my money back though.  I'm kinda taking it as a loss at this point.  That way if I don't get my money back, I'm content with it already.  If I do get my money back, I'll be pleasantly suprised.

[Pip]

It was a hardtop for my car.

Miata?

[DarkStaR]

Yup.