20 True Creepy Craigslist Horror Stories | Сompilation

Lena and Jake were a young couple who had just moved to Austin Texas they rented a small apartment and were looking for inexpensive furniture to fill it they were browsing Craigslist and found an an for a sofa coffee table and TV stand that was perfect for their living room the price was only $200 and the seller claimed the furniture was in good condition they contacted the seller who said his name was Mark and arranged to meet him in the parking lot outside his house he said he would bring the furniture in his truck and they

could pay him in cash Lena and Jake agreed and drove to the meeting place in their car they arrived at the parking lot around six pan it was already dark and there weren't many cars around they saw a white pickup truck parked in the corner with Furniture in the back they parked next to it and got out of the car hi are you Mark asked Jake approaching the pickup a man stepped out to the driver's seat he was tall and thin with short brown hair and a balding beard he wore a baseball cap a play

shirt and jeans he smiled and nodded hi yes I'm Mark it's nice to meet you you must be Lena and Jake he said shaking their hands that's us us thanks for meeting us here Lena said smiling back no problem I'm glad you're interested in the furniture come on I'll show you around Mark said and led them to the back of the truck he opened the back door and lifted the top that covered the furniture Lena and Jake saw a beige sofa a wooden coffee table and a black te stand for the price they looked pretty

decent well what do you think asked mark they look good said Jake examining the couch yeah they're pretty comfortable I'm only selling them because I'm moving to another state and can't take them with me said Mark where are you moving to asked Lena oh I'm moving to California I've been offered a job there Mark said that's great what kind of job asked linaa Mark hesitated for a moment he looked around nervously uh-uh I'm a software engineer he lied wow that's impressive Lena said yeah well you know how it is the tech industry there is booming

Mark said he glanced at his watch look I don't want to rush you but I have to go soon do you want to buy furniture or not he asked Lena and Jake looked at each other they like the furniture and didn't want to pass up the opportunity sure we'll take them Jake said great do you have the money asked Mark CH nodded and reached into his wallet in his back pocket he pulled out $200 in bills and held them out to Mark Mark quickly counted the money and put it in his pocket thanks let me

help you load them in the car he said he grabbed one end of the couch and lifted it up can you get the other end he asked Jake Jake nodded and grabbed the other end to the couch when he did he felt a sharp pain in his side he looked down and saw blood dripping from his stomach he had been stabbed he choked and dropped the couch he fell to the floor clutching the wound Jake yelled Lena as Lena screams the man who had been pretending to be Mark pulled out a knife from his pocket

and brandished it towards her give me the keys to your car he growled Lena trembling with fear fumbled with her keys and handed them over to the man the impostor quickly grabbed the keys and tossed them to his partner who have been waiting in the driver's seat of the pickup truck the second man got out of the truck jumped into Lena and Jake's car and sped away with the man who had been posing as Mark following closely behind LMA terrified and alone knelt beside Jake who was struggling to breathe she tried to stop the bleeding

with her hands but but the wound was too deep she knew that Jake was not going to make it as she cried she remembered that she had her cell phone in her pocket she quickly dialed 911 and explained why it happened within minutes police cars arrived at the scene they quickly secured the area and called an ambulance for Jake unfortunately it was too late Jake had lost too much blood and passed away before he could make it to the hospital the police launched a Manhunt for the robbers and it didn't take long for them to

be caught the imposters turned out to be a pair of EXC convicts who had been released from prison a few months earlier they had been using Craigslist to lure unsuspecting victims into their trap and Robb them Lena was devastated by Jake's death but she found solace in the fact that the robbers had been caught she hoped that they would be punished for what they had done and that Justice would be served from that day on she made a promise to herself that she would never trust anyone blindly again Linda had always wanted a designer handbag

she loved fashion and style but couldn't afford to buy the expensive accessories she had mined in magazines and online she worked as a waitress at a busy Diner and barely made enough to pay her rent and bills she had no savings no family family and no friends to help her she felt lonely and miserable in her small apartment in Brooklyn one day on Craigslist she saw an ad for a Louis Whitten bag for sale for only $500 the bag was worth more than $3,000 and it looked authentic in the photos Linda couldn't believe her luck

she had always dreamed of earning a Louis written bag and this was her chance to get it at a bargain price she quickly contacted the salesman who said his name was Mike and gave her his phone number he told her he was moving out of the country and needed to sell this stuff quickly he said he could meet her at a Starbucks near Central Park the next day at noon Linda agreed to the deal and arranged to take time off work she withdrew $500 from her bank account which was almost all she had left she

also took her ID card and some money for Subway Fair she put everything in her small purse and headed to the meeting place she arrived at Starbucks 10 minutes early and looked around for Mike she didn't see anyone who fit his description a Tall Blond man in his 30s wearing a blue jacket and jeans she decided to wait inside and Order coffee she checked her phone and saw that Mike had texted her that he was running late and would be here soon she sat down at a table by the window and sipped her coffee nervously

she help Mike wasn't a crook or a thief she'd heard stories of people being robbed or assaulted when they met strangers online she wondered if she should have brought someone with her but there was no one to ask she trusted her instincts and hoped for the best she looked at her watch and saw that it was 12:15 p.m. and Mike was still gone she texted him again and asked where he was he replied that he was stuck in traffic and would be there in 10 minutes Linda felt annoyed but decided to wait a little longer

she really needed that bag and she didn't want to miss the opportunity she finished her coffee and threw the cup away she looked outside and saw a man walking toward the entrance of the Starbucks he was tall blonde wearing a blue jacket and jeans he looked like Mike Linda felt relieved and excited she got up from the table and walked over to him hi are you Mike she asked him with a smile he nodded and smiled back yeah that's me and you must be Linda yes that's me nice to meet you nice to meet you

too sorry I'm late that's okay did you bring the money yes I did great let me show you the bag he reached into his backpack and pulled out a large brown paper bag he opened it slightly and showed Linda what was inside Linda caught a glimpse of the Louis written logo on the leather wow that looks amazing she said it's really amazing he said it's brand new never been used can I take a closer look at it sure sure he held out a paper bag to her and watched as she opened it completely Linda pulled

out the L's written bag and examined it carefully in her eyes it looked real it had a signature monogram pattern Gold Hardware a red lining and a tag with a serial number inside it's beautiful she said it's yours he said she looked at him appreciatively thank you so much he smiled warmly you're welcome she reached into her purse and pulled out an envelope with $500 inside she held it out to him here you go she said he took the envelope and opened it slightly and quickly counted the bills great he said he put the envelope

in his pocket thank you he said they smart at each other well I guess that's it he said yes she said they embraced awkwardly it was a pleasure doing business with you he said you too she said they let go of each other have a good day he said you too she said she said he turned and walked out of the Starbucks Linda looked after him with a happy sigh she couldn't believe she had just bought a $500 Louis Whitten bag she thought she had won the lottery she clutched the bag to her chest and

smiled broadly she decided to go home right away and enjoy her new purchase she walked out of the Starbucks with a springy stride Linda didn't notice that Mike followed her outside she didn't notice that he pulled a knife from his backpack she didn't notice that he walked behind her with a Sinister expression on his face she didn't notice until it was too late he gred her from behind Linda screamed as Mike attacked her he pulled her bag from her hand tearing the strap and causing Linda to fall to the ground Linda was stunned and didn't

know what to do she watched helplessly as Mike ran away with her bag which contained not only the expensive designer bag but also her ID card and all the cash she had withdrawn from the bank Linda was in shock she sat on the ground clutching her torn bag feeling violated and helpless she realized she had been scammed and deceived by Mike she had trusted him and he had taken advantage of her Linda knew she had to report the incident to the police but she didn't know where to start she had never been in a situation

like this before she felt alarm and vulnerable like a victim of a crime she had lost her money her ID and her sense of security Linda took a deep breath and stood up she looked around for help but no one seemed to notice her distress she felt invisible like a ghost she knew she had to find a way to get back on her feet and move on but she didn't know how she felt lost and defeated [Music] Ian was a college student who had been saving up for months to buy his first car he had

been browsing Craigslist looking for a good deal on a used car one day he saw an an that caught his eye it was a 2010 Honda Civic in good condition with low mileage and only $5,000 even thought it was too good to be true but decided to contact the seller anyway the seller responded quickly and said his name was Mark he said he was selling the car because he had to move out of state for work and needed money right away he said he could meet even at a nearby parking lot the next day and

asked him to bring cash with him Ian agreed and arranged to meet Mark at 10:00 a.m. the next day Ian withdrew $5,000 from his bank account and put the money in an envelope he took the bus to the parking lot and looked around for Mark's car he saw a silver Honda Civic parked in the corner with a man sitting inside Ian approached the car and knocked on the window the man rolled down his window and smiled at Evan he looked about 30 years old with short brown hair and stubble he was wearing a blue shirt

and jeans hi you must be Aon he said on Mark nice to meet you nice to meet you too Ian said is this the car you're selling yes it is Mark said would you like to take a look sure said Ivan Mark got out of the car and opened the trunk he showed Evan the spare tire the Jack and the tools then he opened the hood and showed the engine battery and oil he explained that he had taken good care of the car and that it had no problems Ivan nodded impressed by Mark's knowledge and

confidence he asked if he could take the car for a test drive sure Mark said but can I see the money first Ian hesitated for a moment he was uncomfortable handing over the money before he got behind the wheel of the car but he also didn't want to pass up the opportunity he decided to trust Mark sure Evan said here you go he pulled an envelope from his backpack and held it out to mark marked of the envelope and opened it he quickly counted the bills and smiled thank you he said you're a smart customer

he put the envelope in his pocket so are you ready to drive he asked yes Ian replied Mark handed him the keys here you go he said the car is all yours Ean felt a rush of excitement he couldn't believe he had just bought his first car he got in the driver's seat seat and fastened his seat belt Mark got in the passenger seat let's go Ian said he started the car and drove out of the parking lot he drove out of the parking lot onto the street so where are you from asked Mark I'm

from Chicago said Ivan me too said Mark what do you do I'm a student said Ivan what are you studying business administ rtion that's cool they made small talk as they drove through the neighborhood Mark seemed friendly and at ease he complimented Evan on his driving skills and gave him some tips on Car Care Evan felt more relaxed and comfortable with Mark he thought he got a good deal with the mice guy he decided to go back to the parking lot hey can we stop at the gas station asked Mark why asked Evan I need

to go to the bathroom said Mark okay said Ivan he saw a gas station nearby and pulled over to the side of the road Mark got out of the car I'll be right back he said he walked toward the gas station building even was waiting in the car he looked at his new car with pride and joy he couldn't wait to show it off to his friends and family he checked his phone for messages he saw that his mother had texted him she asked him if he had bought a car yet he replied that he

