None — Warnings about scams on Craigslist have been well reported, but one Charlotte woman lost money after letting her guard down while trying to buy a car online.
Yolanda Latimer said she searched for a car on Craigslist and found what she thought was a good deal.
"It was an unbelievable price," she said.
A 2000 Honda Accord EX was listed for just $1,200. The Craigslist seller claimed it was so cheap because she was in the U.S. Army and stationed in Spain, where she was unable to register the car.
The person claimed to be Maj. Diane Williams and told Latimer that she could ship the car free as military cargo. The seller told Latimer she would get the car three days after sending the $1,200, so Latimer decided to wire the money.
Latimer realized it was all a scam when the car didn't arrive and the seller stopped answering her pleading e-mails.
"I'm out the money and the car," she said.
Craigslist warns users in big, bold letters that "offers of free shipping are 100 percent fraudulent."
BBB President Tom Bartholomy said the only way for consumers to protect themselves on Craigslist is by dealing locally.
"When you're buying something, you can see it, you can test it, you know what you have and you give them money," he said.
If you're selling something on Craigslist, Action 9's Don Griffin said you should deal locally and with cash to avoid counterfeit checks.
WSOC
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