RichJ207 Loc: Sammamish, WA

I was pondering purchasing a little $200 camera that I found online from a person in Sparks, Nevada . When I asked where to send the check (he would only accept a check or money order), I got an address that included "Suite 166". Being curious and cautious, I took a look online at the structure at that address. Turns out the address is for a business that sells mail boxes. The address history shows that there have been 396 businesses and 440 people who have used that address over quite a few years. I had asked him for his real email address (not just the Craigslist address), whether he had some additional items normally found in the original camera box and asked if the address was for his home (because I was thinking about expediting delivery of the check). He didn't answer the questions.

Normally, I've been a solid proponent of Craigslist, having successfully bought and sold well over a hundred items in the past (including 8 cars and boats) and have 35 items posted for sale now, but this situation doesn't sound right at all.

Here's a picture of the place. I'm just looking for a couple of opinions about the viability of this transaction.

Thanks.

(Download)

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Find another camera.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

"Run, Forrest, run!"

kskarma Loc: Topeka, KS

While this probably is on the 'up and up'....(there are many totally legitimate reasons to use one of these 'mail drop' sites), but the old saying is, "If in doubt, DON'T.....!" So...since you are uncomfortable, I'd go with shopping around until you find a deal that sounds 100% OK with you..

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Look elsewhere for a camera. The seller is raising the Red Scam banner. He may not be a scammer, but he’s giving the wrong vibes. I have never regretted walking away from a transaction in my business life (commercial real estate) or in my personal life. I have regretted entering into a “dodgy” transaction and having it turn out to be exactly what my gut suspected.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

My apologies for the duplicate post.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Nope. I've never been burned on CL either, but that's probably because I've never sent a check to a rental mailbox next door to a bail bondsman....

Andy

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

Save even more money
Build your own Pin Hole Camera
Good if not lucky save on your part

BebuLamar

I wouldn't run but actually tell him I want to do the transaction in person and would take a flight to his place.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

If it doesn't sound right, disengage.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Why be disparaging about somebody who uses a UPS Store or mail drop for mail order transactions? I have bought and sold products on E-Bay, and here, using mail drops. As long as you utilize PayPal you are financially protected.

The factoid that "396 businesses and 440 people who have used that address" just means the business is successful.

If you don't want to buy the cheap camera, don't. But don't disparage the mail drop.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

The problem is that he wants a check or money order in combination with a mail drop, not PayPal.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Yes. This was my red flag too.

Andy

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Run don't walk away.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Agree for the most part, but it’s the check / money order only part that sets off the alarm.

Andy