Caution buying and selling on Craigslist

[Tom]

Here's the news report of the robbery/murder I posted above. I didn't remember the story 100% right, but pretty close. They caught and convicted them.

http://www.cbs8.com/story/20106280/verdict-expected-in-craigslist-murder-trial

[spookini]

I'm guilty of the 'dark parking lot cellphone meetup' myself.  I dunked my smartphone in saltwater last summer while out on a flatwater paddle, fried it instantly.  One day later I was at wit's end w/o a working phone.  Found a duplicate on CL for $200, called the seller: foreign accent and he couldn't meet until late evening.  I took my wife and dog along...  the address he directed me to was not a home but instead a deserted strip mall parking lot.  And he didn't even show 'til I called to confirm I was waiting.  About as sketchy as it gets -- but he turned out to be a nice dude and I'm still using the phone.

I'd think selling a SUP via c'list is relatively safe.  How do you "snatch-and-grab" a SUP?  ("No sudden moves!!  Now, just chill while I strap this thing on my car and secure it w/ double tie-downs-- or should I risk the single strap method??")  

[SeaMe]

Craigslist should have some direction for this, but since they don't, cautionary tales will have to do.

Craigslist does have guidelines/advice on completing transactions safely: http://www.craigslist.org/about/safety

Sadly there will be always be predators who try to take advantage of others.