Another Craigslist swindle in progress... I think. I saw an ad on CL where a guy in my town claimed to have all kinds of aquarium chemicals, filter media, filter parts, and filters. I've been looking for a new or slightly used FX5 for a while, so I emailed and asked if he had one. He emailed back saying that he could get me a new-in-box FX5 for $100, and that he could not possibly go lower because he pays $75 for them. The warning bells went off, but I emailed back saying that I could find it in the goodness of my heart to do $100 on it and would he please email back so we could work out when and where to meet. So far no response, though these emails were sent just last night and this morning. I am thinking he was put off by ne asking to meet. He was probably about to ask me to pay through PayPal and that he would go ahead and ship it. BUT, I will admit, the naive part of my brain is hoping he's for real. Anyone ever heard of new FX5s for $100? Is there even the slightest chance this guy's legit?
Too good to be true....
- Thread starter lujor
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maybe. even if you do meet some people rob you of your cash. be cautious! craigslist is just full of flakes so he's probably one of those guys. when selling a filter, i had 10 people reply to my ads, 3-4 people even talked on the phone to arrange a time, and i sent pics of it and ALL of them flaked. so the second time i sold something, if someone was a bit iffy i just didn't bother responding.
maybe he already sold it to someone else?
maybe he already sold it to someone else?
You know what they say....To good to be true it probably isn't.
The only way this guy has them for $100 is if he stole a shipment of them right off the truck. This deal can't possibly be true.
The only way this guy has them for $100 is if he stole a shipment of them right off the truck. This deal can't possibly be true.
I wouldn't bother, too risky. Like has already been mentioned even if you meet he could just rob you
IF I were to meet the guy, I would probably take at least one other person with me and do it in the most public place imaginable- maybe a Duncan Donuts. I even know where some cops always post up in a big parking lot near Walmart (I guess cause there are so many shoplifting calls)- I would make him meet me someplace like that. I even know a couple cops. The FX5 would be the best deal around at $175- can't imagine the guy is so willing to miss out on at least $75. On the other hand, if he IS for real, I won't feel too bad about parting the fool and his money. If he's not trying to crime me, he won't care to meet at a place of my choosing.
I've actually had nothing but really good craigslist experiences and have used it dozens of times. I think you are on the right track, just bring a couple people with you and meet in a public place, if the guy emails you back.
I wouldn't risk it. Sounds shady.
I just got two brand new from Ebay. They were $199 each. That's the best "buy it now" price I could find. I would much rather go through a company and spend $199 than some guy who's claiming brand new for &100.
I just got two brand new from Ebay. They were $199 each. That's the best "buy it now" price I could find. I would much rather go through a company and spend $199 than some guy who's claiming brand new for &100.
aclockworkorange;4469888; said:
I agree. I've had nothing but good experiences off craigslist, but if we go some place shady(like around Baltimore or DC), we just make sure we have a little friend for them to see! But so far no scams! $100 for a new Fx5 seems a little sketchy but hey! I picked up a used Fx5 for $90 and Xp4 for &75, both were full of media and I thought that was a great deal.
id say go for it just have them hand it over at a public spot they wont be trying anything there. if all goes as planned you got yourself some new filtration worst case senario he tries to scam you and you dont pay him. check online to see if there are any fluval counter fits