had just bought it and that it was awesome she congratulated him and asked him to send her a picture of it he pulled out his phone and took a picture of himself with his new car he sent it to his mom she replied that she was happy for him and that she loved him he smiled at her message he looked up from the phone screen he saw Mark running toward him from across the street he was holding something in his hand it looked like a gun aan felt a rush of fear he didn't understand what

was happening he saw Mark point the gun at him through the windshield he heard and Shout something unintelligible he saw him pull the trigger Ivan instinctively ducked as he heard a loud explosion he felt something hit him in the shoulder he felt pain and shock he looked at his shoulder and saw blood seeping through his shirt he realized he had been shot he screamed in pain and horror he saw Mark open the door and grab him by the color he felt mark driving him behind him even trying to fight back but he was weak from

the shock of being short he felt Mark's grip tighten on his color as he dragged him out of the car and onto the ground A's head hit the pavement hard and he felt a sharp pain p in his Temple he tried to crawl away but Mark kicked him in the ribs aan gasped for air as the wind was knocked out of him he felt Mark rifling through his pockets taking his phone wallet and the envelope of cash he heard Mark laughing as he got back into the car and drove away Ian lay there bleeding and

helpless he thought he was going to die he couldn't move his left arm or leg and his vision was blurry he managed to reach for his phone with his good arm and called 911 he told them what had happened and where he was he heard the sound of sirens in the distance and felt a sense of relief within minutes an ambulance arrived and Evan was rushed to the hospital he underwent emergency surgery to remove the bullet from his shoulder he was in a lot of pain and was heavily sedated the police arrived at the gas

station and began their investigation ation they interviewed Witnesses collected evidence and reviewed surveillance footage from nearby cameras within a few hours they had identified Mark as the suspect they discovered that he had used a fake name and a stolen car to lure aan into a trap they tracked down the car and found it abandoned in a nearby alley the police issued an alert from Mark and circulated his description to other law enforcement agencies two days later Mark was arrested in a neighboring state he was caught trying to sell a stolen car to a pawn shop

he was charged with armed robbery assault with a deadly weapon and car theft he was held in jail without bail pending his trial Ian was discharged from the hospital a week later he was still in pain and had to wear a sling on his left arm but he was grateful to be alive he thanked the police for their Swift action and vowed to testify against Mark in court a few months later even attended Mark's trial as a witness he testified about the events that led up to the shooting and identified Mark as the perpetrator he

described how Mark had lewed him into a trap and red him at cpoint he also showed the jury his scar and explained how the bullet had narrowly missed his vital organs the jury found Mark guilty on all charges and sentenced him to 20 years in prison even felt a sense of closure and Justice he realized that he had been lucky to survive the ordeal and that had taught him a valuable lesson about trusting strangers he also learned to appreciate life more and to never take anything for granted Linda has always had a passion for technology

she loved exploring new gadgets and devices that could make her life easier and more fun she was especially interested in smart flash drives small storage devices that could connect to any computer and perform various tasks such as hacking encrypting or deleting data she had heard that some hackers were using them to break into secure systems and steal valuable information Linda wanted to get her hands on one of these smart flash drives they were very expensive and hard to find she searched the internet for a long time and until she came across an ad on Craigslist

that offered a brand new smart flash drive for only $200 the seller claimed it was the latest model with 128 kytes capacity and 10 dips speed Linda was intrigued by the offer and decided to contact the seller she sent him an email asking for more information and pictures of the device he quickly responded saying that he had bought it from a friend who worked for a technology company but that he no longer needed it he attached some pictures of the flash drive which looked sleek and shiny with a small LED light and a USB C

Port he also said he could meet her at a nearby Starbucks the next day at noon Linda agreed to the deal and made an appointment she withdrew $200 from her bank account and put it in her purse she also took a laptop with her to test out the flash drive before she bought it she was very excited and curious to see what the device could do she arrived at Starbucks 10 minutes before noon and looked around for the salesman she had seen his picture in her email profile so she knew what he looked like he

was a tall thin man with short brown hair and glasses he was wearing a black sweatshirt and jeans she noticed him sitting at a corner table and holding a paper bag in his hand he waved and smiled at her Linda walked up to him and introduced herself hi I'm Linda and you must be Mike she said hi Linda nice to meet you he said I have a flash drive here he opened a paper bag and pulled out a small box he held it out to her and said here it is the Smart flash drive you

wanted Linda took the box and examined it it looked exactly like the pictures he had sent her she opened it and and saw the flash drive inside wrapped in plastic looks great she said can I try it on my laptop sure go ahead he said Linda pulled her laptop out of her backpack and turned it on she inserted a flash drive into one of the USB ports and waited for it to be recognized by the system she opened file explorer and saw that the flash drive had a name seat 2021 she clicked on it and

saw that had several folders and files on it she opened one of the folders that was labeled hacking tools it contained various programs and scripts that could be used to hack into various systems and networks she opened another folder that was labeled encryption tools it contained various algorithms and keys that could be used from Crypt or decrypt data she opened another folder which was called deletion tools it contained various methods and commands that could be used to permanently to the data she was amazed at what she saw the flash drive was indeed very smart and

Powerful it seemed to have everything she needed to be a hacker she looked at Mike and said this is incredible how did you get this he Shrugged and said like I said I got it from a friend who works for a technology company he said they were developing them for some government project but he managed to smuggle one out for me wow she said that's amazing she decided to buy the flash drive without any hesitation she reached into her purse and pulled out $200 in cash here you go she said holding out the money to

him he took the money and quickly counted it thank you he said he put the money in his pocket and stood up well I guess this is goodbye then he said he held out his hand for a handshake Linda shook his hand and said said thank you for selling me this he smiled and said no problem he let go of her hand and turned around but no sooner had he left than he suddenly grabbed her purse from her shoulder and ran out the door Linda was shocked by his sudden action she screamed and ran after

him hate stop thief she shouted she ran out of the Starbuck and saw him running across the street she ran after him dodging cars and pedestrians she saw him turn into an alley and ran after him she went into the alley and saw him standing still holding her purse in one hand she approached him cautiously trying to grab her purse back by the soon as she got close he Peppa sprayed her in the face and flood Linda fell to the ground coughing and gasping for air she couldn't see anything her eyes were burning and watering

she lay there for a few moments trying to catch her breath then she stood up and stumbled back to the street several people came to her Aid offering her water and tissues they asked her what happened but she could barely speak she managed to say that she had been robbed and pepper sprayed they called the police and an ambulance the police arrived within minutes but the thief was nowhere to be found they took Linda's statement and searched the area but they couldn't find any trace of him Linda was taken to the hospital where she was

treated for pepper spray exposure her eyes were washed out and she was given medication to ease the burning and stinging she was discharged a few hours later and went back to her apartment feeling shaken and violated she realized that the smart flash drive and her purse were gone the thief had managed to sell them and make a quick profit she felt angry and frustrated she had been duped by a scammer and a Thief she had lost her money her personal belongings and her sense of security the police continued to investigate the case but they couldn't

find any solid leads Linda tried to move on and focus on her work and her Hobbies she realized that she had to be more careful and cautious when buying things online or from strangers she learned a valuable lesson from this experience that the world can be a dangerous and unpredictable place and that one should always be vigilant and alert she hoped that the thief would be caught and brought to justice but she knew that the chances were slim anex was a photography Enthusiast who loved to capture the beauty of Nature and people he had a

collection of cameras and lenses that he used for different occasions he was always looking for new equipment to improve his skills and expand his portfolio one day he saw an advertisement on Craigslist for a professional great camera that he had always wanted to own the seller claimed that he was moving out of the country and needed to sell this camera quickly he offered it for $2,000 which was half the market price Alex thought it was too good to be true but he decided to contact the seller anyway the seller replied to his email and gave

him his phone number he said his name was Tom and that he lived in Orlando about an hour away from Alex's home in Tampa he suggested that they meet at a public parking lot near mall he said he would bring the camera on the receipt and that he only accepted cash Alex agreed to meet him the next day at noon he withdrew $2,000 from his bank account and put it in an envelope he also took his camera and lens which he planned to trade with Tom if he liked it he drove to Orlando and arrived

at the parking lot 10 minutes before escap scheduled time he parked his car and looked around for Tom he saw a black SUV with tinted windows parked in a corner he walked towards it and saw a man sitting in the driver's seat he waved at him and approached the window hi Al Tom Alex asked the man rolled down the window and smiled he has short brown hair and a stubble beard he wore a blue polar shirt and sunglasses hey hey Alex yeah I'm Tom nice to meet you he said nice to meet you too do

you have the camera Alex asked sure it's right here Tom reached to the back seat and picked up a Black Backpack he opened it and showed Alex the camera inside it looked brand new and shiny wow it's beautiful Alex said yeah it is I barely used it it's too bad I have to sell it Tom said why are you moving out of the country Alex asked I got a job offer in Dubai it's a great opportunity for me Tom said that's awesome congratulations Alex said thanks so do you want to see the camera Tom asked

sure can I hold it Alex asked of course Tom handed him the backpack through the window Alex took it and opened it again he took out the camera and examined it carefully it felt heavy and solid in his hands he turned it on and checked the settings and the battery level everything seemed fine he looked at Tom and smiled it's perfect he said great so do you have cash asked Tom yes I do Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope of money he held it out to Tom through the window Tom took

it and quickly opened it he counted the bills and nodded looks good he said he put the envelope in his pocket and smiled at Al thanks for doing business with me he said no problem thanks for selling me this wonderful camera Alex said he was about to throw his backpack on his shoulder when he heard another voice behind him hey buddy what do you got there Alex turned around and saw another man standing behind him he was taller and bulkier than him he was taller and bulkier than Tom with blonde hair and a tattoo on

his neck he was wearing a black leather jacket and jeans he had a menacing expression on his face Alex felt a rush of fear in his chest who are you he asked nervously I'm Jake Tom's partner the man said he stepped closer to Alex and grouted his arm let go of me me yelled Alex he tried to break free from Jake's grip but Jake was too strong for him what are you doing asked Alex we're doing this said Jake he slapped Alex in the face with his free hand the force of the slap made Alex

lose his balance and fall to the ground he hid his head on the concrete pavement and everything went black he didn't know how long he was out but when he woke up he felt a sharp pain in his head he groaned and tried to sit up but his body felt weak and numone he looked around and saw that Tom and Jake were gone his backpack with his camera and lens was missing too he realized that he had been robbed he took out his phone and called 911 he reported the incident and gave his location he

told the operator that he had been hit and robbed and that he needed medical attention within minutes an ambulance arrived at the scene the paramedics examined him and found that he had a concussion and a few bruises on his face and arms they gave him some painkillers and took him to the hospital for further treatment at the hospital Alex was questioned by the police he gave them a detailed description of Tom and Jake and their car he also told them about the camera and the money that he had brought for the exchange the police launched

an investigation and circulated a description of the suspects and their vehicle a few hours later they located the car on a highway and chased it down Tom and Jake tried to evade the police but they were eventually caught the police found Alex's camera and lens in the car along with the envelope of cash they also found a few other stolen items including jewelry and electronics Tom and Jake were arrested and charged with robbery assault and possession of stolen property Alex was relieved that the rubbers were caught and that his camera and lens were return to

him he was grateful to the police and the paramedics for their help and support he learned a valuable lesson about buying expensive items from strangers and vowed to be more cautious in the future in 2016 in Los Angeles a young woman named Jessica was looking for a new cell phone she had been saving up for months to buy a smartphone that would allow her to stay in touch with family and friends take pictures and browse the internet on C list she saw an ad for a Samsung for sale that was in good condition and within

her budget she contacted the seller who said his name was Mike and arranged to meet him at a Starbucks near his apartment Jessica was anxious and nervous as she drove to the meeting place she had never bought anything mom Craig this before she had heard that it was a popular and reliable way to find great deals online she C Mike was honest and trustworthy and that the firm was as good as he claimed she parked the car in the parking lot and walked toward the cafe carrying her purse with her money and papers she noticed

