Topic: F@$K!! Making a bad situation a little bit better... (UPDATED, I FOUND HIM!!!!)

[Shenanigans]

I knew it would come eventually, craigslist finally bit me in the ass. I am out 200 bucks. Long story short I did not pay attention, Should have seen the signs. Money was counterfeit, god#$%*iiingdamnit.

Anyways I know many people here use craigslist, a lot. Including myself. So I though maybe we could share a few pointers on how we keep everything in check when dealing with craigslist...

[mikedialect]

do you have a contact for the person or scan for the bills so we can know in the future?

[Markcb750]

I follow a simple rule, I never spend any money on eBay or Craigslist unless I am willing to loose that amount of money.

I take it someone showed up and handed you 10 fake 20's...Ballsy SOB.  The Secret Service will take an interest in any information you can provide them about the person who did this to you.

I have a box of #$%* from my K6 restore, expect to have three boxes before my F0 is on the road.


One thing I do is send several emails to sellers before I bid, it helps to expose flaws.

[noahspop]

Sorry to hear about that.
Those little counterfiet detector pens are a great inexspensive investment.
Lesson learned.

[ColinMc]

Yeah I keep one of those pens handy whenever i do ANYTHING with larger amounts of cash.

At the least do you have the person cell number? You must have been in contact by phone at some point? I got burned once (only 100 bucks but it's the principle) and just called the person from blocked numbers whenever I wasn't busy at work. Filled their voicemail box every single day. Sent them craploads of text messages etc. Never went anywhere and eventually the number got disconnected but it sure made me feel better to cause them a HUGE inconvenience lol that cost me nothing.

[Shenanigans]

do you have a contact for the person or scan for the bills so we can know in the future?

Number showed up as private on my phone. Police are now in possession of the "money". Which will probably be the last I will hear from them. So unless you work at a phone company...

Getting the test before getting the lesson 

[westondc]

if it makes your feel any better, a friend of mine tried to by a MacBook for $900 on CL. he sent the guy the money, received nothing in return. all i could tell him was... bad idea dude

[Shenanigans]

I posted another ad just to see if I could get him to bite again, AND SURE ENOUGH THE DOUCHE NOZZLE CALLED BACK!!!

He wants to meet in a couple hours, its the same guy, sounds the same, same private number and asked no questions about what was for sale! Whats to meet in an empty parking lot!

So what the #$%* should I do? Tell the cops? Will they even care?

[sangyo soichiro]

Whatever you do, be careful.  He's probably prepared for the time when someone realizes on the spot that the money's fake.  Plus, he'll recognize you when he sees you.

[Markcb750]

You need one of these...

[tom8Toe]

So what the #$%* should I do? Tell the cops? Will they even care?

I'm sure the cops would be very interested.

[westondc]

if he drives there just get his license plate. easy way for the cops to track him down... unless he drives a stolen car
but i'm sure the cops will be interested. probably not a good idea to go it alone

[Inigo Montoya]

Yes, call the cops, they will be very interested in fake money.

[Steve F]

Absolutely never go it alone.  Have someone drive another vehicle and arrive before you get there in an inconspicous way,  Let the cops know and have them send an unmarked.
There's too many wackos out there.

[Shenanigans]

 Talked to the cops, they dont really want to do anything, and that they will "add it to the report"
I thought they would be very interested but I guess not. I am gonna get his plate I don't know how much more I should tell until after

[bill440cars]

Talked to the cops, they dont really want to do anything, and that they will "add it to the report"
I thought they would be very interested but I guess not. I am gonna get his plate I don't know how much more I should tell until after

     Like has been said, "BE CAREFUL!"

[Shenanigans]

Yeah gonna keep things as safe as possible. Video cameras will be present...

[seaweb11]

I just emailed the Arizona FBI. These guys should be interested in fake money.
Ya might be getting an email?

[Shenanigans]

He talked to a ladyfriend of mine with a different phone number, no chance of them recognizing me. Plan is to flood the parking lot and then stand him up. Should be easy getting the plate and car that way. I guess there are more classical ways this could be handled but its not worth putting myself, or my 10 friends in any danger

[Shenanigans]

All I can do now is wait until its time to go...

[MötleyRöx]

Take a paintball gun and tag his car.   

[seaweb11]

WOW! FBI couldn't care a less "actually quite rude" on the phone

Secret Service in Arizona has gone home for the day, but "California Office said" if you can put the guy off for a day and called 602-640-5580 tomorrow, they would get involved.

Interesting Law enforcement you guys have, about as useless as ours

[Retro Rocket]

Maybe a phone call to the US treasury dept may bring better results.?

Mick

[Shenanigans]

Why does it not suprise me how hard it is for the law do anything.

Waited around for 30mins and no call. Not giving up hope, night is still young.

   

[sangyo soichiro]

Why does it not suprise me how hard it is for the law do anything.

I hate to say it, but they're probably more concerned with speeders.  I have a lot of respect for law enforcement, but it seems they're more concerned with enforcing traffic laws than other crimes.  I wish I didn't feel that way....