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Craigslist deal gone bad, now I'm being harassed
T-bolt
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I sold an old (1981) Korg synthesizer last week through Craigslist. I answered a guy's WTB ad. I was up front about it's minor issues (some key contacts didn't work all the time), I let him try it out and didn't pressure him, and I even let him open it up to take a look inside. Through talking with him he seemed to know what he was getting into with buying old used synths, as it can be a crapshoot concerning the instrument's reliability. I sold it for $500, the same I paid for it over a year ago.
This Friday I get an email from him where he claims that it doesn't tune correctly anymore and he demanded that I pay the full cost to have it fixed or give him his money back. I replied back saying that there was no warranty, and the sale was final. He replies back that if I don't pay him then he'd take me to small claims court and that he would win. I call his bluff, I said no, and that I had his number and I'd file harrasment charges with the police if need be.
He replies back with a "go ahead and call the cops, funny". Yesterday, he emails again and says that the synth has now gone completely dead and asked me when I'd be available the next day to "make the exchange". I don't reply to this. He's now emailed me today saying if I don't contact him back he'll assume that I'm ok with paying to have it fixed and that I'll be in touch with the repair shop about the cost. He also reiterated that either I pay him directly or he gets the money through small claims court, either way he's sure he'll win.
My friends think he's just trying to coerce me to pay up and when I don't he's all talk and he'll just give up. That's likely but there's the chance he'll take it a step further because he unfortunately knows where I live. I'm pretty sure he doesn't have a leg to stand on concerning small claims court as it was a cash transaction without any written or implied warranty, but I want him off my back now (without giving him what he wants). Right now I'm mulling over going through with my threat to call the cops because he's not taking no for an answer. Opinions?
This Friday I get an email from him where he claims that it doesn't tune correctly anymore and he demanded that I pay the full cost to have it fixed or give him his money back. I replied back saying that there was no warranty, and the sale was final. He replies back that if I don't pay him then he'd take me to small claims court and that he would win. I call his bluff, I said no, and that I had his number and I'd file harrasment charges with the police if need be.
He replies back with a "go ahead and call the cops, funny". Yesterday, he emails again and says that the synth has now gone completely dead and asked me when I'd be available the next day to "make the exchange". I don't reply to this. He's now emailed me today saying if I don't contact him back he'll assume that I'm ok with paying to have it fixed and that I'll be in touch with the repair shop about the cost. He also reiterated that either I pay him directly or he gets the money through small claims court, either way he's sure he'll win.
My friends think he's just trying to coerce me to pay up and when I don't he's all talk and he'll just give up. That's likely but there's the chance he'll take it a step further because he unfortunately knows where I live. I'm pretty sure he doesn't have a leg to stand on concerning small claims court as it was a cash transaction without any written or implied warranty, but I want him off my back now (without giving him what he wants). Right now I'm mulling over going through with my threat to call the cops because he's not taking no for an answer. Opinions?
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The "if I don't hear back from you, I'll assume you are okay with paying the repair bill" is a bullshit line. My first thought was "imagine if you were him, wouldn't you be pissed having just lost $500? Maybe you should give him $100 back to be a nice guy, if he did indeed buy something that is so much worse than he though." But no, the guy is acting like a total douche bag and you should do him no favors.
Fuck knows what he's done to the thing to "fix" it since its "just gone dead", you know, randomly and all.
Yep. If he'd been nicer about it, I could see helping him out a bit. But if he's going to be a raging douche, just cut contact and let the police know "Hey, this guy's being a raging douche, and he might do something dumb. Just wanted you guys to know in case I end up calling you later to report a bleeding/dead raging douche on my front lawn."
Can trade TF2 items or whatever else you're interested in. PM me.
Or, just ignore the idiot. He will eventually give up.
One thing I would do is, if you think he might do something to your house or apartment just to get even, tell your neighbors to watch out for (insert make and model car) in the neighborhood.
Save all the emails and contact stuff and always be polite. If he tries to take it to court it'll take a few minutes for the judge to look it over then tell him to stuff it. And no matter what BE POLITE.
In the two emails I unfortunately had some strong language, but I didn't resort to insults. I was just extremely angry that this guy was trying to coerce me to pay as if it was my responsibility since he seemed to know what he was getting into. A friend thinks he might have thought I'd be a pushover as I'm a somewhat quiet person around strangers.
I think I will go to the police tomorrow, and not reply to him. If he sends another email I'll just have more ammunition if this actually goes to small claims court.
It is also not valid in contract law... just sayin.
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This.
This about covers my 0.02.
All of his nonsense about him contacting a repair shop and you footing the bill, taking you to small-claims court et. al. is just that. Don’t sweat it.
