CraigsList + PayPal?

[TWRackers]

I'm getting frustrated about trying to sell my wife's old mobility scooter on CraigsList. All I've received so far are three attempts to scam me by sending me certified checks (probably forged) and then arranging shipping to who-knows-where. Even though the listing clearly says "cash only", they keep trying to talk me into taking their checks.

Now CraigsList goes out of its way to warn folks about accepting any sort of checks or shipping out of the local area, but they noticeably don't mention the use of PayPal one way or another. I'm wondering if there are potential legitimate buyers in my local area who are put off by the "cash only" note, but would be willing to go through PayPal with its not-perfect-but-better-than-nothing safeguards.

Since I hardly ever sell stuff online, would PayPal be a reasonably safe method of payment on CraigsList?

 

[dave carver]

No, the sales should be local only and cash only, you might take a personal check if you call their bank BEFORE the sale is final to see if they have enough money to cover a check then go immedeatly to their bank and cash it. Don't even consider the out-of-town offers, they are ALL scams. If anyone sends you a un-solicited cashiers check report them to the FBI, it's interstate fraud.

Be emphatic that all offers need to be local only, any out-of-town offers will be ignored.

If you want the larger national chance to sell use eBay, but that's a whole 'nother can of worms.

 

[Kaycee]

No, the sales should be local only and cash only, you might take a personal check if you call their bank BEFORE the sale is final to see if they have enough money to cover a check then go immedeatly to their bank and cash it. Don't even consider the out-of-town offers, they are ALL scams. If anyone sends you a un-solicited cashiers check report them to the FBI, it's interstate fraud.

Be emphatic that all offers need to be local only, any out-of-town offers will be ignored.

If you want the larger national chance to sell use eBay, but that's a whole 'nother can of worms.

Dave is -spot on-. I use Craigslist almost weekly, both buying and selling. I've found it a great FREE resource, but unfortunately there are some bogus ads. As a seller post your ad in your area only, let a potential buyer contact you through the listing. If they respond, ask for a phone number and that you'll call them back. If they are the real deal they will do that. Call them back and arrange a face-to-face meeting. It's amazing how much you learn about a person when you actually meet them in person.

Cash talks, and as we know, BS walks.