Someone tried giving me bogus check for my Nikon D300 today!

5 years 8 months ago #593775 by Julie Staas
Beware of people claiming they want to buy your camera gear and they show up with bogus checks!

I had my old D300 listed on Craigslist (yes I know), and met the buyer at Starbucks.  Something seemed off with this person.  Then when he said he didn't have the cash payment that my ad pointed out as acceptable payment.  He pulled out a starter looking check and told me I could fill out my name on it.  I recognized the bank it was being drawn from, so I called a friend who works there.  The buyer got suddenly nervous, and got up to use the rest room.  While they were gone, my friend told me the account had been closed.  Meaning the check was bogus!  

Strangely enough, the buyer never came out of the bathroom.  Honestly, I have no idea where they went.  Crook!!   

Nice try you butt@#$#!!

Country Girl out for a stroll
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5 years 8 months ago #593808 by effron
I'm not sure why it got that far. Even if the check was ok when you called, it probably wouldn't have been by the time you got to the bank....I don't like fleaBay, but its got a few safety procedures craigaScam doesn't....
Being awake and aware makes a difference, no?
Anyway, well done.

Why so serious?
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5 years 8 months ago #593925 by J Photo Man
Yep agree, that could have gone many different directions.  Good that you met at Starbucks and called to verify the check.  


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5 years 8 months ago #593947 by garyrhook
Kudos on meeting in a public place.

As for the check, I would have stopped right there and said, "cash only, as specified in the listing." If the didn't have cash, I'd pack up and leave. I would not waste the time to call a bank.


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5 years 8 months ago #593964 by Shadowfixer1

garyrhook wrote: Kudos on meeting in a public place.

As for the check, I would have stopped right there and said, "cash only, as specified in the listing." If the didn't have cash, I'd pack up and leave. I would not waste the time to call a bank.

100% agree. I would never had bothered calling the bank.
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5 years 8 months ago #594002 by Overread
See if you can track down their photo to see if it matches the name on the check and turn them into the police.  


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5 years 8 months ago #594203 by Jackson Rieger
Smart move with meeting in Starbucks!  

This could have gone bad.  Good for you on using your head!


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5 years 8 months ago #594338 by jeffnles1
I'm with everyone else here.  When I'm selling stuff it's cash only.  If I'm selling on-line I'll accept PayPal but I build in the PayPal fee premium into the price from the start.  Yes, always meet in a public place for your protection and most I've sold stuff too have asked to meet me in a public place (for their protection).  

Long way of saying if they pull out a check book, deal's off.


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5 years 8 months ago #594374 by digitalpimp

Jeff-Sluder wrote: I'm with everyone else here.  When I'm selling stuff it's cash only.  If I'm selling on-line I'll accept PayPal but I build in the PayPal fee premium into the price from the start.  Yes, always meet in a public place for your protection and most I've sold stuff too have asked to meet me in a public place (for their protection).  

Long way of saying if they pull out a check book, deal's off.



:agree: good post and I'm with you.  Except, I don't accept even PayPal, there are scams with using that now too.   


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