However, as a word of caution for future Craiglists transactions, make sure you state in the ad that everything you sell is "as-is, no warranties, caveat emptor, etc., etc." That way, when someone has a problem with what they bought from you, they can't say they did not have advanced notice.
Most likely the guy is just trying to scam you for cash. Happens to me via eBay from time to time.
This 100%. I'm still shocked that there is anyone left on Craigslist but these people scamming each-other in an Ouroboros-ian cycle.
Inside the mall is a better idea. I know a guy who got robbed at knife point when he set up a meeting to sell his Macbook Pro in a mall parking lot.
"Hey, my car is over here. Let me get the money."
Three other guys jump out with masks.
Yea honestly I wouldn't meet someone anywhere except where it'd be extremely difficult to pull anything no matter how ballsy or stupid the guy is. Somewhere that eyewitnesses aren't just possible, but are guaranteed to see what's going on. This gets harder with audio stuff because you generally want to try it out before you buy it, but I would try to find a way to go SOMEWHERE besides your own house.
PSN: TheScrublet
But then again, I'm not a scum bag and it was always homes in suburbia.
DTA, mutthafucka.
I trust my friends and my family. Past that, I assume that most people are generally out for themselves in every situation. Especially when it's the internet and you can't see the person, hear their voice or have any means of really judging what kind of person they are.
With a secret sex basement/reading room.
I always meet someone somewhere in public. Costco parking lot or the like.
I'd love to do all transactions in a public place, but as was already said then it couldn't be tested out. I know I wouldn't buy any electronics I couldn't test first. I think I'll just avoid Craigslist instead.
They cast a shadow like a sundial in the morning light. It was half past 10.
Ideally your last communcations with him was something to the effect of what Thanatos recommended. After that if you receive emails/voicemails from him do not respond. If there are threats to your person or property then talk to the cops. Don't delete messages from him.
If he does try to bring you to small claims court it is not his responsibility to inform you of dick. Some 3rd party would serve you (at his expense). Don't get hung up on punishing this guy, you will likely do something stupid or costly. There's nothing to be gained by you continuing any kind of dialogue with this guy; do not rise to his bait.
Craigslist is fine for unloading stuff, there are a bunch of idiots on it though. In the future, try to figure out if the guy you're talking to is an idiot, and if so just don't deal with him: it's more trouble then it's worth.
The next time he e-mails you, I would respond with something along the lines of you're never getting any money back, and if you don't like it, I'll see you in court. Leave it at that.
The thing about these particular type of jag-off is that he is all B.S., and a great way to get him to leave you alone is to call the bluff. Maybe he would win in court, maybe he wouldn't (I'm going to lean strongly towards no), but if he never actually files a complaint in court, it doesn't really matter. If he really was going to file a complaint, he would have by now, instead he’s pissing and moaning at you in hopes he’ll find a sore spot and you’ll fold and give him the money.
Definately speak to your landlord about the situation and ask them not to share your personal information with anyone without your consent (as someon else has mentioned, this is supposed to be their position by default).
I also agree with the other posters who are encouraging you to call this call on his bluff. He says he'll take you to court? Tell him that you'll see him there, and leave it at that.
Ths guy had a chance to inspect the item you sold him, and he agreed that it was in good enough condition for him to buy. Frmo what you've said, there was never any mention of a refund should he decide he was unhappy with his purchase, so he's out of luck.
I really wouldn't stress this very much. Most likely he's full of hot air. Even is he does try to take you to court, his position is not very strong.
The Division, Warframe (XB1)
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Then, do not respond to any more emails. If you get a letter from small claims court then go and have fun winning.
Seriously. Stop emailing, block his number, whatever you have to do.
I've already told him before he can go to small claims court if he wishes, and I've asked him to stop contacting me. I've said all I need to say, and I'll keep any future e-mails to present at court. I'll be sure to present the ludicrous claims he says I owe him (including the gem of him charging me $50 per hour for his time spent on this).
I don't know where you live, but in most U.S. states, you aren't allowed to bring a lawyer into small claims court. As such, many courts have free classes or other sources of information that can help parties with their case. I don't think they'll give you legal advice, but they can usually give legal information. Going in with enough knowledge of the relevant law to craft a coherent legal argument will be really helpful, especially if the buyer goes in and just repeats the nonsense he's been spouting to you.
And yeah, the $50/hour charge he's threatening you with is such BS it's not even funny.
Of course, if this guy takes you to court and loses, he might not be the type to just let it go, and could resort to self-help. Just something to be aware of, but I wouldn't worry too much. It sounds like he's just blowing smoke out his ass.
You are allowed to bring a lawyer to small claims court here, but you are not allowed to include their fees in the damages.
Ugh, RCMP. No wonder they were completly useless.
The Division, Warframe (XB1)
GT: Tanith 6227