Trust your instincts.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\nAvoiding Scams<\/h3>\n
Deal locally, face-to-face <\/strong>\u2014follow this one rule and avoid 99% of scam attempts.<\/p>\n\n- Do not extend payment to anyone you have not met in person.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Beware offers involving shipping – <\/strong>deal with locals you can meet in person.<\/li>\n
- Never wire funds (e.g. Western Union)<\/strong> – anyone who asks you to is a scammer.<\/li>\n
- Don’t accept cashier\/certified checks or money orders<\/strong> – banks cash fakes, then hold you responsible.<\/li>\n
- Transactions are between users only<\/strong>, no third party provides a “guarantee”.<\/li>\n
- Never give out financial info<\/strong> (bank account, social security, paypal account, etc).<\/li>\n
- Do not rent or purchase sight-unseen<\/strong>\u2014that amazing “deal” may not exist.<\/li>\n
- Refuse background\/credit checks<\/strong> until you have met landlord\/employer in person.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Recognizing Scams:<\/strong> There are often warning signs and signals that can tip you off that the Craigslist transaction is probably a scam and not legitimate. Here are a few things that could alert you to such a scam. Avoid these:<\/p>\n\n- Broken English, poor grammar and spelling, etc. Many scammers are from foreign countries where English is not their first language.<\/li>\n
- Wanting to use Western Union, Money Gram, cashier check, money order, paypal, special shipping, or escrow services. These are often included in scam listings.<\/li>\n
- Emails and test messages from people not in your local area. These should raise a red flag.<\/li>\n
- A very vague initial inquiry. Besides Craigslist, I get these all the time about the “products” I sell. They may ask about “the item” or “the listing” rather than identifying it by what it is.<\/li>\n
- Refusing to meet in person, or stating they are unable to meet in person, to complete the transaction.<\/li>\n
- Be wary of sweet talk, trying to avoid in person, or going on about family problems as to why they can’t meet. All of these “excuses” trying to play on your emotions are used to sucker you in. If there really is a sucker born every minute, don’t you be one of them.<\/li>\n
- Avoid paying partial payments upfront to sellers who will “hold the item for you.”<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Craigslist can be\u00a0a great place to find deals and to get rid of items you no longer need and pick up some cash along the way. Unfortunately, just like anything used by millions of people, there are risks associated with it due to those who wish to prey on others. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use Craigslist. It is a great way to find good deals and to sell things you want to get rid of. You just have to be smart and be safe with your transactions. This page will share some safety tips to help make your Craigslist transactions safe and profitable.<\/p>\n