Police: Free Furniture Was Craigslist Hoax

Sonya Pratt, a South Fulton County resident, didn’t know what was going on when all of a sudden her home and cell phones started ringing off the hook Sunday night.

She soon learned it was because of an ad posted on the online classified site Craigslist, offering away her furniture for free. Problem is, Pratt didn’t post the ad and now police are trying to figure out who created the hoax.

“I mean, I had phone calls from Alabama, Minnesota, Chicago,” said Pratt.

The ad read in part, “I have a free leather sectional that I’m trying to give away. I’m in the military so I will be moving away and I don’t have any room for it right now.”

Pratt told Channel 2 Action News reporter Eric Philips that the hoax has turned her life upside down.

Pratt played some of the voicemail messages she received from people inquiring about the free furniture.

“I’m calling about your free sectional.”

“Yes ma’am … I was actually calling about the leather sectional.”

“Good evening, Sonya. I am very interested in picking up the couch tomorrow. What time is best for you?”

Pratt’s voicemail system said she had 32 new messages.

Philips: "Nothing in this message is true?"

Pratt: "Nothing but my name and my phone number."

Pratt reported the fraudulent act to police, who are investigating, and Craigslist has removed the ad. She doesn’t know who would do such a thing.

“I’m trying to get to the bottom line of this … because it’s wrong.”

Craigslist said it may be able to track down who posted the ad and provide that information directly to police.