Christopher Doherty MATTRESS SCAM CRAIGSLIST Newbury Massachusetts

I responded to the add below on 8/19/07 for a full size mattress. Never having purchased anything on craigslist before I was skeptical, but Chris (the seller) seemed to have legitimate answers to all of my questions.

Upon viewing the below craigslist post I immediately replied with interest. I heard back from Christopher Doherty the same day. He explained that the mattress was brand new, still in the plastic and had never been used despite having written that it was gently used. I questioned why he had a new mattress lying around; he stated that he bought it for grad school but came across a memory foam mattress instead and never ended up using it. He stated that it was a firm mattress with a plush top and was eager to get rid of it because he was moving. I was immediately discouraged by his eagerness but he told me that he had another individual in the Back Bay who wanted it and he had to know immediately. I consented to meeting him at my apartment later that evening. At 5:45 Chris and I spoke over the phone, he stated that he was on his way to my apartment. After not seeing him for the next two hours I called to see where he was. It was not dark and I was slightly worried. Chris arrived at 8:30. When Chris arrived he parked a few houses down, he had a moving truck, but it was obvious he didn't want me to see the contents in it. It was also dark at the point so I was unable to properly view the mattress. After bringing the mattress inside I could see that there was a small red stain on the front. The mattress was obviously used. After further investigation, I found that Chris had recently won the contents of a hotel liquidation sale and has several other postings for furniture on craigslist. The mattress I purchased was clearly from this hotel sale (the tag says hotel collection in fine print). After realizing what had happened I called Chris to see if he would take the mattress back. I haven't heard back from him yet.

Reply to: sale-804009657@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-08-19, 6:07PM EDT

* Grad Student Selling a Clean, Comfortable Serta Perfect Sleeper full Sized bed. This bed is one of the Last Brand New sets, in the best condition, that you may ever find on Craigslist.. Used this year and Bought New In September for $800 from Sleepy's. Includes the Mattress and Box Spring and Delivery if you need. The Bed is extraordinarily comfortable.. Non-Smoking, Pet-free Environment.

**I offer Delivery to the Boston & Surrounding areas

Asking only $249.00 and Can Deliver Anytime tonight/tomorrow. This Bed Won't last!

Any additional info: http://www.serta.com

Please Call CJ: (978) 884-7203

C
Boston, Massachusetts
U.S.A.