Craig's List Warning for Dallas

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knotquiteawake

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Be Prepared and always meet up in a busy place seems to be the message here (remote business park? those people gotta be crazy to agree to that):

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/07/06/police-issue-warning-after-several-craigslist-users-robbed/

I am surprised that it would become such an issue here in the DFW area (where the odds of somebody having a CHL is pretty high). I've bought things off craig's list before but I always meet up in a shopping center and always have the .38 special in the center console (since I don't have a CHL yet).

The article is good timing for me as just this afternoon I'm heading out to get my finger prints to complete my CHL application.
 
Stopped looking at craigs list years ago when we started hearing reports of sexual assault and armed robbery from users in DFW. Too many other options to put myself or my family out there like that.

Good on you getting your chl - always good to hear of someone taking that step to protect youself and loved ones.

Be safe.
 
It's unfortunate that some use CL as a tool to prey on others.

Most transactions are cash, so it's easy to see why it appeals to those types. Situational awareness and common sense probably could have prevented most of these incidents. I've been using CL for years, made dozens of transactions and never had a problem. But I also typically have people come to my residence when buying from me, and go to theirs when I'm the one making a purchase. I've only met people places a couple of times, and only because it was easier for both of us.

Stopped looking at craigs list years ago when we started hearing reports of sexual assault and armed robbery from users in DFW. Too many other options to put myself or my family out there like that.
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That's completely your decision, and I respect it, but it seems silly to me to limit your options with such a powerful advertising and purchasing tool because of a few unfortunate events that happened to other people. Kind of like refusing to drive because lots of motor vehicle accidents happen.
 
I am surprised that it would become such an issue here in the DFW area (where the odds of somebody having a CHL is pretty high).
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Now you have learned just how little CHLs and their threat mean to bad guys. CHLs don't stop crime.
 
Now you have learned just how little CHLs and their threat mean to bad guys. CHLs don't stop crime.
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Not in the quantities they exist, and especially not with how little exposure the CCW movement gets.

Traffic cops don't stop people from speeding.....until they get a reputation for being particularly thick and unforgiving in an area. You won't see people speeding through my small town, because you are virtually guaranteed to pass one and they will write you for more than 5 over.

Also, just because DFW is in Texas doesn't mean it's somehow different than any other large metropolitan area. It's still packed with city folk and hoodlums, and I'd wager that the percentage of people who CCW isn't much higher than in any other major city of a shall-issue state.
 
I guess it is kind of silly to think that slightly less than remote threat of one of the hoodlums victims ends up being a CHL holder and ruining his day would be enough to prevent him from that crime.

if all they wanted was that $75 I was going to pay for that collector's edition Spock figurine and they got the drop on me then I would probably just have to let them take the money and leave. If I have the opportunity to extract myself from the situation with the use of my weapon I would do so.
 
I have used CL without issue for a decade, on a regular basis, buying and selling. My only complaint with them is that it prohibits guns - but they filter on the site on occassion and are typically there for a short time before being either sold or deleted.

Anyway, unless it's unavoidable, I typically meet in a public place beneath surveillance cameras (e.g. Walgreens lot). You have to have situational awareness and use common sense.

Folks that let strangers into their home, typically women letting strange men in, are at a huge risk of attack.

But let's face it, of the millions of CL and other FTF transactions, a few crimes are bound to happen.

I like buying things second hand for a variety of reasons and will continue to do so.
 
Walmart parking lots work great. Plenty of cameras, just ask that piker mom caught on tape in IN beating her kid. ;)

I have worse problems with no-shows on CL....
 
Geeze, the victim pointed his AR15 at the would be robber? Yeah, I would give the phone back at that point!
 
I just ran across this CraigsList story from Atlanta & it made me think of this thread. The reported victim was actually the robber.
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He was very lucky not to be charged with assault with a deadly weapon. I don't think I would have taken that chance over a cell phone. Attorney fees are much, much more expensive. Shoot, even loosing a day in the slammer while they sort it out would cost me more than most any cell phone.
 
Not too long ago there was a newsfeed on some hoodlums using CL to sell their stolen cars, then stealing them from the new buyers after the sale.

But, then again, there is a problem presuming that criminals engage in rational, sapient behavior in the first place. The evidence to the contrary seems overwhelming. Yet, the presumption remains widespread.
 
Not to but a dead horse, but CHL's and all the guns in the world are not going to accomplish what one decision will. For instance, I can carry my 9mm to a dark alley meet, but that alone is not going to help me as much as not meeting there.

Friend of mine was robbed and opened fire on a suspect in a "public place" when doing a Craig's List "meet". Basically he was selling a watch, the suspect asked to "see" the watch and then booked it out of there without paying anything. My friend was very lucky not to end up in jail for it. Frankly, I think the DA was giving him a nod b/c they (police / DA) were able to clear 150 cases after that incident. Basically the cops started taking out Craig's List ads using a similar MO and then arresting them. As said, they broke a huge ring in the area.
 
Mach, I hear you but to be honest I do not think that is a fair comparison. I need to drive to get from point A to point B in a quick, safe manner, and accept a certain level of risk - but I do not take part in risky behavior to intentionally put myself in harms way - I do not drink and drive, no texting, no eating a two handed burger etc. Again, I accept that we could all die in some horrible accident on the road, but it is a risk that is taken because of a need not a want. Yes I can take a bus and cab but to be honest once again - to me that is more risky than driving.