Mike sitting at a table near the entrance to the Starbucks he was a tall and muscular man with short brown hair and a bristy beard he was dressed in a black leather jacket and jeans and a backpack lay on the ground beside him he smiled and waved at Jessica as she approached him hi you must be Jessica and I'm Mike nice to meet you he said as he stood up and shook her hand hi Mike nice to meet you too Jessica said smiling back thanks for coming I have my phone here he said reaching into

his backpack and pulling out a black box he opened the box and showed Jessica the phone it looked shiny and new with no scratches or dents Jessica felt a rush of excitement when she saw it wow it looks great she said yeah it's practically new I only used it for a few weeks then I got an iPhone as a gift from my girlfriend so I don't need this one anymore Mike said it's a fluke how much do you want for it asked Jessica I'm asking for $300 but I'm willing to bargain said Mike Jessica thought

for a moment she had $350 in her purse which was all the money she'd been saving for her phone she wanted to get a good deal but at the same time she didn't want to lose the opportunity to buy a phone would you mind taking $250 she asked Mike pretended to think for a while then shook his head I'm sorry that's too little how about $280 he said Jessica hesitated she wanted to save some money for herself but she also really wanted the phone okay fine $280 she agreed great do you have cash asked Mike

yes I too Jessica said she opened her purse and pulled out her wallet she counted out $280 in bills and handed it to Mike Mike took the money and put it in in his pocket he smiled and handed Jessica a box of phones here you go enjoy your new phone he said Jessica took the box and thanked him she opened it and turned the phone on it worked fine she felt happy and relieved that she had made a good purchase thank you so much Mike I really appreciate it she said no problem it was a

pleasure doing business with you Mike said then he looked at his watch and pretended pretended to be surprised I'd look at the time I thought to go I have another meeting in half an hour he said he picked up his backpack and slung it over his shoulder it was nice meeting you Jessica have a good day he said he waved goodbye and walked quickly Away Jessica waved back and looked after him she was a little sad that he was leaving so soon but she knew he had other things to do she decided to stop at

Starbucks and order a coffee before heading back to her car she hung her purse on her shoulder and walked to the door of the coffee shop she didn't notice that Mike turned around and followed behind her he waited until she reached the Starbucks door then ran out to her and grabbed her arm he yanked her back with force and pushed her toward his car which was parked next to her car in the parking lot he threw her into the back seat of his car and SL the door behind him he jumped into the driver's seat

and started the engine he drove out of the parking lot at high speed leaving Jessica's car with the keys in the ignition Jessica screamed and struggled as she realized what had happened she fought back digging her nails into Mike's face and kicking him as hard as she could she managed to escape from his grassp and opened the car door jumping out of the moving vehicle Mike sped away with Jessica's purse which contained her money documents and phone she was left alone and shaken with bruises and scratches on her body fortunately some by Sanders witnessed the

incident and called the police after a thorough investigation the authorities were able to track down Mike and arrest him for robbery and assault Jessica was able to recover her stolen belongings and received medical attention for her injuries she learned a valuable lesson by being careful when dealing with strangers online and in person Jim always dreamed of having a big screen TV he loved watching movies and sports and dreamed of having a home theater that would make his friends jealous he saved money for months working part-time of the diner and cutting back on his expenses finally

he seged enough money to buy used TV on Craigslist he found a good deal online a 65in Samsung Smart TV for just $500 the seller claimed the TV was in perfect condition and that he was selling it because he was moving to another state Jim contacted the seller and arranged to meet him at his home in a rural area near Austin Texas Jim drove his old pickup truck to the address the salesman gave him it was a sunny afternoon in June 2018 and Jim felt anxious and nervous he hoped the TV was as good as

it looked to the pictures and that the seller was honest and reliable he pulled up to the sell's house which was a dilapidated trailer surrounded by junk and weeds he parked his truck in front of the trailer and got out carrying a backpack with $500 in cash he knocked on the door and waited the door was opened by a man he was tall and thin with long greasy hair and a thick beard he was wearing a stained t-shirt and jeans with a cigarette dangling from his mouth he looked at Jim with a smirk hi he

must be Jim he said I'm Dave the guy who sells the TV hi Dave Jim said trying to sound friendly nice to meet you come on in they said stepping aside the TV is right over here chin followed Dave into the trailer it was dark and dirty inside with piles of clothes dishes and trash lying everywhere in the corner of the living room Jim saw a large cardboard box it had samung written on it in black marker is that it asked Jim pointing to the Box yes that's it said Dave the TV is inside I

just packed it this morning can I see it asked Jim sure sure said Dave but let me see the money first Jim hesitated he didn't like Dave's Behavior he looked nervous and impatient and kept looking around as if waiting for someone I'll show you the money after I watch TV Jim said Dave frowned come on kid he said don't be like that I'm not trying to rip you off or anything I just want to make sure you have the money Jim felt uneasy he had a bad feeling about this deal he wished he had brought

someone with him or at least told him where he was going listen Dave he said I don't mean to be rude but I don't trust you how do I know that there really is a TV in that box how do I know it works how do I know you're not going to take my money and run away the expression on Dave's face changed he dropped his cigarette on the floor and stepped on it he clutched his fist and walked towards Jim what did you say he said his voice Rising I said I don't trust you

Jim repeated taking a step back Dave grabbed Jim by the color of his shirt and pushed him against the wall you think I'm a liar he yelled you think I'm trying to scan you you little punk he punched Jim in the face knocking him down Jim felt his nose bleeding and his vision blurring he tried to get up but Dave kicked him in the stomach making him gasp for air you V regret this Dave said grabbing the backpack with the money and this TV is mine now got it he picked up the cardboard box and

walked out of the trailer leaving Jim on the floor growing in pain Jim stayed there for a few minutes trying to catch his breath and gather his thoughts he realized he had been a fool to come here alone and to trust a stranger on the internet he had lost his money and his dream of having a big screen TV he stumbled to his feet and walked out of the trailer he saw Dave's pickup truck driving away with the cardboard box in the back he knewed he couldn't catch him or call the police in time he

got into his own truck and drove back to Austin feeling defeated and humiliated he knew he had learned a valuable lesson but it didn't ease the pain in his nose or his wallet he decided to take a break from Craigslist and online deals at least for a while he also decided to invest in a good security system and to learn self-defense just in case he ever had to face a crook like Dave again Robert had always loved music ever since he was a little boy he dreamed of becoming a famous musician and performing in front

of huge crowds he learned to play guitar piano and drums and practiced every day in his small apartment in Brooklyn he also saved up money from his part-time job at a coffee shop to buy new musical instruments and Equipment one day he saw an ad on Craig sist that caught his eye the seller claimed to have a rare vintage Gibson Le pole guitar for sale at a very low price Robert had always wanted such guitar that he knew they were very expensive and hard to find he decided to contact the seller and make an appointment

a Salesman who called himself Mike told Robert to meet him in the parking lot near Central Park at 9:00 p.m. he said he would bring the guitar and show it to him before closing the deal Robert agreed and took the subway to the location he was very excited and nervous at the same time he hoped the guitar was real and not a scam he arrived at the parking lot a few minutes before 900 p.m. as he looked around he saw several parked cars but neither Mike nor the guitar were in sight he decided to wait

and texted Mike to let him know he was coming Mike replied that he was on his way and asked Robert to wait outside the Blue Van Robert walked over to the blue van and waited he checked his phone again and saw that it was 9:15 p.m. he began to wonder where Mike was and why he was waiting so long he began to feel anxious and suspicious he thought about leaving but then he heard a voice behind him hey are you Robert Robert turned around and saw a man in a leather jacket and sunglasses he had

a backpack on his shoulder and a smile on his face yeah that's me are you Mike asked Robert right sorry I'm late I had car trouble said Mike he walked over to Robert and held out his hand nice to meet you Robert I've got my guitar here in my backpack would you like to see it said Mike Robert shook his hand and nodded sure I do said Robert he followed Mike to the back of the van where Mike opened his backpack and pulled out a black guitar case here it is the Gibson L Paul you

were looking for said Mike he opened the case and showed Robert the guitar inside it looked shiny and new with a dark brown body and cream colored finger board it had four controls and two humbuckers Robert's eyes widened when he saw the guitar it looked exactly like the one he had seen in pictures and videos on the internet wow what a beauty said Robert he reached out to touch it but Mike quickly yanked it away not so fast buddy it's not a toy it's a masterpiece said Mike he closed the case and zipped up his

backpack so do you want it or not asked Mike Robert nodded impatiently yes yes I do said Robert he took his wallet out of his pocket and counted the money he had $2,000 in cash that he had withdrawn from his bank account earlier that day he knew that was more than enough to buy a guitar okay let's make it quick said Mike he snatched the wallet from Robert's hands and opened it hey what are you doing asked Robert Mike ignored him and counted the money ins hiside 2,000 bucks that's not enough Mike said he looked

at Robert with a chuckle that guitar is worth at least 5,000 bucks you're trying to rip me off aren't you said Mike Robert felt confused and scared what no no I'm not you said in your act that you were selling it for $1,500 said Robert Mike shook his head and laughed it was just a decoy kid you fell for it like a sucker said Mike he tossed Robert's wallet back at him and motioned to two other men who had come out of the van these are my partners we don't like people who waste our time

