Craigslist Incident; Need to get it Off My Chest

[motoleo]

I'm excited to see the laptop. He pulls it out of his bag, upside down. Right off the bat I notice it's the 2008 model.

Get up and leave.

===

I'm surprised that you sat there and argued with him.

 

[niuniu]

Well it's not too late to contact the police. If the guy has a Facebook account he can likely be tracked down and if you're quick enough the encounter may still be available on CCTV.

Definitely do it.

 

[gjb11]

If they play on a sports team, go to a game with police, point them out and have them busted with video evidence of course.

 

[rockyroad55]

Use his Facebook and catch this scumbag.

 

[TheJing]

I kind of agree with this guy. You shouldn't have let them take your charger. And the fact that both people were in high school makes it even easier to take your stand, no?

Hahaha! I love people like you.

You would have pissed your pants faster than anyone if you were in his place.

OP: Be happy that they didn't do anything else. But I sure feel for you.

 

[iforbes]

According to the Gender Genie this was written by a girl!

"The Gender Genie thinks the author of this passage is: female!"

So everyone telling her to grow a pair can shut it. Have a little compassion folks...

 

[Kendo]

Hahaha! I love people like you.

You would have pissed your pants faster than anyone if you were in his place.

OP: Be happy that they didn't do anything else. But I sure feel for you.

I wasn't claiming to be a tough guy. The guy took something that doesn't belong to him. What is so "tough" about me stating he shouldn't have let him do that?

Is it so hard to believe that another person might stand up for himself in this day and age?

 

[TheJing]

I wasn't claiming to be a tough guy. The guy took something that doesn't belong to him. What is so "tough" about me stating he shouldn't have let him do that?

Is it so hard to believe that another person might stand up for himself in this day and age?

Well if the OP is 2m tall and weighs 100 kilos, yes he shouldn't have let those guys take his charger.

But what if he's a 14 year old, skinny and short little guy? Would you have told those big guys to **** off and give your charger back? I don't think so.

 

[TYPEII]

Next time find a place where cops frequent, ala Donut Shop or something to make the transaction... You could of yelled "Thief" as they were leaving, hopefully a good Samaritan could of stepped in... Or even bring a couple of your buddies along... Borrow some mace or a stun gun... You get the point, plan ahead...

 

[Mojo1]

After Reading The Responses...

... I come away with the impression that Macrumors has its share of immature jerks who lack compassion for others. Unfortuantely, that appears to be too common these days...

I'm beginning to miss the pre-Internet days when the idiocy of my fellow human beings wasn't so readily apparent.

 

[aaron580]

Wow quite a story if its true. When I do craigslist deals (average of 5-9 per week), I always carry a telescopic baton because I usually don't have a buddy to go with. Its wise to have something to defend yourself if you go to meet somebody alone. I got burned the first time a couple weeks ago because I let my guard down and bought a used macbook air that turned out to be stolen. 750 for a base 13" used in decent condition didn't seem TO bad. met the guy talked for a minute started up and seemed fine and all then I found a couple red flags looking into it deeper and asked my campus police to run the serial # and it turned out to be stolen. Police aren't doing anything about it even though I have ALL of this guys information that I met and I could go find him right now if I wanted.

Would be wise to tell the police but don't expect them to do anything, especially if you live in a big city. (just coming from my experience)

Craigslist is a gamble thats for sure. Ive managed to get a couple 4S's for under 300$ and regular 4's for 150 or under to resell that were legit and am using one of them right now. Just be careful. Deals are to be had but its easier to get burned.

 

[Vook]

PLEASE CALL THE POLICE!!!!!!! PLEASE?????

I would love nothing more than to read a follow up story or "web redemption" about this guy getting caught. I hate bullies.

 

[MOKHAN]

It wasn't in a mall, just a mid-size restaurant on Dundas street. It was mainly empty. One person doing maintenance and one at the cash from what I remember.

His facebook page was definitely not him. Picture was of a skinny, caucasian teenaged boy. It was also newly created, and had no other info. I don't think I would have very much evidence to support my case, I suppose it doesn't hurt to try though. I also didn't get the name of the HS they played at.

His friend was a whole different story. I definitely sensed he felt uncomfortable and knew I was in the right. I even asked him "do you think I should have to buy it?", he simply said "Sorry, you guys should work this out."

