Exclusive: Dozens Of Strangers Show Up At Pomona Man's Door After Bogus Craigslist Ad Promises Free Stuff
POMONA (CBSLA.com) — Strangers lined up outside David Otero's home in Pomona Sunday after seeing a bogus Craigslist ad promising free stuff.
"I said, 'Oh my gosh, what is going on?'" the homeowner said.
Some people bypassed the security gate and walked right up to his door.
"We had to stay away from the window. We didn't know what they were going to do. We felt very fearful," said Otero's girlfriend, Lorrayne Skeens.
The ad says, "First come, first served..I have a bunch of free stuff that has to be gone by Sunday night."
The problem is Otero didn't post it.
Otero says he's had issues with some residents in his neighborhood; he suspects a disgruntled neighbor may have created the Craigslist post because it referenced several items he owns.
"They know I have a boat and that I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, and I have bibles and electronics," he said.
He's emailed Craigslist asking them to take down the ad, which was still up Wednesday, but has received no response from the company.
"I'd like Craigslist to change their policy so this can't happen to myself or anyone else again," Otero said.
CBS2/KCAL9 has emailed Craigslist and received no response.
Pomona police say, in general, posting an ad like this isn't considered criminal because no one was hurt and no one lost money.