and money you're going to pay for it kid said Mike Robert realized he was in trouble he tried to run but the men caught him and beat him up they took all his money as well as his shoes and foam passes by call the police and an ambulance and after a while the robbers were caught Robert ended up in the hospital with a broken nose and several bruises he was traumatized by the experience and lost all his savings he had to quit his job at the coffee shop because he couldn't work with a broken nose

despite everything Robert didn't give up on his dream of becoming a musician he took some time to heal and then started playing again he even wrote a song about his experience and performed it in small clubs around [Music] Brooklyn in 2018 in Atlanta Georgia a young man named Timothy bossworth was browsing Craigslist looking for a great deal on a new laptop he was in college majoring in computer science and he needed a powerful machine to run his programs and projects He had saved some money working part-time at a pizza place but he still couldn't afford

to buy a new laptop at the store he came across an ad that caught his eye it offered a MacBook Pro with state-of-the-art features and capabilities the seller claimed to have won it in a lottery and that he didn't need it because he already had another laptop he was asking $800 which was less than half a retail price Timothy thought it was too good to be true but decided to contact the seller anyway he sent him a text message and asked if if the laptop was still available the seller quickly responded and said yes he

said he lived in Marietta a suburb of Atlanta and that he could meet Timothy anywhere in the city Timothy offered to meet at a Starbucks near his campus that sellers said he would prefer to meet at a gas station near his home he said it was more convenient for him and that he didn't want to drive too far Timothy hesitated but agreed he thought that maybe the salesman was just being cautious and didn't want to reveal his address Timothy got in his car and drove to the gas station he checked his phone and saw that

the seller had sent in a picture of the laptop and its serial number he checked the serial number and made sure it matched the model and year of manufacturer of the MacBook Pro he wanted he felt more confident and enthusiastic about the deal he arrived at the gas station and parked his car up front as he looked around he saw a man standing next to a red pickup truck the man waved at him and smiled he was wearing a baseball cap sunglasses and a leather jacket he looked about 30 or 40 years old hi are

you Timothy the man asked yes I am and you must be the salesman said Timothy that's right I'm Mike said the man he opened the door of his truck and pulled out a black backpack he walked over to Timothy and handed him the backpack here you go buddy there's a laptop inside you can check it out if you want Mike said Timothy opened the backpack and saw a silver laptop wrapped in bubble wrap he pulled it out and unwrapped it it looked brand new and shiny he opened it and pressed the power button it turned

on and the Apple logo appeared on the screen wow this is amazing Timothy said I told you kid this is a great deal Mike said Timothy looked at Mike and smiled thanks a lot for that Timothy said no problem buddy now do you have any cash asked Mike Timothy nodded and reached into his pocket he pulled out an envelope containing $800 in cash he counted the bills and handed them to Mike Mike took the envelope and opened it he quickly scanned the bills with his eyes and nodded sounds good to me Mike said he put

the envelope in his jacket pocket and smiled well it's been a pleasure doing business with you Timothy Mike said he held out his hand for a handshake Timothy shook his hand and smiled back likewise Mike Timothy said Mike let go of his hand and turned around have a good day buddy Mike said he walked back to his truck and got in he started the engine and drove off Timothy watched him drive away and felt happy he had just bought his dream laptop for less he couldn't wait to use it for school work and entertainment he

closed the laptop and put it back in his backpack he slung it over his shoulder and went to his car he opened the door and got in he put the backpack on the passenger seat and buckled up he started the car and drove away from the gas station he decided to go back to his dorm room and set up his new laptop he turned on the radio and hummed his favorite songs he didn't notice that another car was following him from behind it was a black sedan with tinted windows inside sat two men wearing masks

and gloves they had been watching Timothy from afar since he arrived at the gas station they had seen him exchange money with Mike and take his laptop from him they knew that Timothy had just been scanned by Mike who was their partner and crime they knew that Mike had sold in a fake laptop that looked like the real thing but didn't work at all they knew that Mike had used fake bills from another scammer who had sold him a fake laptop to pay for it they also knew that Timothy had $800 in cash in his

backpack which they wanted to take from him they followed Timothy's car until they pulled into a secluded street with no cars or pedestrians they accelerated and crashed into Timothy's car from behind Timothy felt a sharp jolt as his car jerked forward from the impact he lost control of his steering wheel and crashed into a nearby tree the airbags deployed and he hit his head on the steering wheel before he could recover from the shock the two mased men approached his car they smashed the window with a bat and pulled him out of the car give

us your backpack and we won't hurt you one of the men said Timothy was still dizzy from the impact and couldn't react fast enough he tried to resist but the men hit him with the bat and knocked him out when he woke up he was lying on the ground bleeding from his head his backpack was gone and his laptop was nowhere to be seen he tried to get up but his body was in pain he looked around and saw his car and the black Sid and speeding away in the distance he realized that he had

been attacked and roded he he reached for his phone but it was also gone he was stranded and alone with no way to call for help he managed to crawl to the sidewalk and lay there hoping that someone would find him soon he felt scared and helpless wondering how he would survive this [Music] ordeal Cassandra had been saving up for months to buy a car she was tired of taking the bus to work every day and wanted more freedom and convenience she searched the internet for a good deal and found it on Craigslist a man

named Mark was selling his car for only $6,000 he claimed he was moving out of state and needed to sell the car quickly Cassandra contacted him and arranged to meet him in the parking lot outside his apartment she withdrew the money from her bank account and put it in an envelope she took a c to the meeting place and waited for Mark to show up she checked her phone and saw that he texted her that he was running late and asked her to wait for him she replied that it was fine and sat down on

a bench near the entrance to the parking lot she noticed a man walking toward her from across the street he was wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses he seemed familiar to her but she couldn't recognize him he walked up to her and smiled hi Ali Cassandra he asked yes I am and your mark she asked right sorry I'm late I had some transportation problems he said he held out his hand and she shook it it seemed friendly enough but she felt a little uncomfortable she wondered why he wore sunglasses on a cloudy day so where's

your car she asked over there he pointed to the blue car parked in the corner of the lot can I see it she asked sure sure let's go he said he led her to the car she followed him clutching the envelope in her purse she hoped the car was in good condition and that it wasn't a scan they reached the car and he opened the driver's door here she is she's in great condition I've taken good care of her he said he gestured for her to get in the car and check her out she hesitated

for a moment but then decided to agree she got in the car and looked around the interior was clean and smelled fresh there were no warning lights on the dashboard the mileage was low for a 10-year-old car she turned to him and smiled looks good she said thanks it's a great car you won't regret buying it he said he got in the passenger seat and closed the door so do you have the money he asked anly she nodded and reached for her purse yes I do she said she opened her purse and pulled out an

envelope she held it out to him here she said he took the envelope and opened it he quickly counted the bills and put them in his pocket thank you very much he said he smiled sightly and held out a knife pointing it at her now give me your purse he demanded Cassandra's heart raced as she realized what was happening she quick L grabbed her purse and tried to run out of the car but he caught her by the arm and pulled her back in he tried to grab her purse but she fought back itting him

with her other hand and kicking him with her feet they struggled for a few moments until Cassandra managed to break free she opened the car door and ran out screaming for help the man chased after her but she managed to out front him and find refuge in a nearby store she she called the police and reported what had happened they arrived quickly and searched the area but the man had already flood Cassandra was shaken but relieved that she had managed to stap with her life however she had lost the money she had saved for months

to buy the car she realized that she had been too trusting and vound to be more careful in the future my opinion many of these stories happened because of the victim's inattention and desire to earn money for example in one of the last stories a young guy found a Macbook at half the market price anyone would know right away that there was something wrong and he wanted to save money and ended up paying the price learn from other people's mistakes or you have a chance to be in my next video thanks for watching see you

soon for months I had been on the hunt for employment a quest that began the moment I received my diploma in Visual Communications the job market was tough and the number of applicants was overwhelming despite sending out countless resumes the response was disheartening few polite declines and a defening silence were all I got in a bid for any source of earnings my attention was captured by a listing on job Fender that read visual Communicator wanted for burgeoning digital Enterprise work on your own schedule competitive salary prior experience not a prerequisite submit your PO portfolio and

contact details to be considered seizing the chance I responded immediately with haste I compiled the selection of my finest creations and dispatched it to the provided email my hopes soared perhaps this was the Turning Point the moment I'd secure a position that would embrace my artistic flare and Technical prowess the following day brought with it a wave of excitement I had received a response a gentleman by the name of Alex the purported proprietor of the Venture expressed admiration for my work and extended an offer of employment he invited me to his workspace for a discussion

and a test assignment he provided the location at the time eagerly anticipating our meeting Overjoyed I could hardly fath my good fortune it all seemed too perfect a role that mirrored my aspirations I conveyed my gratitude to Alex and assured him of my attendance I dedicated the remainder of the day to interview preparations I delved into the Enterprise Creative Visions by Alex a portal offering bespoke visual communication solutions to a diverse clientele including brand identities promotional materials and web designs the professionalism and caliber of the Showcase projects were truly impressive I selected an ensemble that

struck a balance between professional and relaxed and packed My Essentials laptop notepad and Pen I was determined to leave a lasting impression and demonstrate my Readiness to contribute at dawn I embarked on my journey to the address Alex had given it was situated in a quaint suburb of Springfield Illinois roughly an hour's commute from my residence Consulting my phone's map I noted the residential nature of the street dotted with homes and apartment buildings stepping off the bus I approached the designated location it was a quaint Bungalow with a neatly trimmed lawn and driveway a p

card by the entrance announced Creative Visions by hanx I pressed the doorbell and awaited a response moments later the door swung open revealing a man in his prime with neatly cropped auburn hair and a light beard clad in a polar shirt and chakis his warm grin was welcoming argue must be Emily and Alex the Mind behind Creative Visions by Alex please come inside he greeted offering a handshake I reciprocated the gesture and returned the smile Hello Alex it's a pleasure to meet you I appreciate the invitation he ushered me into his Abode a Charming space

brimming with books periodicals un assorted documents and a prominent workstation housing a computer and printer occupy the main area family portraits Adorn the walls like depicting his loved ones apologies for the Clutter I operate from home and Tiding up often takes a back seat he explained securing the door This Is My Command Center where the magic happens and today it's where you'll be putting your talents to the test emotion towards a modest setup in the corner a chair and a laptop awating use I've prepared this workstation for you equipped with all the necessary software and

resources it's here that you'll tackle the sample task I've assigned approaching the table he handed me a file in sign you'll find the project outline it's for a patron Desiring a logo for their fledging paer they're after a design that's understated yet sophisticated one that encapsulates their brand and offerings they've requested three color variations to select their favorite you have a couple of hours to fulfill this brief and email me the results any inquiries I glanced through the project details enclosed in the folder it appeared clearcut and manageable I gave a nod and responded no

