HomeMy WebLinkAbout13_06_07 Craigs List Scam 13-111887
BAKERSFIELD POLICE
DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Greg Williamson, Chief of Police
Contact: Michaela Beard
Public Information Office
661-326-3803
mbeard@bakersfieldpd.us
For Immediate Release June 7, 2013
The Bakersfield Police Department is currently conducting a joint investigation with the
California State University Bakersfield Police regarding a scam involving ads posted on
Craigslist where the suspect is seeking a room for rent and posing as a student of
California State University Bakersfield.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Bakersfield
Police Department at (661) 327-7111 or Detective Blaine Craig at (661) 326-3541.
The following are tips to assist persons buying and selling items on Craigslist:
Creating the ad
It’s important to think about security as you prepare your online advertisement. Don’t
use your full name and don’t list your address or phone number.
If you use photos in your ad, make sure you only show the item for sale without
including family members or any identifiable information. Block out the license plate
numbers on a photo of a vehicle for sale.
As a seller, it’s imperative to control as much of the transaction as possible. The safest
way to conduct the transaction is via e-mail. Create a free disposable e-mail account
specifically for your online business.
Resist requests to give out your phone number. If the buyer really needs to talk to you,
get his/her phone number and call him/her. Use the caller ID block on your phone to
keep your number private.
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Meeting face-to-face
With some transactions you may need to meet the potential buyer to let them inspect
the item or to complete the sale.
Arrange to meet in a public place at a time when there are plenty of people around.
Also, bring a friend with you.
If the transaction involves a significant amount of money, meet at your bank.
When you’re the seller and receive a check for a payment, take the check into your
bank and make sure the check clears before sending the item. Never accept checks for
over the amount agreed upon and never agree to send overpaid money back to the
buyer.
Protect your house
If you’re selling a large item, such as a refrigerator, if possible, move it out of the house.
Put it in the garage or driveway.
When setting up the meeting, inform the potential buyer others will be there.
Don’t let buyers into your home!
You can now send an anonymous text message to the Bakersfield Police Department. It’s quick and it’s easy.
Simply enter 274637 into your phone and text BPDCRIMES along with your message. The text is sent to the
police department and the sender remains completely anonymous.
Tips can also be anonymously sent through the smartphone “TipSubmit” mobile App or via email at
https://www.tipsubmit.com.