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Amber and Brandon Hebert, a married couple in Oregon went in search of a barn rental only to case out the place and then later allegedly robbed Robert Salisbury when he had left his home. The couple were said to have taken several saddles from the barn.

Then the two dunderheads thought to run a false ad on craigslist giving out Salisbury’s address offering everything he owned up for grabs in order to cover up their alleged crime.

Many devotees of craigslist took the ad seriously and walked away with whatever their heart’s desired of Salisbury’s personal possessions.

When the media reported the story people were shocked. The authorities made it known they would prosecute anyone who neglected to return the stolen items to them.

What the *$&#?

I have posted many times to sell items on craigslist in my local area and this pisses me off to no end. People like the Heberts ruin a good thing for us folks that are honest and enjoy selling and buying items off this website.

Sure you take a risk when you invite strangers to your home but generally you have someone else there with you when you show an item you have for sale or you meet at a very public place like Starbucks if you are alone.

My tips for a safe sale:

If you live in an apartment leave your door open so your neighbors can hear and see what’s going on.

Talk loudly. Who cares if your neighbor knows your selling your Beatles CDS? If it’s a toss up between your pride and your life Ringo won’t care he has enough cash.

Have a friend or neighbor hang out until the stranger buys or leaves your residence. Don’t encourage chit chat beyond the sale in case the person is a potential stalker. He doesn’t have to look like Jeffrey Dahmer to be dangerous. Remember Robert Chambers and Ted Bundy. If you get a good vibe be yourself.  Trust your own instincts. Okay so I am a native New Yorker. I am suspicious by nature.

If the person darts his eyes around your place instead of on the single item you are selling get them out into the hall as fast as possible and conclude your business ASAP.

Don’t leave any valuables or letters with important info lying around on tables and counters like bank statements etc. that someone can jot down numbers or remember them if they intend to commit some type of fraud.

Tell everyone how secure the place you live in is and that there are hidden surveillance cameras all around the building especially the elevators and stairwells.

Don’t leave the person alone to answer a phone or retrieve something in another room. If they are dishonest it can take seconds for them to rip you off before you knew what hit you. Never leave your handbag nearby and walk in another room. There’s trust and there’s sheer stupidity.

Tell anyone who threatens you if you are female your husband or boyfriend who is a martial arts black belt is in the back room on his computer. Even if it is your pet poodle Fi  Fi is scratching against the door wanting to piddle.

 Keep your cell phone handy in case of an emergency with 911 coded in so you need to press one number to access help if needed.

Those are a few of my tips. Although I will say in the last several years of my dealing with craigslist folks, most have been friendly happy go lucky people who just wanted a good bargain.

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