To those telling me to "grow a pair", I refer you to iForbes comment. And if you so should decide I am male, I am sorry I don't comply with your projection of rudimentary, hegemonic, prematurely-supposed masculine identity.

jessica, I am not crying. I wasn't even complaining. I just felt the need to talk about it with someone, MacRumors felt like the right place. You did manage to get the last part right, I am lucky.

To all the others, thank you for your comforting, constructive comments. I managed to find someone selling a charger for $60.
$60 for a lesson well learned. I am grateful I came home unharmed.

 

[wordoflife]

YDI.
Sorry to say it.


All the things that happened (him not having a phone, nothing showing up on time, etc) indicates you should have left immediately.

When I read this, I was afraid that by the time I got to the bottom of the post that you would have been injured.

So once again, YDI.

What the hell were you thinking?

 

[nate.the.great]

1. create new facebook account
2. get a "burner"
3. contact the seller again with new facebook account and burner
4. bring police to meetup
5. ????
6. see kid get arrested

 

[MOKHAN]

YDI.
Sorry to say it.


All the things that happened (him not having a phone, nothing showing up on time, etc) indicates you should have left immediately.

When I read this, I was afraid that by the time I got to the bottom of the post that you would have been injured.

So once again, YDI.

What the hell were you thinking?

I don't deserve having something stolen. Are you saying that it's some sort of punishment? That's ridiculous. The $6 I wasted in commute I deserve. I would hardly consider my charger being stolen as "deserving".

1. create new facebook account
2. get a "burner"
3. contact the seller again with new facebook account and burner
4. bring police to meetup
5. ????
6. see kid get arrested

Hmm, I could try that. Not sure if that's something the police would agree to do. Is this something I would call 911 to arrange? Is 911 even the appropriate number to call if I want to report this incident?

 

[akdj]

That was my thinking. Why this kid is sitting in his ****ing basement crying about it when he has what he has on the guy is beyond me. Even if it was not his page then it is likely someone he knows. And to message you via facebook WHILE out in public without a phone is amazing. I'm truly amazed at all the red flags that were slapping the OP in the face every step of the way and how much he ignored them. I'd say he should feel lucky.

Again...wow, Just WOW! Where is the compassion anymore?

To the OP--Sorry about your situation. Scary at best...More like terrifying with that few folks there in the meeting area. You absolutely, positively did the RIGHT thing in your situation. Not that I don't agree...there were red flags, which you obviously admitted to seeing yourself. You've learned an important lesson and you won't do the same thing again...I'm sure. If you did get a charger, cool. If not...and you truly are a student, send me a private message with an address and I'll send you one. I have several extra...and I appreciate you getting an education...something I'd like to see a couple other respondents in this thread strive for.

Good luck...regardless of what you are selling or buying on C/L...it's always wise to meet in a public location with many people. Having a friend is a bonus. Not carrying cash...leave in your car, ATM machine on site, meet at a bank--inside, et al. Obviously, this is usually only necessary for higher ticket items.

In my situation, I've had nothing but incredible luck selling high end items; cameras, video and audio gear, etc. $3,000+ items.

Good Luck, sorry about your situation...I feel for you. Keep in mind though, these jack-holes are in the minority in our society...and as cliché as it sounds, "If it sounds too good to be true..."

Take care,

J

 

[rockyroad55]

Hmm, I could try that. Not sure if that's something the police would agree to do. Is this something I would call 911 to arrange? Is 911 even the appropriate number to call if I want to report this incident?

I would head to a local police department for that. 911 is reserved for emergencies. This is hardly one.

 

[wordoflife]

I don't deserve having something stolen. Are you saying that it's some sort of punishment? That's ridiculous. The $6 I wasted in commute I deserve. I would hardly consider my charger being stolen as "deserving".

The signs were obvious that you were putting yourself in a potentially dangerous situation and you decided to ignore those signs.

 

[Queen of Spades]

... I come away with the impression that Macrumors has its share of immature jerks who lack compassion for others. Unfortuantely, that appears to be too common these days...

I'm beginning to miss the pre-Internet days when the idiocy of my fellow human beings wasn't so readily apparent.

Again...wow, Just WOW! Where is the compassion anymore?

