Almost got ripped off from Craigslist seller yesterday

6 years 8 months ago #534190 by Conner
I met up with someone who was selling a Canon 200mm f/2 yesterday for $1000 cash.  I met them at Starbucks and right away, he says he's running late and can only talk for 30 seconds.  

Something seemed off.  

He claimed the lens was like new.  Already I noticed the body had some wear on it.  I asked him if he was OK with me testing.  The guy responded "don't you trust me?!" in a semi loud voice.  

I told him I just want to snap a couple shots off.  I pulled out my camera, and the got got up and walked out. 

I think I dodged a rip off here.  


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6 years 8 months ago #534192 by garyrhook
Ya think?

I can't imagine why anyone would not plan ahead to avoid getting taken. I tell the seller what I will do. If that's not acceptable, then I won't waste my time. In your case, the moment he said he only had 30 seconds, I would have said "thank you" and walked out. The moment he asked about trust, I would have responded, equally loudly, "no". Then walked out.


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6 years 8 months ago #534193 by garyrhook
Ya think?

I can't imagine why anyone would not plan ahead to avoid getting taken. I tell the seller what I will do. If that's not acceptable, then I won't waste my time. In your case, the moment he said he only had 30 seconds, I would have said "thank you" and walked out. The moment he asked about trust, I would have responded, equally loudly, "no". Then walked out.


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6 years 8 months ago #534205 by Conner
Ya, I think.  This all took place in under 60 seconds.  I didn't fall for it one bit.  I wasn't pushed around and saw what was coming.


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6 years 8 months ago #534241 by garyrhook

Conner wrote: Ya, I think.  This all took place in under 60 seconds.  I didn't fall for it one bit.  I wasn't pushed around and saw what was coming.


Good for you.

Note that my comments are more intended for those that may not have had the pleasure of engaging in a CL transaction. CL can be very useful, but one must be on one's toes.


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6 years 8 months ago #534249 by Jim Photo
Yeah, I'd say you dodged a con artist!  


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6 years 8 months ago #534293 by effron
I agree with Gary, the moment he said he'd only talk thirty seconds, I'd have been done. Too bad you couldn't call a cop as the lens was probably stolen.

Why so serious?
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6 years 8 months ago #534321 by ThatNikonGuy
OMG that lens had to be smoking hot.  I don't care what I'm buying, I never take for granted what someone is telling me.  I test, and test.  Then when I feel comfortable, I purchase.  


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6 years 8 months ago #534337 by Shadowfixer1
Be very careful when meeting someone from Craigslist. My wife had a co-worker murdered while trying to buy a drone about 4 or 5 months ago. Meet at a police station or somewhere similar. 
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6 years 8 months ago #534382 by Tuscany
I would have told the guy to walk 


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6 years 8 months ago #534402 by Peter Nunez
I would have been ticked off from any time I invested in meeting up with the guy. Another reason why I can't stand doing business with people from CL.  to many shady people.  


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6 years 8 months ago #534439 by Fishtaco
WOW, what a dirt bag.  I would have had the red flags go off too.  And I would have been disappointed!


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6 years 8 months ago #534471 by Foxy Girl
I don't buy anything unless I can fully test.  


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6 years 8 months ago #534689 by Gene.Culley
Should have handled him an envelope full of Monopoly money, telling him your short on time as well, he can trust you, no need to count what's in the envelope.  


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6 years 7 months ago #535623 by rogdel
Definitely wouldn't have given that guy the time of day if he supposedly could only spare me a few seconds...sounds like a grade a schmuck


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