Dilemna.. Great local deal, but suspect guitars maybe stolen

[squank]

This has scam / stolen written all over it.

 

[scottosan]

This has scam / stolen written all over it.

not a scam just hot. He's sent me photos of every angle I have asked for. The guitars are real and he has them. The legal ownership of said guitars is the issue.

 

[japetus]

I wouldn't be so paranoid. There are a lot of really rich, dumb people out there. Look at the people buying and selling on this very website, mostly at a loss just because they have no idea of what they want! This guy just simply has no idea. Buy the guitars if they are real.

 

[RedB4Black]

Use another email and say something like..."your price is too cheap so I'm guessing they are stolen. I don't mind that, but I'll only give you $1,000 for both." If he accepts that offer, ignore him and give his info to the police. Lol

 

[japetus]

If you purchase a stolen guitar and the cops come and get it, you don't get your money back, correct?

correct.


Here is what I sent to the seller:

Here is where I am at on the guitar. As with alot of the Craigslist deals, they are for the most part anonymous. People meet pay cash and go about their business. Most of the time, deals go just fine without issue. That being said, on the rare occasion something goes wrong. That is why people choose to protect themselves by meeting in a public place. That being said, if purchasing stolen gear, a buyer could be held liable and have to return the guitars an be out the money. For all I know you could be a great guy, but it's all about protection, both safety and financially. My concern is that 1) These are high end guitars typically owned by either working musicians or well off hobbyists, thus you just don't see them come up for sale at such great deals you have listed. Secondly, it is very common for stolen high end guitars to be without cases.

I don't want you to take this the wrong way, as I would expect you to have a certain level of safety concerns with any potential buyers when dealing with expensive transactions. As I said, you could very likely be a straight up honest guy, I just don't know you. I am interested in the guitars, but my gut is not cooperating. Is there anything that you can provide to show proof of ownership, emails, old pictures, etc.. I am prepared to buy, but would like a little peace of mind before making the purchase.

Thanks,
Scott​

I also want to say that if I was selling something and they sent me this email, I would think they are a Nigerian scammer.

 

[scottosan]

If you purchase a stolen guitar and the cops come and get it, you don't get your money back, correct?

correct.


Here is what I sent to the seller:

Here is where I am at on the guitar. As with alot of the Craigslist deals, they are for the most part anonymous. People meet pay cash and go about their business. Most of the time, deals go just fine without issue. That being said, on the rare occasion something goes wrong. That is why people choose to protect themselves by meeting in a public place. That being said, if purchasing stolen gear, a buyer could be held liable and have to return the guitars an be out the money. For all I know you could be a great guy, but it's all about protection, both safety and financially. My concern is that 1) These are high end guitars typically owned by either working musicians or well off hobbyists, thus you just don't see them come up for sale at such great deals you have listed. Secondly, it is very common for stolen high end guitars to be without cases.

I don't want you to take this the wrong way, as I would expect you to have a certain level of safety concerns with any potential buyers when dealing with expensive transactions. As I said, you could very likely be a straight up honest guy, I just don't know you. I am interested in the guitars, but my gut is not cooperating. Is there anything that you can provide to show proof of ownership, emails, old pictures, etc.. I am prepared to buy, but would like a little peace of mind before making the purchase.

Thanks,
Scott​

I also want to say that if I was selling something and they sent me this email, I would think they are a Nigerian scammer.

this was after speaking with him on the phone 3 times and discussing local places to meet and pay cash. How does that make me sound like a scammer

 

[MrDowntown]

Well I really hope they aren't hot, and you get a great deal.

 

[sixstringking713]

Usually if it's too good to be true it usually is..

However I did have one purchase where I bought my Gibson SG used thru CL that seemed too good of a price. Guy was selling it and didn't realize it was the rarer "vintage cherry" color. I think I got a really good deal on it, I havent seen one anywhere near the price I paid for the same guitar.

 

[squank]

This has scam / stolen written all over it.

not a scam just hot. He's sent me photos of every angle I have asked for. The guitars are real and he has them. The legal ownership of said guitars is the issue.

Um, yea. That's why I wrote stolen in there as well

I kinda see selling stolen property as a scam, so there's that.

 

[bikerdude2]

I would snatch them up with a copy of his license or a way for the police to catch up if he's a thief

 

[squank]

I would snatch them up with a copy of his license or a way for the police to catch up if he's a thief

If they are stolen, then you lose the guitars and the money you paid.

 

[bikerdude2]

I get that. What if it is legit? It's a tough call. He could also call a few local police departments.

 

[squank]

I get that. What if it is legit? It's a tough call. He could also call a few local police departments.

True. The last choice sounds good.

 

[jet66]

Since the ad appears to have been deleted, and a search for Suhr only turns up a couple of hits that aren't the guitar, I'd assume that is not a good sign.