It's gone, because it's easier to be an ****** on the internet than to provide advice with compassion instead of rudeness and patronization. I can't imagine actually behaving like that to a person face-to-face, and I'm sure most of the people being jerks wouldn't dare.

I don't deserve having something stolen. Are you saying that it's some sort of punishment? That's ridiculous. The $6 I wasted in commute I deserve. I would hardly consider my charger being stolen as "deserving".

No, you don't. I'm sorry that happened to you. That guy was the lowest kind of scumbag, and I hope he eventually gets what he deserves.

To all the others, thank you for your comforting, constructive comments. I managed to buy a charger for $60.
$60 for a lesson well learned. I am grateful I came home unharmed.

$60 sucks to have to shell out, but now you know to always trust your gut. In my hundreds of craigslist transactions, the handful of times I've gotten screwed were when I ignored warning signs or my gut telling me something was wrong. The number one warning flag, just for posterity, is when a person is hesitant in giving out their personal information, like a phone number. I've learned to trust my instincts no matter what, as no deal is worth potentially getting hurt or robbed.

 

[motoleo]

That reminds me, when I bought one of my iPhones from Craigslist I chat through SMS, the guy says-

"Can you get in the car with me to go to Wal-Mart to get a money order? I don't handle money, I've been burnt before."

I say, "What? No. Get with you in your car?"

He says, "It's right down the street."

I say, "I know. I have money- I'll show it to you. But I can't get in your car."

I have a lot of stories from Craigsy actually.

 

[keith4594]

a couple of weeks ago, i had seen an ad for a 15 inch macbook pro in the "toronto blackmarket" facebook group. In the listing, the seller specified it was a 2009 model and in mint condition. He wanted "600 - 700", but said he could go lower. I offered 500, he said okay. I bit.

We schedule a meetup at yonge-bloor station for 4:00pm. He informs me through e-mail that he doesn't have a phone, and suggests we communicate through facebook. I conclude he is lying about not having a phone, maybe because the laptop has flaws i would discover with use after the purchase. I decide to meet anyways. My thoughts: If the macbook pro does have flaws, i will notice them while inspecting it, and can refuse to purchase it.

4:00pm comes, and i'm at yonge-bloor. No sign of him. I wait half an hour. Nothing. Around 4:30pm, he calls me through a private number. I was right, he has a phone. He says he forgot the laptop at home, and tells me to meet him at eglinton station. I say okay. It's 5:00, and i'm at eglinton. He calls me again and tells me he will be another half an hour. At this point i'm very frustrated, but decide to wait it out one last time.

It's 5:30, he facebook messages me he's here. We agree on meeting in a restaurant near td bank. I see him, we greet each other, i see he brought a friend. We sit down in the restaurant. After some small talk, i find out they both play on their highschool football team. I'm impressed, mostly by their university-student-like builds. He asks me if i have $500 on me, i tell him yes.

I'm excited to see the laptop. He pulls it out of his bag, upside down. Right off the bat i notice it's the 2008 model. I'm extremely disappointed, but i don't say anything. He also points out he lost his charger, i become extremely suspicious this laptop was stolen and, in my mind, decide i am not interested, i stay silent. I observe; the laptop has scratches and dents on the top and keyboard, and it does not power on. He says the battery must be dead.

Fortunately (or unfortunately, as you will soon find out), i have my macbook charger in my backpack. Surprisingly, he's okay with me charging it. It powers on after five awkward minutes of charging. I am scared to tell him i don't want it, he seems to be set on selling it today. I muster up the courage and tell him the inevitable; i don't want it, it's not a 2009 model, and it's not mint.

He's furious. "it's not my fault. The manual said it was 2009, it's your fault, you should have asked me for the specific details!". His friend remains quiet. I explain to the seller that he falsely advertised it. He continues to fallaciously and ignorantly justify himself. I become anxious, his eyes are red, his gestures are aggressive, his voice is loud, he may get violent. "just take it now for 500, you're lucky i'm not robbing you!" i think "what have i gotten myself into."

i continue to tell him i don't want it, and he continues to argue. Ten minutes, and he's had enough. He slams his laptop. Pulls my charger out of the wall, "i'm taking this". Him and his friend get up and hurry out the door. I sit there shocked. I don't follow him, i'm just thankful he didn't go for the $500 and that i'm in one piece. I wait five minutes, peering out the window every ten seconds, making sure they are not outside. I leave eventually.

