It is too sad that minorities are making a point of perpetuating their own stereotyppes, then bitching about it. Wake up!! I see this as one more reason to allow a permit to carry a concealed weapon. The only people carrying right now are the criminals that want to break the law. I am starting get scared due to the economy and my family alone at home at times. MVPD does a great job, but they are very limited in the tools they can use, otherwise someone will call them out on brutality or racism. Anyone doing a Craigslist deal, do what I do, meet at MVPD parking lot. If they beat you and rob you, they are not only beyond lame they are good as caught.

I do Craigslist deals all the time. Rule number one: if you can, always do the deal in a public place. It might sound strange, but if it's feasible I insist on doing the meetings in the parking lot or lobby of the local police department.

Suggesting that alone will cause 99% of scammers or others who might seek to harm you to back out. But it also shows legitimate people you are dealing with that you have everyone's safety in mind, since they don't know you, either.

Rule number two is never carry the cash on you to the meeting. Leave it locked in the car. If you are satisfied with the item and are sure you are dealing with people on the up-and-up, THEN go back to your car and get the $$. But NEVER carry your purchase cash on you to the initial meeting. Don't get it until you are sure the item is legit and you want it.

Thanks for the suggestions as to how to handle a transaction with someone on Craig's list (or - any stranger, for that matter.)

This is really good advice - I hadn't thought about meeting in the parking lot of the MVPD. It surely makes sense and certainly is a smart and safe way of doing business.