all seems clear many thanks excellent you can commence immediately I'll be engrossed in my tasks yet if you require assistance don't hesitate to ask I'm right over there he indicated towards his workstation he retreated to his desk and settled in boting up his computer and commencing his work I took my seat of the designated table and powered up the laptop I entered the password provided by Alex and launched the design application revisiting the project brief I began to conjure up concepts for the logo a mix of eess and anxiety filled me I was intent on

delivering an impressive performance and earning Alex approval I aspired for this to be the beginning of a rewarding partnership with Focus I immersed myself in the task tuning out all distractions time slipped by unnoticed the quietude of the room the sound of the door the echo of footsteps the presence behind me all escaped my awareness but the cold seal against my neck snapped me to attention a scream tore from my throat as I attempted to fend off my asent but I was caught off guard Alex the man I have trusted had stealthily approached from behind

mind and now pressed a knife to my skin his demands clear Panic surged as I fought his hold but his strength was overpowering then the self-defense techniques I had learned sprang to mind channeling all my Force I delivered an elbow strike to his abdomen and reged free from his clutches driven by adrenaline I seiz a hefty ornament and swung it at his face Landing a solid blow reading from the impact Alex clutched his injured nose affording me a moment to dash for the exit I sprinted into the open heart racing tears blending with a rush

of Terror and bewilderment At Last I encountered a bystander and cried out for Aid they promptly contacted the emergency services and soon the police were on the scene shaking and overwhelmed I narrated The harrowing event of the officers he pledged to do all within their power to capture the perpetrator an extensive investigation ensued culminating in Alex's arrest and charges of attempted assault and abduction it was revealed that he had ens snared others with the false promise of job opportunities only to Ambush them in a similar fashion the thought of what might have occurred had I

not resisted sent shivers down my spine though the ordeal left its scars a sense of Solace wash over me knowing I had emerged safe and that Justice would prevail supported by loved ones I began the Journey of recovery resolved to remain Vigilant as for Alex Justice was served with a sentence that ensured his confinement eliminating the threat he posed to the unsuspecting it was a glimmer of light amidst the Shadows sealing off a chapter I was all too ready to close in the Serene Village of medbrook cradled in The Valleys of Vermont a disturbing event

unfolded that sent shock waves through the tight-knit community it was in the Autumn of 2021 when Anna Thompson a university student facing financial difficulties decided to part with her vintage guitar as the expenses mounted she posted an ad on a local classifi website hoping it would catch the eye of an interested buyer as the days passed Anna's optimism waned but then on a foggy evening in mid-september a ray of hopes shown through as she received a message from a prospective buyer Thomas Richards Thomas conveyed his ESS to acquire the bitar and proposed they meet to

complete the sale despite a flicker of hesitation Anna driven by the urgency of her situation consented to the rendus on a crisp Saturday morning in 2021 Anna made her way to a quaint bookstore to meet with Thomas she had a history of smooth online sales and expected this to be not different yet upon her arrival a sense of forboding washed over her Thomas was not alone two shadowy figures accompanied him their intentions unclear Anna's intuition screamed caution but before she could act Thomas made a sudden move towards her Panic surged as she found herself in

the midst of an assault in the struggle that ensued a loud bang pierced the air a gunshot the projectile struck Anna in the side and she crumpled to the floor struggling for breath unknown to Anna an unluer had observed the distressing episode and immediately alerted the authorities within moments police and Emergency Medical Teams converged on the scene they discovered Anna fighting for survival amidst a Crimson Tide the paramedics sprang into action stabilizing her before whisking her away to the closest hospital the news of Anna's or deal spread like wildfire across Meadowbrook leaving the populace in

a state of disbelief and anger the local law enforcement embarked on an exhaustive investigation vowing to bring the culprits to Justice in the days that followed detectives piece together the sequence of events that led to Anna's Grievous encounter it became apparent that Thomas Richards was an AR stranger to the law with a track record of criminal conduct linked to online dealings it was clear that Anna had inadvertently walked into a malevolent scheme devised by a criminal ring assistance paid off for the authorities as they eventually apprehended Thomas and his two Associates the evidence against them

was formidable leading to charges not only for the attack on Anna but also for a string of related forgun online activities the trial that ensued was Frau with emotion Anna's family and friends filled the courtroom seeking Solace and Justice the testimony presented painted a grim picture of the Trio's ruthless exploits the judge and jury were United in their revulsion at the sheer inhumanity displayed deliberation led to a decisive guilty verdict for all three defendants Thomas Richards was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole and his accomplices received significant sentences for their roles in the crimes though

the verdict brought a measure of comfort to medbrook the community grappled with a profound sense of loss and reflection or preventive measures the incident served as a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in online exchanges with strangers igniting discussions on personal safety and the importance of vigilance during face-to-face transactions following the distressing event involving Anna the village of mebrook ried together to enhance the safety of online dealings in partnership with Civic leaders the local authorities instituted designated safe exchange points supervised by law en enforcement to ensure secure face-to-face transactions overwhelmed by their sorrow Anis kin

and companions directed their grief into activism they founded a charitable organization in her honor aimed at educating the public on The Perils of online marketplaces and providing Aid to those affected by similar offenses the ordeal left a lasting impression on the residents of meob Brook serving as a poignant reminder of the precariousness of life and the importance of caution in a digitally conect Ed Society Anna's Legacy lived on in the memories of those who knew her and the insights from her unfortunate experience became a Guiding Light of prudence and fortitude for the coming generation for

some time I had been on the lookout for a replacement for my damaged and svish phone with a limited budget I turned to Dell spotter for affordable options there I stumbled upon an advertisement for an iPhone XR at a mere $250 a deal that seemed almost unreal driven by curiosity I messaged the contact to inquire about its availability the response was prompt the seller confirmed its availability he explained it was a gift for his partner but following their separation The Firm was left unwanted his aim was simply to part with it swiftly his tone was

sincere and amiable prompting me to arrange a meeting at a local local cafe the following afternoon with a blend of excitement and apprehension I made my way to the cafe I was hopeful for a legitimate transaction and a phone in Prime condition despite being aware of deal spotter scams I also knew of many successful deals the potential savings seemed to justify the risk upon arrival I scanned the cafe for the seller who had described himself as a tall dark-haired individual in a green jacket I noticed seated the fo in hands and he greeted me with

a wave and a friendly smile approaching him I introduced myself hello I'm Samantha you're selling the iPhone correct he rose to greet me his stature more imposing than anticipated with a robust frame striking green eyes and a disarming smile he didn't fit the profile of the Comm artist hey Samantha I'm Michael pleasure to meet you here's the phone it's as good as new feel free to examine it he passed me the phone which appeared Immaculate and operational it powered on without issue was unlocked and devoid of any security codes a quick look through the apps

and settings confirmed its excellent State I was both impressed and lated this is fantastic it's just why I've been searching for how would you like payment a cash transaction would be ideal do you have it on you he inquired casually I nodded retrieving the $250 I had withdrawn earlier neatly packed in an envelope as I reached for the envelope I noticed a shift in Michael's demeanor his once warm smile turned Shilling he surveyed the surroundings before leaning in with a menacing whisper I must apologize sther but I'm going to need all your cash not just

the $250 but every cent you have have your purse car keys and let's keep this quiet or things could get unpleasant understand a wave of shock and fear washed over me as I realized the Trap I had walked into this was no ordinary Sellar he was a thief using a counterfeit phone and story his bait the man before me was a criminal and I was his Target attempting to maintain composure I replied I'm sorry what are you implying this has to be some sort of prank right he shook his head his voice Stone this is

no joke it's a serious matter comply or you'll regret it I have a weapon and I won't hesitate hand over your money purse keys and phone immediately he made a grab for the envelope in my grasp but I jerked it away fear mingled with indignation within me the money was the fruit of my labor and I was wasn't about to surrender it without a struggle I resolved to Stand My Ground I declare no I refuse this money is mine and you have no right to it you're nothing but fraud and a crook and I won't

let you succeed help I need help this man is attempting to rob me my void soar in a desperate plea cutting through the air a call for assistance and intervention I yearned for someone to heed my cries for a savior to intervene I wish for theant whom I knew as Michael to be daunted and flee above all I wish for safety but my hopes were dashed Michael seized me by the locks and yanked me close a blade pressed against my skin as he hissed silence you fool you've just sealed your fate a searing Agony erupted

in my skull and the world faded to Blackness but gaining Consciousness I found myself in the sterile confines of a hospital the center disinfectant in the air and the rhythmic beeping of monitors in the background a dull pain throbbed in my head leaving me bewildered a nurse noting my return to Consciousness approached with urgency you're awake how do you feel she inquired a voice a blend of worry and Solace my mind scrambled to piece together the events what transpired I rasped you were assault Ed she informed me softly you were discovered unconscious near the cafe

where your meeting was arranged you've been here for several hours do any memories linger memories of the ordeal trickled back the deceptive advertisement the encounter with the supposed Sellar the abrupt escalation to hostility and the subsequent blow that rendered me unconscious I I recall I murmured emotions swelling within me the nurse's hand rested reassuringly on my shoulder fear not you are in a safe place the authorities are conducting an investigation and the culprit has been apprehended you will face the consequences of his actions a wave of relief surged through me coupled with appreciation for the

prompt response of the police despite the trauma a spark of hope ignited within me knowing that the individual responsible for my Terror would be brought to justice as I lay there enveloped in the care of the hospital staff I made a silent vow to regain my sense of security and fortitude The Experience had left its Mark but I refused to be governed by fear with each passing moment I felt my resolve strengthen ready to step out of the shadows and into the lights fortified and Resolute in 2017 in Portland Oregon a young lady named Rebecca

found herself in search of a new companion having recently relocated from a small idahone town she found herself longing for companionship in the midst of her bustling Life In the City by day she served as a waitress in the local Diner but during her off hours she felt a palpable sense of loneliness determined to fill this void she set her sights on acquiring a puppy hoping it would inject some joy and vibrancy into her days despite scaring internet for local breeders and shelters Rebecca struggled to find the perfect pup that met her criteria small fluffy

and sociable enough to fit seamlessly into her apartment life dreaming of a poodle or a malti she was disheartened to find that such breeds often came with a hefty price tag far beyond her budget undeterred she turned to Craigslist hoping to find a generous Soul offering their puppies at an affordable rate after scrolling through numerous listings she stumbled upon an ad that caught her attention lovely poodle malti cross puppies available for purchase just $100 each ready for their new homes contact me via call or text at this number if interested the ad featured several snapshots