I sit here now, on my basement computer, looking up the costs of magsafe chargers. I have class tomorrow, and need my 13" mbp charged. I don't know whether to be glad i'm safe, or upset that i no longer have a charger. All in all, i know i've learned some very valuable lessons. Time to move on. $90 at the apple store? Eh. Looks like someone is selling a brand new 85w one on craigslist for 65. I'll bite.

sounds like a revolving door kind of situation

might as well call the police and file the incident. He did, afterall, steal your charger in broad day light. With any luck, they might be able to trace him via security footages (it's a freaking mall, there has to be some) and serve him some cold, hard, justice. Hopefully they'll be able to find out if the laptop is stolen or not either, so if it is stolen the owner of it can get it back and also laugh in glee.

What a bunch of jackasses.

sorry, but you should have never met him the minute he said he didn't have a phon, but yet he called you. Also, the price was too good to be true even for a 3 year old mbp. Next time, just spring for new or refurb on apple. Your life is too precious for a savings of about $400.

Oh and get the police too. They play for hs team, did you find out the school?

such an amazing story with vivid details. However, this would never have happened to me.

You didn't see pictures of the device before hand? That's a no-no.

When i'm dealing with craigslist. If anything kinda sounds like it might have a chance of it being shady, the deal is off.

must have been in an empty restaurant. Nobody noticed the argument.

someone needs a hug.

i know the feeling.. But i scored a nib $2000 dlsr for $500 on a cl deal i didn't expect to go through. And it was not stolen. I guess it depends on having a plan, and a backup plan.. But to go alone and let their size/ attitude intimidate you is not the right way. Be more prepared in the future (bring me - buy a cup of java i'm happy) and call the cops on these two fools before they do rob or hurt somebody else.

sounds like you needed to grow a pair.....

so, so, so many red flags. Please take better care of yourself in the future. There are *******s out there who will kill you for less, you got lucky.

The first second your gut tells you something is off, trust it. That's thousands of years of evolution working on your behalf.

lol you should of brought your 45

and you need to grow a pair of brain hemispheres.

glad things didn't take a take a turn for the worse. As srf4real said, you should get the cops involved before they hurt or rob someone else.

losing one's battery charger and not buying a new one is imo very suspicious. Computer almost certainly stolen. You should definitely get the police involved. Who knows? They might be able to get the perp's phone number and id even if it was a private call.

gee, the fact that he stole your magsafe without hesitation is a dead-ringer that it was a stolen laptop. Please file charges if the public location had security cameras, not with the expectations of getting your charger back, but just for the slim chance justice will be served.

everybody assumes the op is a guy? What if the op is a 105lb girl?!? Still maybe not the smartest move to go alone, but hindsight is 50/50.

and not one of you people tell him that apple dont reccommend using an 85w on a 60w machine shame :d

 

[elliottfamily5]

In California what occurred is a robbery, due to your property being taken by means of force or FEAR. I am sure wherever you are located there is a similar statute. It is a felony. Call the local law enforcement agency (business line, NOT 911) that polices the area where the crime occurred, if it is different from where you live. Provide them with all of the information you posted about and they will investigate it. The "sting" with the bogus Facebook page is a good idea and the cops do not need you to assist them with setting this up. This is something they should do on their own. They will need you later to identify the turd and your property.

You made some mistakes and failed to see some pretty obvious warnings...the good thing is you walked away from it and hopefully are the wiser. Glad to hear you are fine, but definitely notify local law enforcement and allow them to investigate. Pretty good bet you are not the first person this ****** has strong armed when he didn't get his way.

Again, glad to hear you are ok.

 

[416049]

Well at least you didn't get physically harmed, next time bring a buddy or an adult (e.g. your dad) with you its safer especially when buying things above 100-200USD

 

[Mal]

and not one of you people tell him that apple dont reccommend using an 85w on a 60w machine shame :d

No, Apple says that it's perfectly fine. Plus, even if that was a joke, it's in extremely poor taste and you quote practically the entire thread to do it, which is very bad forum etiquette.

jW