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.
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..
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.
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
Save even more money
Build your own Pin Hole Camera
Good if not lucky save on your part
I wouldn't run but actually tell him I want to do the transaction in person and would take a flight to his place.
If it doesn't sound right, disengage.
RichJ207 wrote:
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.
I was pondering purchasing a little $200 camera th... (
show quote)
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.
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
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.
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
SteveR wrote:
The problem is that he wants a check or money order in combination with a mail drop, not PayPal.
Yes. This was my red flag too.
Andy
AndyH
Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
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.
Agree for the most part, but it’s the check / money order only part that sets off the alarm.
Andy
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