of adorable white puppies with curly coats and Soulful eyes tubbing at Rebecca's heartstrings without hesitation she reached out to the cell via text hello I came acoss cross your Adam Craigslist are the puppies still available she inquired eagerly moments later a reply came through indeed they are still available I have two males and one female remaining which one would you like Rebecca's heart leaped with excitement I would love to have the female she's absolutely adorable wonderful Choice she's yours where would you like to meet the seller responded promptly Rebecca pondered for a moment weighing the

options she was hesitant to invite a stranger to her apartment yet she also wanted to ensure her safety opting for a compromise she suggested a public meeting spot what about Starbucks on Fifth Avenue it's conveniently located for me that works for me what time shall we meet Rebecca glanced at her watch it was 300 p.m. on a Saturday her day off I can be there in an hour is that acceptable perfect see you then with the conversation concluded Rebecca felt a surge of anticipation today was the day she would welcome a new furry friend into

her life hily she gathered her belongings and headed out stopping at an ATM to withdraw $100 before making her way to Starbucks arriving promptly at 4 P.M Rebecca scanned the coffee shop searching for The Tall Blond man described by the seller however she found no one matching the description undeterred she decided to wait inside ordering a latte to pass the time as she paid for her drink a tap on her shoulder startled her excuse me are you Rebecca as Rachel turned she was met with a man who didn't fit the description she expected short and

dark har he introduced himself as Mike here for the puppy exchange Rachel's C spiked as she realized the discrepancy you're not who I spoke with she pointed out Mike offered a strange smile explaining his brother's absence and presenting the puppy in a box Rachel's relief surged as she saw the familiar furry face grateful she cradled the puppy close feeling its warmth and liveliness with an offer to move elsewhere to avoid disturbing others Rachel's unease grew she remembered the cash in her purse and agreed to leave but as they turned a corner Shadows loomed and before

retel could react she was attacked struggling against the as salent brutal assault she was left battered and unconscious Days Later Rachel woke in a hospital room her body broken but Spirit resilient learning the Grim truth about her attacker's modus of Brandy she understood the Peril she had narrowly escaped grateful for survival she embraced her new life with snowflake a constant reminder of both pain endured and love found reflecting on her ordeal retel resolved to remain Vigilant know the importance of awareness and caution in a world frocked with dangers she learned to navigate life's challenges with

Newfound strength embracing each day with hope and resilience cherishing the love and joy her furry companion brought into her life as for the commentary it's prudent to acknowledge the importance of situational awareness and taking precautions in unfamiliar situations Rachel's experience serves as a reminder to stay alert and prioritize personal safety whether it's meeting someone from online platforms or navigating Daily Life by staying Vigilant and prepared individuals can mitigate risks and Safeguard themselves against potential threats once a on a chilling Autumn evening in a sleepy town in Rural America a young woman named Emily found herself

alone in her small deemly lit apartment the wind outside howled like a vengeful Spirit and the rain tapped at her window like the niled fingers of a ghost trying to find its way inside Emily a recent college graduate had moved to this town for a fresh start away from the hustle and bustle of the city little did she know her quest for Solitude would lead her down a path of Terror and despair that would forever haunt her Emily had come across a job listing on Craigslist earlier that day it was for a part-time position as

a librarian of the town's Historical Society a quaint and Charming building nestled at the heart of the community the ad posted by someone named Mr Holloway had Peak her interest it offered an impressive salary for what seemed like a simple job with her student loans looming over her Emily decided to give it a shot when she arrived at the Historical Society the next day Emily was greeted by gloomy old building Ivy crawled up its weathered walls and the windows were stre with Grime she hesitated for a moment her heart pounding in her chest but then

she pushed open the creaking door a bell above it tinkled announcing her presence inside the air was thick with dust and the dim lighting cast long Eerie Shadows across the rows of ancient books and artifacts a tall Slender Man with a sharp face and piercing eyes stood behind the counter he introduced himself as Mr Holloway the creator of the Historical Society welcome Emily he said extending a bony hand I'm pleased to have you here the job is quite straightforward cataloging and organizing our collection the assisting visitors and locking up at night but there is one

rule you must follow diligently Emily listened intently curious about what the rule might be never under any circumstances Mr hallay continued his voice lowering to a whisper enter the basement it's off limits and I must insist that you respect that boundary Emily nodded her curiosity peaked even further the mysterious basement off limits and forbidden filled her with a sense of unease as the weeks went by Emily settled into her new role she meticulously cataloged the collection and greeted the occasional visitor who wandered into the historical society yet her curiosity about the basement norded her late

at night when the building was silent she could hear faint Eerie sounds echoing From Below one evening as the rain poured outside and the wind howled like a core of Lost Souls Emily's curiosity brought the best of her she decided to explore the Forbidden basement convinced that Mr Holloway's warning was merely a tactic to keep her away from something valuable or intriguing she slipped down the creaking stairs the din light from above fading away as she descended into the inky Darkness below the air grew colder and the faint Echoes became more pronounced like distant Whispers

in the basement em found a room filled with old dusty books and Relics but what Drew her attention was a heavy ornate wooden door at the far end it was adorned with strange symbols and seemed ancient as if it held secrets from centuries past unable to resist she approached the door and tried to turn the handle to her surprise the door swung open with ease revealing a hidden chamber bathed in an eerie greenish glow inside rows of tall glass chars lined the shelves each containing a grotesque deformed creature suspended in a strange glowing liquid Emily's

heart pounded in her chest as she realized the truth these were not creatures of nature they were Abominations created by some Twisted mind Panic set in as she stumbled backward knocking over one of the jars the glass shattered and the vile liquid spilled onto the floor a gutal growl echoed through the chair chamber and Emily turned to see a shadowy figure emerging from the darkness it was Mr Holloway his eyes now burning with a malevolent light you shouldn't have come here Emily he hissed his voice now dripping with malice Emily stumbled backward her mind racing

as she realized the true horror of the situation Mr Holloway was not a curator but a man scientist conducting Unholy experiments in the dark depths of the basement Des Des spiration overtook her and she bolted toward the stairs racing to escape the nightmare that had unfolded before her but Mr hallaway was close behind his inhuman speed and strength quickly closing the Gap as she reached the top of the stairs Emily threw open the door and burst out into the rain night she ran through the streets Terror driving her forward not daring to look back 100

for days Emily lived in fear constantly looking over her shoulder convinced that Mr Halloway would find her and exact his revenge she couldn't trust anyone in the town not knowing who might be complicit in his Sinister experiments eventually Emily gathered enough evidence to expose Mr Holloway's horrific Deeds to the authorities when they raided the Historical Society they found the basement chamber empty the jars shattered and Mr hallay Gone without a trace to this day enily lives in constant fear haunted by the memory of the grotesque creatures she saw in the basement and the knowledge that

Mr hway might still be out there conducting his Twisted experiments in the shadows she can never escape the chilling truth that evil can lurk in the most unexpected places and the horrors of that fateful night on Craig sist continued to haunt her a dark chapter in A Tale of Terror she could never forget 111 it was a gloomy evening in the quiet town of Wither Brook nestled deep within the heart of the American Midwest the sun dipped below the Horizon casting long Eerie Shadows across the Sleepy streets most residents were czl nestled in their homes

blissfully unaware of the Sinister presence that led among them at the edge of town stood a dilapidated victoriia Mansion its once Grand architecture now a faded memory of opulence locals refer to it as 1313 Blackwood Avenue a name that sent shivers down their spines the house had been abandoned for as long as anyone could remember and tales of its dark pths were whispered among the town's folk some said it was cursed While others believed it was haunted one fateful evening as the time was enveloped in an eerie silence an unusual listing appeared on the popular

Online Marketplace Craigslist the listing was titled historic Victorian Mansion 1313 Blackwood Avenue and was posted by a user with the enigmatic pseudonym the Del maker the ad promised a remarkable deal the Mansion a sprawling 10 bedroom five bath property was listed at a price that seemed too good to be true must sell quickly the listing declared serious inquiries only the delm maker provided a contact number and an email address but offered no photos of the Interior curiosity peaked locals couldn't resist the Allure of such an incredible bargain the tale of the mansion's dark history did

little to deter potential buyers instead it only fueled their desire for a paranormal thrill or an Incredible investment opportunity within days interested buyers began to contact the dealmaker among them was Sarah a young real estate agent eager to make her Mark in the industry she had heard whispers about the Mansion but saw the listing as a chance to prove herself with trembling fingers she dialed the mysterious number and arranged a viewing Sara arrived at 13113 Blackwood Avenue on a cloudy Saturday morning the mansion LED ominously before her traded in fog the deal maker a shadowy

figure in a black coat and Fedora greeted her at the front gate welcome Sarah he said in a low raspy voice I trust or prepare to make a deal as they stepped into the Mansion the air grew colder and the atmosphere shifted Sara noticed strange paintings hanging on the walls portraits of people with Hollow eyes each one eerily lifelike the deal maker led her through dly lit corridors and Sarah couldn't shake the feeling of being watched the tour took an unsetting turn when they entered the basement the dealmaker revealed a hidden chamber its walls adorned

with disturbing symbols Sarah's heart raced as she stumbled upon a pentagram etched into the floor dread wash over her the dealmaker began to unravel the mansion's gruesome history he spoke of a wealthy family that had once owned the property the blackwoods they were known for their lavish parties and eccentric rituals that Drew the attention of the Town Whispers of dark sacrifices and Unholy ceremonies sprad like wildfire one night a fire had engulfed the Mansion leaving no survivors the town's people believed it to be divine punishment for the family's Wicked Ways the Mansion was abandoned left

to Decay over the years Sara couldn't help but wonder why the de maker was so eager to sell a property with such a Sinister past she decided to dig deeper uncovering the truth behind his true identity and motives late one night Sarah ventured back to 13313 Blackwood Avenue determined to uncover the dealmaker secret armed with a flashlight she began to search the Mansion for any hidden Clues she discovered a locked room on the third floor its door adorned with an intricate ancient looking lock with trembling hands she managed to pick it open inside she found

a room filled with Dusty old books manuscripts and journals all detailing the Blackwood family's occult practices as she delved deeper into the journals Sarah uncovered a start in Revelation the diler was not an ordinary man but a malevolent entity bound to the mansion by curse the Blackwood family had made a pact with dark Forces trading their souls for wealth and power in turn they were cursed to Forever serve as agents of evil luring unsuspecting victims into the mansion's web sar's Discovery sent shivers down her spine she realized that she had walked right into the clutches