With something like CL - you are opening yourself up to potential issues that you could have avoided by using another source of deal seaching when there is a history of criminals using this format to search for prey. I understand that it is a crap shoot - we all are at risk in some way or another during the day - but if I can elininate 1 of those risks by not intentionally walking into it, by making another choice, I will do so 100% of the time.

Mach, its a personal choice to err on the side of caution.

Thanks and Be safe

Doc
 
No surprise. Craigslist is a magnet for criminals. Not sayin' that all who use CL are criminals, but many criminals use CL as a tool of their trade.

Think about this logically - how many people would invite a complete stranger off the street and show him/her something valuable in their home? The days of selling through the classifies are gone and that includes guns, autos, or jewelry.

The only way I would ever sell a gun F2F is at an indoor range. Even then, I wouldn't have a warm and fuzzy because the other guy now knows where I live and that I probably have quite a few more guns at home.
 
A lot of paranoia over CL and similar. The bad events are such an anomoly that it's silly to rule out using the site.

You just have to be smart about it. Nobody suggests that meeting in a dark alley is a good idea.

And of course you don't hand over valuables without some sort of collateral, like a mutual swap. Shooting at someone over a watch is simply stupid.
 
I use Craigslist a lot. We have both sold and bought stuff from there, gotten really good deals too. Never had a problem in the several years we have used it, other than the fact that at least half the deals will fall through before you meet up. Lots of flakes on there. But we always meet up in a public place or at her work, and I am always armed. We try to do daylight only, but that isn't always possible, especially during winter. I try to be "tactical" when I do things like this, such as parking, awareness, etc. I leave the engine running. I understand the world is a dangerous place and I am responsible for my own safety; things like meeting strangers only compounds the risk, thus appropriate action must be taken to minimize the risk.

Craigslist is the ULTIMATE scam arena. Everything from carjacking, outright theft, theft by distraction, counterfeit bills, counterfeit items, you name it. You HAVE to be careful using it.
 
Leadcounsel, you'll like the CL here... It is very popular and has a lot of listings. You can find almost anything, anything except firearms and such (although that is on there too, they just use "code" words!). For firearms, we have a few local "gun craigslist". Try Westernwashingtonfirearms.com, it is a new site, but very local, and good for meeting other shooters here. Lots of vets on there, laid back, good for local info.
 
I used Craigs list but I carry and I only deal with folks during the daytime in a place like the Fire station, Cracker Barrell or Church parking lots. So far I have had no issues.
 
Craigslist is the ULTIMATE scam arena. Everything from carjacking, outright theft, theft by distraction, counterfeit bills, counterfeit items, you name it. You HAVE to be careful using it.
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This is very true. Heavy doses of common sense. If it seems sketchy, it probably is.

I've personally found it's usually pretty easy to tell if someone is on the level just by talking to them a few times prior to the transaction.

I do run a bit of a risk with advertising my business there, as it is a home-based business. However, because it is a home-based business, people deduce that I'm probably at home most of the time, so I don't worry too much about burglary. That, and when I do leave, there's no way of knowing for how long. Maybe the evening, maybe around the block. If there's anything predictable about my daily routine, it's that it's highly unpredictable. Besides, I have all their information once they've been here. Even if they were to lie about their address, I have their vehicle's VIN # & license plate on file (I run an auto repair shop on my property).

As an aside, with virtually everyone owning a cell phone these days, and virtually every one of those phones having a camera.........use it! When you're meeting someone, discreetly photograph them, their vehicle, their plates, etc. I've done this many times when something just seemed off, and not necessarily when I felt that it was me personally at risk, but that someone was just up to no good.
 
I use Craigslist a lot. We have both sold and bought stuff from there, gotten really good deals too. Never had a problem in the several years we have used it, other than the fact that at least half the deals will fall through before you meet up. Lots of flakes on there. But we always meet up in a public place or at her work, and I am always armed.
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Same here. I usually meet in front an IHOP or Fred Meyer store; a public place with a lot of traffic. Actually everyone I've dealt with from Craigslist has been great. Just be aware...
 
How about try the parking lot edge of a police station, or large county Sheriff's parking lot?

I've bought or sold three rifles to unknown guys, all in the daytime, behind a McDonalds, in front of a Kroger, or between WalMart and Sam's, then followed that guy to his local bank, then the curb in front of his house.

None of these were Craig's List, just via THR etc.
Once traded 1,900 rds. of Wolf .223 for 2,000 rds. of Wolf 7.62x39 in the driveway of a guy near a Dell plant northeast of Austin TX: very lucky timing on a drive back from San Antonio.

Both deals which involved cash or ammo traded at the guys' houses involved very young guys, age 18 and about 22.
They are both smart, fair and honest dealers, but still a bit naiive.
 
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A year ago a friend of mine (yes a friend) placed an ad to sell a set of rims on cl. It was answered and agreed to meet at the heb in kyle tx (grocery store). Long story short he felt funny about the meet and sent someone in a different vehicle to check it out first, there were 3 vehicles waiting to meet him. He called them back and said he had a better offer and had sold them already. A couple minutes after the call the cars left. It could be coinsidence but I really don't think so. If your making transactions with people you don't know be very careful. This particular transaction was $1500 and could very well have turned into something very much different than an almost could have been senario.
 
Whenever I meet I always carry. Whether it is a $5 holster or a $500 firearm.
 
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