Craigslist users beware!!

Not like we didn't already know that there were planty of scammers and such on there, but it appears to be taking a turn for the worse...

Robbers Target Craigslist Users in Minneapolis
Wednesday, January 09, 2008

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police say local users of the Internet bulletin board Craigslist should use caution, after a string of assaults and robberies last month.

Authorities say at least five Craigslist-related robberies happened in December.

Police say the victims thought they were buying something from someone else on the Web site, but instead they were attacked by multiple men who beat and robbed them.

In one case, a man thought he had bought an escort. Instead, five men and a woman forced their way into his apartment, beat him and robbed him.

In two other cases, Craigslist users were told to go to an apartment building to meet with a vendor. The resident at the apartment know nothing about any sale, and when the would-be buyers left the building, they were attacked by two men.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,321205,00.html

I just got finished reading Rick's thread about Aurora, then Dennis' thread about the guy shot while trying to sell a snake and now this. What a world we live in, huh?

I have bought/sold from Craigslist (never an escort though, haha). My advice (common sense actually) is to 1. always have another person present for the purchase or sale and 2. NEVER meet at a place of residence - choose a busy, public, well-lit area.

My rule is, if it's too big to put in the car, it doesn't go on Craigslist. Garage sales are great for "bulky" items or there are plenty of worthwhile charities in my area that will come pick up unwanted items and provide a donation receipt to be used at income tax time.

Sneaky criminals. This way, they know that the person they're robbing has at least a certain amount of money on them. I'd imagine they'd have already agreed to a certain amount of payment, in cash.

~Katy

I use the "list" for entertainment. Ever read the "rants and raves" section?? Makes for some great reads and keeps you up to date on some issues. But, the "best of" can be absolutely funny.

I have done some dealing off the "list" and never had troubles, but everyone should keep safety in mind when going to meet someone else you do not know.