Reminder re Kijiji scams

[GrrlGoalie33]

It's that time of year where people (at least me) turn to kijiji to start making room in the house for new things.

One of my currently up for sale items is a smartphone, and I keep getting texts from a 646 area code, which a quick google search tells me is New York. My instincts told me the first time that this is probably a scam.

When you are selling and buying online from a place like kijiji, remember cash only and in person (in a public place if possible) only.

[BlackArcher101]

This shouldn't have to be a reminder, it's common sense (or should be).

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

This shouldn't have to be a reminder, it's common sense (or should be).

You say that, but give it time, I am sure there will be a news story soon about this type of incident.

Wasn't it Kijiji that some guy in Chestermere used to lure a women out and then either rape her or rape/kill her?

[GrrlGoalie33]

You're right, but sadly it's not for everyone. If there weren't people for these scumbags to prey on, they wouldn't exist.

[GrrlGoalie33]

I didn't mention in my initial post, but my guess is, if I let it keep going, they'd try and prey upon peoples sensitivities toward what happened in NY/NJ with Sandy.

[chemgear]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

Wasn't it Kijiji that some guy in Chestermere used to lure a women out and then either rape her or rape/kill her?

Back in 2009.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgar...rsonal-ad.html

RCMP are asking others who answered the online ad, titled "Exchange House With Good Time," or a similar ad, to contact the Chestermere detachment.
In an ad with that name recently removed from the website Kijiji Calgary, the poster described himself as an open-minded, decent, professional, employed man with "one extra house where a nice girl can stay [however] long she wants." The house is described as having a fridge, stove, furniture and an internet connection.

"She just [needs] to trade some fun with me," reads the ad.

[IliketoPuck]

I've been thinking of selling a TV on kijiji, one of the responses so far has me wondering if I should just back out.

Guy keeps asking what my timing is like, where I live, what neighbourhood I'm in, if I can help him move it to his house then "nevermind I have "buddies who will help me move it" he replies in extremely broken english, and keeps fishing for information.

I've told him straight up that I will accept only cash, will not be moving the tv for him, and will meet him in a public area and then drive to my house. Something about it is just rubbing me the wrong way.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Using kijiji to buy or sell things is asking to be scammed IMO

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by TurnedTheCorner

Using kijiji to buy or sell things is asking to be scammed IMO

I think if you follow the common sense approach it is not a bad source. I would just becareful of what I buy...

[dubc80]

Originally Posted by TurnedTheCorner

Using kijiji to buy or sell things is asking to be scammed IMO

Ive bought and sold countless things on Kijiji with no problems.

I'm kinda paranoid of random strangers coming to my place so I usually suggest meeting in-person in a public place, or dropping it off at their place.

Cash exchange only.

I also don't use my own postal code. Just put in "Calgary".

[Jayems]

I've also heard of people creating phoney certified cheques, when purchasing cars/vehicles over kijiji. They come to the house, buddy gets the cheque, gives the keys. When he goes to cash it, it's not legit and he's out the car.

I think the cops said you should take the purchaser directly to the bank and have them do it all there.

[silentsim]

Cash deal, meet in a public place= pretty much flawless for me.

If they don't agree to both, i'll sell it to someone else. (or buy it from someone else!)

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by dubc80

I also don't use my own postal code. Just put in "Calgary".

The problem with that is sometimes I will see something I have "mild" interest in; but if it's close to me I may be more inclined to go check it out. If you don't have a location by postal code I would have no way of knowing if you are close to me or not.

The better solution is to put in a postal code a couple of blocks away from your house. Still lets legit buyers know what part of town you are in, but makes sure scammers don't know what street you live on.

[sec304]

Originally Posted by ken0042

The problem with that is sometimes I will see something I have "mild" interest in; but if it's close to me I may be more inclined to go check it out. If you don't have a location by postal code I would have no way of knowing if you are close to me or not.

The better solution is to put in a postal code a couple of blocks away from your house. Still lets legit buyers know what part of town you are in, but makes sure scammers don't know what street you live on.

that's what I do! I've also had nothing but success on kijiji, but haven't sold any big items, nothing more that $100

[dubc80]

Originally Posted by ken0042

The problem with that is sometimes I will see something I have "mild" interest in; but if it's close to me I may be more inclined to go check it out. If you don't have a location by postal code I would have no way of knowing if you are close to me or not.

The better solution is to put in a postal code a couple of blocks away from your house. Still lets legit buyers know what part of town you are in, but makes sure scammers don't know what street you live on.

Good tip! Thx.

[sec304]

Originally Posted by dubc80

Good tip! Thx.

yeah it's very true that people will look for things close to them, especially in the 'free' section

[Ducay]

Originally Posted by Jayems

I've also heard of people creating phoney certified cheques, when purchasing cars/vehicles over kijiji. They come to the house, buddy gets the cheque, gives the keys. When he goes to cash it, it's not legit and he's out the car.

I think the cops said you should take the purchaser directly to the bank and have them do it all there.

Unless you're doing a cash deal on a cheap vehicle (<$5,000), do a certified cheque and take it to the bank to get confirmed. Some banks charge for this, but its a must, given the prevalence of recent car purchase scams.

[sa226]

I have sold a ton of crap on kijiji.

I have found sometimes that people are just really crappy at being careful. What I mean is that the email conversations seem very suspicious and vague like I am about to get scammed. But it turns out the buyer has heard all of the horror stories and was just trying not to get scammed themselves.

I think the chances of getting scammed is directly proportional to your motivation in selling or buying.

The common sense works both ways. Dont meet in a dark alley in compton to make a sale, and also don't buy a car sight unseen only to find it has no engine, and then get mad at the seller for not providing a warranty or return policy.

[FlamesKickAss]

Originally Posted by ken0042

The problem with that is sometimes I will see something I have "mild" interest in; but if it's close to me I may be more inclined to go check it out. If you don't have a location by postal code I would have no way of knowing if you are close to me or not.

The better solution is to put in a postal code a couple of blocks away from your house. Still lets legit buyers know what part of town you are in, but makes sure scammers don't know what street you live on.

What I do is put in my neighborhood instead of postal code.

[vektor]

I always wonder how much of it is stolen, my friend got his bike stolen then went and took it back from someone trying to sell it on kijiji, he had his initials under the seat and a phone ready to dial the police