Man Believes Robbers Found Him Through Craigslist

Nashville Craigslist

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- A Donelson man said he was robbed at home and he believes the suspects met him through an online classified Web site.

A computer technician believes doing business on Craigslist cost him his business.

"I heard a knock at the door, opened it up and when I did a couple of guys pushed their way in with guns," said the man who only wanted to use his first name, Chris, because he wanted to conceal his identity. "They told me to sit and I sat on my sofa."

He is the victim of a home invasion and armed robbery. The computer technician operates a business from home and the robbers took everything he needed to work- $2,000 worth of equipment.

"They knew what they were looking for," he said.

He wondered how they knew what to take and then he thought about Craigslist, the free online classified ad site. Through the site, Chris generates business and often barters with users.

He said some users came to his home and he thinks one of his Craigslist customers tipped off the robbers.

"It's something that took me three years to build," he said. "I'm going to have to start from scratch."

The Nashville Craigslist Web site has a reference area about scams. The site is not responsible for transactions, but encourages users to meet in person to avoid scams.

Chris warns users to be careful.

He said the suspects left him with a pillowcase over his head, a television in his lap and no means to call for help.

"I'll have to be a little more careful," he said. "I was too trusting."

Police recommend people to get several references from anyone before doing business with them online. Police also said people should check them out before agreeing to meet them in person. They also warn against meeting at home, but instead in a neutral setting to feel safe.