Craigslist is known around the world for ads for almost everything - from toys to furniture. With a few clicks and an email address, anyone can post ads for items for sale and what they're looking for. However, everyone needs to be careful and know how to distinguish valid ads from scam ads on Craigslist.
Steps
Step 1. