When I changed to a high travel job four years ago, I gave up the bike flipping and constant presence on the local Craigslist. After moving to our new house, I have some bikes and parts that I thought I'd sell off to reduce some clutter. I can see things have changed. I've received several responses where they are ready to buy whatever I'm selling, but they're a little busy right now so they'll send their son/brother/neighbor/father to pick up the item, just send them my address and phone number. Of course, they refuse to provide their phone number and will not meet in a public location like a bank parking lot or a Targets store. That's an obvious scam. Not sure what they plan, but don't intend to find out.
The other is more subtle and a new twist. When I post, I have always insisted on the buyer providing a phone number, no exceptions. I've had a couple responses that seem legit, they want the item, will pay cash, even willing to meet at a local parking lot, but won't provide a phone number and the e-mail never has a name. They usually want to meet right away. Despite my insistence on a phone number and a call to set up the meeting, they insist on not providing any information.
What concerns me is I'm getting these type of hits on almost every bike or part I list.
In light of the recent CL response crimes, with one happening right here in central NC, I absolutely refuse to hand out my address and refuse to meet with anyone who hides typical contact such as a phone number or their name. I know that an e-mail name can be falsified, throw away phones are available and meeting in a public parking lot is no safety guarantee, but anyone who balks at sharing reasonable information is sending me a message, not one I want to hear.
Anyone else running into these issues?