of a malevolent Force The Mansions hauntings escalated Sara heard whispered voices in empty rooms saw shadowy figures lurking in the corners of her vision and experienced terrifying nightmares that felt all too real desperate to escape the mansion's grip she began researching ancient rituals to banish the malevolent Spirit 11 weeks turned into months as Sarah delved deeper into the occult determined to confront the entity she discovered a ritual that required her to gather rare ingredients and perform a cleansing ceremony within the mansion's Unholy chamber as the appointed night arrived Sarah entered the chamber her heart pounding

the dealmaker now fully possessed by the malevolence Spirit confronted her the room filled with otherworldly presence and the walls seemed to pulse with dark energy Sara recited the incantation her voice trembling but Resolute the chamber erupted in chaos as the entity fought to maintain its hold the ritual reached its Climax and blinding light engulfed the room Sarah felt a surge of power cing through her as the spirit's presence weakened with a final burst of energy she she banished the malevolent Spirit from the Mansion their Del Maker's form crumbled into dust leaving behind only the Fedora

that had once adorned its head the Mansion itself seemed to sign in relief its dark history finally put to rest with the curse lifted 1313 Blackwood Avenue slowly began to crumble into ruins its dark path Fading Into Legend Sara now forever marked by her ordeal vowed to ensure that the mansion's tale lived on as a warning to those who sought to make deals with the supernatural as the years passed the memory of 13113 Blackwood Avenue became a chilling cautionary tale a Testament of the darkness that could lurk behind the facade of an ordinary Craigslist listing

the mansion and its malevolent Spirit may have been banished but the legend would live on ensuring that the horrors of that fateful deal would never be forgot it all started in a rather peculiar manner leading me to initially think it was some kind of prank or a belated April Fool's joke pulled by one of my friends however events would take a dark and unsetting turn I found myself seated at my computer desk gazing at the monitor emitting a bright blue glow it was an ordinary evening and I was casually browsing through classified ads on a

website similar to Craigslist as was my routine when searching for interesting or profitable opportunities the time had come to wrap up my computer tasks and unwind but fate had something extraordinary in store after a few minutes of procrastination I made up my mind to finish my work and shut down the computer just before doing so my eyes were drawn to A peculiar ad the photo in the ad was surreal and almost unbelievable take me a moment to grasp its meaning the images displayed my own room furnished with my personal belongings what was even more unsettling

was that the ad contained my full name had a listed price of $1,500 initially I brushed it off as an elaborate prank but as I delve further into the ads contents it became apparent that this was no joking matter the ad included photos taken from my social media accounts selfies with Friends beach pictures with my supposed girlfriend and even images of my personal possessions it was an invasion of my privacy that sent shivers down my spine the most disturbing part however lay at the end of the ad where I read the chilling words may be

grabbed by two to three people bringing a weapon is recommended but not necessary it sounded like a menacing threat crushing my hopes that this might be a mere Gest how many people had seen this ad and who would even respond to such a bizarre offer a dreadful realization struck me the ad contained my exact address the possibility was undeniable given the abundance of personal details in the ad I frantically returned to the listing and saw the line address $1,500 it was grotesque and Sinister someone was attempting to profit from my personal information my mind raced

contemplating how many other ads like this might exist how many unsuspecting individuals have fallen into this Sinister trap faced with this nightmar situation I allegedly reported the ad hoping it would be removed however I knew that it might take a considerable amount of time for the site moderators to address my request and I couldn't afford to wait my fingers flew across the keyboard as I sought a way to contact Craig's support directly but I came up and empty-handed finding only a feedback form my hopes were dwindling desperation led me to check my email where I

noticed a glimmer of hope I hastily crafted a message to the seller using a random email address pleading for the removal of the listing offering five times the listed price if necessary I waited a response with baited breath as minutes stretched into agonizing hours I scurried around my house securing doors and windows and dimming the lights to create the illusion of an empty home the chances of some malevolent stranger stumbling upon my location were slim given the vastness of the internet nevertheless I was determined to reduce the risk to absolute zero just when hope teetered

on the brink of Extinction my nerves reached their limit and a notification chined in signaling a new message in my inbox my heart plummeted as I read the ominous words information has already been sold the message was unequivocal and I sank in my chair my last glimmer of hope extinguished how much time had elapsed since the sale was it a matter of minutes an hour or perhaps a day my thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of Wheels crunching on gravel I cautiously peered through the curtains and spotted a sleek black SUV its occupants concealed

behind tinted windows I struggled to convince myself that they would simply turn and depart but my fear remained unrelenting however the vehicle remained stationary its doors swinging open in unison two enigmatic figures garbed in Black em merged my initial impulse was to flee but an overpowering sense of dread held me in place I watched in paralyzed silence as they approached the front door and wrapped loudly their Sinister intentions unmistakable my plan took shape rapidly I decided to dial 911 chastising myself for not doing so earlier the front door was sturdy and it would take them

some time to breach it providing me with a precious window of opportunity however just as I initiated the call I had a peculiar ominous sound emanating from the other side of the door the keypad being tampered with my heart plummeted as I realized that they likely knew the door code information I had unwittingly provided panic surged through me and I desperately sought a hiding spot as the door unlocked with a click I stealthily slipped into the pantry the lights flickering to life the two men entered the kitchen Whispering as they scared the room intently I

almost reached the back door but clumsily collided with a table cursing my own ineptitude the hush conversation ceased abruptly and they commenced a thorough search of the kitchen attempting to discern my whereabouts I I retreated into the pantry as the lights blazed on the men undeterred by the noise infiltrated the kitchen continuing their Relentless Quest I could discern their footsteps drawing closer and my heart raced in my chest while they located the pantry they found it empty as I cleverly slipped out through the back door my Escape strategy involved Vanishing into the dense Woods I

recognized that the internet was a vast expanse and a likelihood of someone stumbling upon this enigmatic ad was infinitism still I was determined to eliminate even that remote possibility just when hope seemed to dwindle my phone vibrated in my pocket I retrieved it and the call displayed Lex's name my girlfriend my eyes widened Lexi could return home at any moment what if they had decided to capture her instead of me I answered the call my voice trembling as I cautioned her not to come home explaining that something was terribly a Miss she inquired about my

whereabouts her voice laced with Terror I informed her that I was hidden in the pantry hoping it was a safe haven for the time being but before I could convey more information the call abruptly terminated despair caed through me as I wondered if they had found Lexi had I failed to forwarn her in time then an unfamiliar disconcerting vibrating sound emanated from the neighboring room one of the men innocuously retrieved the phone their voice distorted and Gruff at that moment a dreadful realization dawned on me the person who had posted the ad wasn't stalking me

they were living alongside me Lexi herself might have posted that malicious ad inadvertently divulging my location to these malevolent individuals my heart constricted with despair as I listened to their conversation they discussed the situation and it became apparent that Lexi had informed them of my whereabouts the realization that she might have betrayed me added a layer of Anguish to my already harrowing predicament as I contemplated the gravity of the situation my desperate eyes caught a subtle movement from the girl sitting at the table across the room thin and fragile she appeared to be barely out

of her teens her vacant eyes fixed on a plate of artificial food I was moved by an overwhelming sense of pity for her attempting to communicate with her I whispered can you hear me her response if any was subtle but it was evident that she was trying to convey something I focus intently on her and she managed to drop a steak Knife which clattered a few feet away from me a glimmer of hope ignited within me I strained against my restraints attempting to reach the Fallen knife It Was a Race Against Time and my hand

inched closer to the knife with each desperate effort the men soon noticed my intentions and attempted to F my Endeavor but it was too late I seized the knife and thrust it into the nearest asen's stomach a surge of warmth washing over me as he loosened his grip I stumbled back adrenaline csing through my veins and made a run for it darting at the door and onto the Vera my heart pounded as I sprinted casting a fearful glance toward the car where the guardian stood our eyes locked briefly confusion giving way to Fury he brandished

a silver pistol aiming it at me I evaded the bullet just in time a defening gunshot uring in my ears I sprinted around a corner with two more gunshots resounding behind me I knew that my only hope of Escape lay in reaching the nearby River the water was bone chilling cold as I plunged in my body Carried Away by the current I glimpsed the guardian pursuing me gun in hand and rage in his eyes unable to to bear his menacing gaze I turned away just as I collided with a massive Rock chatting from the water

pain surged through my head and the world darkened as I succumb to unconsciousness the subsequent events are a hazy fragmented blur according to the nurse I was discovered under a bridge by Good Samaritans who rushed me to the hospital I cooperated fully with the police recounting every detail The house's location remained elusive the river had several tributaries making it impossible to determine the exact spot I had entered or how long I had swung while I was relieved to have escaped the knowledge that Lexi if that was even her real name continued to sell personal information

haunted me the girl who had saved me remained captive in that house and Somewhere Out There the guardian was hunting for his next acquisition I had been looking for a job for months ever since I Gra graduated from college with a degree in graphic design the economy was in a slump and the competition was fierce I had sent out dozens of resumes but I had only received a few objections and mostly silence I was desperate for any kind of income so when I saw an ad on craigy that said graphic designer needed for a small

online business flexible hours good pay no experience required email your portfolio and contact info to app I jumped of the opportunity I quickly put together a portfolio of some of my best work and emailed it to the address given in the ad I hoped that this would be my lucky break that I would finally land a job that would allow me to use my skills and creativity to my delight I received a reply the next day it was from a man named Mark who claimed to be the owner of the online business he said he

was impressed by my portfolio and wanted to hire me he asked me to come to his office for an interview and a trial project he gave me the address and the time and said he was looking forward to meeting me I was ecstatic I couldn't believe that I had found a job so easily and that it seemed to be exactly what I was looking for I replied to Mark thanking him for the opportunity and confirming that I would be there I spent the rest of the day preparing for the interview I researched the online business

which was called designs by Mark it was a website that offered custom Graphic Design Services for various clients such as logos Flyers posters and websites it looked professional and legitimate and I was impressed by the quality of the work displayed on the site I also picked out an outfit that was smart but casual and packed a bag with my laptop a notebook and a pen I wanted to make a good impression and show that I was ready to work the next morning I got up early and took a bus to the address that Mark had

given me it was in a suburban area of Lima Ohio about an hour away from where I lived I checked the map on my phone and saw that it was a residential street with a mix of houses and apartments I got off the bus and walked to the address it was a two-story house with a small front yard and a garage there was a sign on the door that said designs by Mark I rang the doorbell and waited a few seconds later the door opened and a man greeted me he was in his mid-30s with

short brown hair and a stubbly beard he was wearing a t-shirt and jeans and had a friendly smile hi you must be Jessica I'm Mark the owner of designs by Mark come in come in he said extending his hand I shook his hand and smiled back hi Mark it's nice to meet you thank you for inviting me he led me inside the house which was cozy and cluttered there were books magazines and papers everywhere and a large desk with a computer and a printer in the living room there were also several framed pictures of Mark

