Financial Friday; Craigslist The Modern Day Yard Sale

Craigslist: The Modern Day Yard Sale by Jennifer Goin

There are some great deals to be found on Craigslist (CL). I outfitted my living room with furniture for around $100 I got 3 huge black & white framed prints, an ottoman, loveseat, chair, 2 lamps, a side table, a potted decorative ficus tree and the cost of a moving van. Even still in my experience, if it sounds too good to be true it is! (i.e. a brand new Canon DSLR $10). If you’re lucky enough to find a potential purchase you need to contact the seller to complete the transaction. If the ad mentions an email or a phone number use that, if not in the heading it will have a reply email hyperlink. Most transactions of CL are done via email, and that’s a great way to start. If you choose to call a seller, use a cell phone or dial*69 for anonymity. Phone numbers always have bills attached, and those bills have someone’s name. If you’re not careful a predator may find you an easy target. Don’t just assume you’re safe because you have the sellers email address. Emails can be hacked, spoofed, or generated and dumped easily. Pick up etiquette is simple. If at all possible meet at a public crowded place in daylight with a friend in tow. Don’t show up late without calling. Don’t stand your buyer or seller up, that’s just awful. Don’t worry about walking away from a bad deal. Finally on accepting and or making a payment, cash is king. If you’re a seller don’t accept cashier’s checks, personal checks or money orders, these are easily and often faked. Your bank will hold you accountable for the funds if you deposit a false check. Stay away from wire services, scammers are known to use wire services to commit fraud. Always print out the CL ad then get a written receipt as this will protect your innocence in the event the item is stolen or the seller reports that you stole it. I recommend this how to buy on CL link http://www.ehow.com/how_4721117_safely-buy-craigslist.html

Jennifer Goin is a professional nanny for 8 years. She currently resides in the Washington DC Metro area as a live in nanny. She is a board member of ADCAN and a member of the INA. She also has a website called Notable Nanny.