How to Avoid Scams!
Scams: Avoid them using common sense!
As many of you know, it has been two years now since we began our lifestyle change adventure. Our house in Alabama still has not sold. As a result, we are tightening the belt, so to speak, even more so. One thing we are in the process of doing is trying to sell our boat. We used the boat for water skiing at least every other weekend in Alabama! There are many fun memories of family times together centered around that boat. But, realistically, we have not used it since bringing it out here to west Texas. There are three main reasons: expense, time and lack of water in close proximity.
We have the boat listed on Craigslist and have had quite a bit of interest. . We are waiting on the Texas title and are very deliberate to tell people. Most are willing to wait and we are taking it on a first come first serve basis. One interested party brought back memories of a scam I fell victim to. This particular lady wanted to purchase it without the title, paying cash and having only a bill of sale until the title comes. My husband assured her that we are honest, we trust us – but should she?
Many years ago, I was also naively trusting of a seller. He was selling a beautiful commercial stove. I went to look it at it alone (mistake #1), payed for it in full (mistake #2) and made arrangments to pick it up in a week (mistake #3). Yes, you guessed it, there was no stove when we went to pick it up! What a scam! The seller filed bankrupcy and I was left without my money and no stove! Sad, but a good lesson learned.
Unfortunately, in this day and time, people are not always as they appear, scams are everywhere. Craigslist even has scam warnings on their site attesting to their prevalence. I am not saying to distrust everyone. But, use caution, common sense and seek counsel (take someone else with you/get a second opinion). If an opportunity seems to good to be true… it probably is!
I agree with you! I think caution should definitely be used in these cases!!!
Ver true.
We sold a rainbow play set last summer and had 5 people ask to buy it, but they wanted our bank# so they could wire the money!
I just feel sorry for the people who aren’t aware of the scammers.
Congratulations on your move and I hope your house sells soon. We’re sort of in a similar situation, but have a renter who wants to buy so as long as that goes through ok, we’re set. I’ll feel better when we have the money, though!
It is surprising how trusting people are, but I guess that is what keeps the scammers in business.
How awful for you to have lost your money but what a valuable lesson! I know sometimes I am far too cautious and trusting! It’s a shame we have to be so careful!
I hope your house, and boat, sell soon. The boat should sell quickly once the weather warms up. I am probably overly cautious but there are so many scammers out there it pays to be careful.
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Have a fantastic week,
Judy
Very good advice!!! And it amazes me when I remember going to check out some ads, years ago, on my own when I had little ones and my hubby was deployed somewhere! Thankfully, each of those were great finds and nothing out of the ordinary occurred. I tend to be too trusting.
Blessings & Aloha!
(Thank you sooo much for stopping by and I’m so happy that you found my blog :o) Come back any time and come back often.
We’re like your buyer. We always pay in cash. No bank account, nothing. We found a leather love seat, chair and ottoman on craigslist for $120. They said it was like new and after checking it out… it really was so we picked them up. It was a good deal. The only other thing we’ve gotten off craiglist is our dog. Good luck selling your boat, and good luck selling the house. If she really has the money for the boat, and wants it, as long as it is parked on her property, she’s covered for personal coverage under homeowners. At least in AL it was that way. Not sure about TX but I can check! (I sell insurance)
Excellent advice!! Thanks so much for following my blog. I’m following yours and enjoying your posts 🙂
I have something for you at both my blogs. I am so happy I have met you and have learned so much from you. So I wanted to share you with all my friends.
Take care, have a great night and God Bless my friend.
Couldn’t agree more. I hate to say it but my mom unfortunately got scammed by a Craigslist scammer. It ruined her “financially” in the eyes of the bank and has spent the last couple years rebuilding that reputation.
Good Luck for a quick sale!
That is crazy…I am so sorry that happened to you. It does cause one to be leery of things when you have been burned like that! Good luck with the sale of your boat!
Aloha! Thanks for following me!
I know about the scams going on at Craigslist. It’s horrible.
It takes a lot of prayer thoughout the day huh?
Nice to meet you and your creative blog:)
We do the same, no cards and everything is in cash.
Have a great day.