MetaChat - What is up with these replies to my Craigslist ads?

MetaChat is an informal place for MeFites to touch base and post, discuss and chatter about topics that may not belong on MetaFilter. Questions? Check the FAQ. Please note: This is important.

14 October 2011

What is up with these replies to my Craigslist ads? →[More:]We've been selling-off some things on Craiglist lately, and I've run into a real odd pattern with some of the responses.

No matter what the item is, I invariably get a reply along the lines of "I am very interested in your item. Please call or text me anytime." Then there's a phone number. They are in-state numbers, but outside my area code.

I find the "Please call me" part weird and wonder if these aren't scammers looking for my cell number to slam charges onto.

Or has the intarwebs made me a paranoid git?

post by: Thorzdad at: 14:25 | 8 comments

These sound exactly like the messages people get from scammers when they sell things on eBay. I don't think you're paranoid at all.

posted by dg 14 October | 15:10

Scammers.

posted by Miko 14 October | 15:11

Good to know. Thanks!

posted by Thorzdad 14 October | 15:22

Since they are only saying "interested in your item" rather than "interested in your vintage kazoo" or whatever you're selling, I'd say scammers/spammers harvesting phone numbers. Delete them.

posted by dancestoblue 14 October | 15:57

Oh, sorry. No, they're specifically referring to the item I'm selling...car, tires, etc. I was just being general.

posted by Thorzdad 14 October | 16:16

You are not paranoid. You scamdar is working perfectly.

posted by Splunge 14 October | 19:20

There's no legit reason why someone who can email you a response can't also get an email from you. They want you to call - either because they are looking for 'live' phone numbers to bundle and sell to a marketer, or because someone is going to make money on your call (possibly by having it billed to you at a high rate). Don't feel bad, it's scammy all over.

posted by Miko 15 October | 14:54

Thing is, eventually, I still have to give out my phone number, in case the buyer gets lost trying to find my place. I've had people GoogleMap me and still get lost.

posted by Thorzdad 15 October | 15:13

← Facts about bunnies. || First line of this story gave me sniffles: →

HOME || REGISTER || LOGIN