with a woman and a child presumably his wife and son sorry for the mess I worked from home I don't have much time to clean up he said as he closed the door behind us this this is my office where I do all my work and this is where you'll be working today he gestured to a small table with a chair and a laptop in the corner of the room I've set up a laptop for you with all the software and tools you'll need you can use it to work on the trial project I have

for you he walked over to the table and handed me a folder this is the project brief it's for a client who wants a logo for their new bakery they want something simple elegant and catchy that reflects their name and their products they also wanted in three different colors so they can choose the one they like best you have 2 hours to complete the project and send it to me by email do you have any questions I opened the folder and looked at the brief it seemed straightforward and doable I nodded and said no I

think I understand thank you great then you can start right away I'll be working on my own projects but if you need anything just let me know I'll be right here he said pointing to his desk he walked back to his desk and sat down he turned on his computer and started typing I sat down at the table and opened the laptop I logged in with the password that Mark had given me and opened the software I looked at the brief again and started brainstorming ideas for the logo I was excited and nervous I wanted

to do a good job and impress Mark I hoped that this would be the start of a long and fruitful collaboration I focus on the task and try to ignore everything else I didn't notice the time passing by I didn't notice the silence in the room I didn't notice the door opening and closing I didn't notice the footsteps behind me I didn't notice the hand on my shoulder I did notice the knife on my face throat I screamed and tried to push the attacker away but it was too late the Man Mark had caught me

off guard he had snuck up behind me and held a knife to my throat threatening me to comply with his demands my heart raced as I struggled against his grip but he was stronger in a panic I remembered the self-defense classes I had taken in college with all my strength I elbowed him in the stomach and twisted out of his grasp adrenaline csing through my veins I grabbed the nearest object a heavy paper weight and swung it at him hitting him Square in the face Mark stumbled backward clutching his bleeding nose giving me just enough

time to bolt towards the door without looking back I raced out into the street my heart pounding in my chest tears streamed down my face as I ran my mind a whirlwind of fear and confusion finally I spotted a pose and screamed for help they quickly dialed emergency services and within minutes the police arrived on the scene trembling and in shock I recounted the terrifying ordeal to the officers who assured me that they would do everything their power to apprehend the attacker after a thorough investigation Mark was arrested and charged with attempted assault and kidnapping

it turned out that he had lewed other unsuspecting victims to his house under the guise of job interviews only to attack them in a similar manner I shuddered at the thought of what could have happened if I hadn't fought back despite the trauma of the experience I felt a sense of relief knowing that I had escaped unharmed and that Justice would be served with the support of my friends and family I slowly began to heal from the ordeal and I vowed never to let my guard down again as for Mark he was eventually convicted and

sentenced to prison where he would no longer pose a threat to innocent people it was a small victory in the face of Darkness but it brought closure to a chapter of my life that I was eager to leave behind I had been looking for a motorcycle for a long time I wanted something fast sleek and affordable I browsed through various websites and apps but nothing caught my eye until I saw it it was a 2013 Hond CBR 600 RR black and red with low mileage and a clean title it looked like a dream and the

price was unbelievable only $5,000 I couldn't believe my luck I quickly clicked on the ad and sent a message to the seller hi I'm interested in your bike is it still available I waited anxiously for a reply a few minutes later I got a notification yes it is are you serious about buying it I tyed back as fast as I could yes I am where are you located can I come and see it today the seller responded almost immediately I and San Jose sure Le can come today how about 400 p.m. I checked the time

it was 2:30 p.m. I had enough time to drive there from San Francisco where I lived I agreed to the time and asked for the address oh crate it's 123 Main Street San hose see you soon I grabbed my keys wallet and phone and headed to my car I was so excited I had a feeling this was the one I had always wanted a motorcycle ever since I was a kid I love the thrill the freedom the speed I couldn't wait to get on the road I drove for about an hour following the GPS directions

I arrived at the address around 3:45 p.m. it was a quiet residential street with modest houses and well-kept Lawns I parked in front of the house that matched the number I looked around but I didn't see any sign of the bike or the Sellar I texted the Sellar hey an here where are you I waited for a reply but none came I checked the again to make sure I had the right address it was the same I decided to call the Sellar maybe he was busy or didn't hear my text I dialed the number but

it went straight to voicemail hi this is John I'm sorry I can't take your call right now please leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible I hung up and tried again but the same thing happened I started to feel uneasy something was wrong maybe it was a scam maybe the bike didn't exist maybe the seller was trying to rip me off I decided to get out of there I didn't want to waste any more time I got back in my car and started the engine as I was about to

drive away I heard a loud bang I felt a sharp pain in my chest I looked down and saw blood I had been shot I gassed for air but I couldn't breathe I felt dizzy and weak I saw two men running towards me wearing masks and holding guns they opened the door and dragged me out of the car they threw me on the ground and kicked me where's the money you idiot where's the money one of them shouted I tried to speak but I couldn't I felt blood fing my mouth I saw them search in

my pockets taking my wallet and phone they laughed and high-fived each other nice job bro we got him good let's get out of here before the cops show up they ran back to their car a black SUV and sped away I lay there on the pavement bleeding and dying I couldn't believe what had happened I had been lured into a trap by a fake ad by a fake seller by a fake bike I had been robbed and killed for nothing I thought of my family my friends my life I had so much to live for

I had so many dreams I wanted to travel to see the world to have fun I wanted to ride a motorcycle to feel the wind to be free but now it was all over I was never going to do any of those things I was never going to see anyone again I closed my eyes and waited for the end suddenly amidst the haze of pain and despair I I heard distant Sirens growing louder and closer hope flickered within me as I struggled to hold on moments later a pair of headlights illuminated the scene followed by

the Urgent voices of paramedics rushing to my side stay with us buddy you're going to be all right one of them reassured me as they swiftly assessed my injuries and stabilized me I faded In and Out Of Consciousness as they worked to save my life the next thing I knew I was waking up in hospital bed surrounded by beeping monitors and the sterile smell of antiseptic my chest achd but I was alive over the following days I learned that the police had launched a thorough investigation into the incident however despite their efforts the perpetrators behind

the fake ad and the brutal attack remained elusive it was as if they had vanished Into Thin Air as I recuperated in the hospital I reflected on the ordeal I had endured though shaken and scarred I refuse to let fear and bitterness consume me instead I resolved to cherish each moment and pursue my dreams with even greater determination though the road ahead might be daunting I was grateful for the second chance at life and as I gazed out of the hospital window I knew that someday somehow I would find the courage to ride again I

had been looking for a new phone for a while since my old one was cracked and slow I didn't have much money to spare so I decided to check out Craigs fist for some cheap deals I saw an ad for a Samsung Galaxy S10 for only $200 which seemed too good to be true but I was curious so I texted the number and asked if it was still available the seller replied quickly and said yes it was he said he had bought it for his girlfriend but she broke up with him and left the phone

behind he said he just wanted to get rid of it and move on he sounded genuine and friendly so I agreed to meet him at a nearby Starbucks the next day I was excited and nervous as I drove to the meeting place I HED the phone was in good condition and that the seller was honest I had heard some horror stories about Craigs his scams but they also knew many people who had successful transactions I figured it was worth the risk for such a bargain I parked my car and walked to the Starbucks I looked

around for the Sellar who had described himself as a tall blonde guy wearing a blue shirt I spotted him sitting at a corner table holding a phone in his hand he waved at me and smiled I walked over to him and introduce myself hi I'm Jessica you're the one selling the phone right he nodded and stood up he was taller than I expected and had a muscular build he had piercing blue eyes and a charming smile you look like a model not a scammer hi Jessica I'm Ryan nice to meet you here's the phone it's

in perfect condition you can check it out if you want he handed me the phone and I took it it looked new and shiny with no scratches of dents I turned it on and saw that it was unlocked and had no password I browsed through the apps and settings and everything seemed fine I was impressed and happy wow this is amazing it's exactly what I wanted thank you so much how do you want me to pay you he Shrugged and said cash is fine do you have it with you I nodded and reached for my

purse I had withdrawn $200 from the ATM earlier and had it in an envelope I opened my purse and took out the envelope as I did I noticed that Ryan smile changed it became colder and more Sinister he glanced around and then leaned closer to me listen Jessica I'm sorry to do this but I need you to give me all your money not just the $200 but everything you have and your purse too and your car keys and don't make a scene or I'll hurt you do you understand I felt a surge of fear and

disbelief I realized that I had been tricked he was not a seller but a robber he had lewed me into a trap with a fake phone and a fake story he was probably not even Ryan he was a criminal and I was his victim I tried to act calm and said what what are you talking about this is a joke right he shook his head and said no it's not a joke it's very serious and you better do what I say or you'll regret it I have a knife in my pocket I'm not afraid to

use it so hand over your money your purse your keys and your phone now he reached for the envelope in my hand but I pulled it back I was scared but I was also angry I had worked hard for my money I was not going to give it up so easily I decided to fight back I said no I won't this is my money and you can't have it you're a liar and a thief I'm not going to let you get away with this help someone help me this guy is trying to rob me I

screamed as loud as I could hoping to attract attention and help I hoped that someone would hear me and come to my rescue I hope that Ryan would get scared and run away I hoped that I would be safe but none of that happened instead Ryan grabbed me by the hair and pulled me towards him he put the knife to my throat and said shut up you stupid [ __ ] you just made a big mistake the world spun as I felt a sharp pain radiating from my head everything went black as I lost Consciousness

when I regained awareness I found myself lying in a hospital bed surrounded by the sterile smell of antiseptics and the gentle beeping of machines my head throbbed with dull ache and I felt disoriented a nurse noticed my stirring and rushed to my side your you're awake how are you feeling she asked with a mixture of concern and relief I struggled to collect my thoughts what happened I managed to croak out you were attacked the nurse explained gently someone found you unconscious near the Starbucks where you were supposed to meet someone you've been here for a

few hours now do you remember anything bits and pieces of the haroy encounter flooded back into my mind the fake ad the meeting with the Sellar the sudden shift from cordiality to aggression and then the blow to my head I have remember I whispered tears welling up in my eyes the nurse offered a comforting hand on my shoulder don't worry you're safe now the police are investigating and they call the perpetrator he's going to face Justice for what he did to you relief wash over me mixed with gratitude for the Swift action of law enforcement

despite the trauma I felt a glimmer of hope knowing that the person who had inflicted such Terror upon me would be held accountable for his actions as I lay in the hospital bed surrounded by the warmth of Compassionate Care I resolved to reclaim my sense of security and resilience though scared by the ordeal I refuse to let fear dictate my life with each passing moment I grew stronger determined to emerge from this Darkness with renewed strength and purpose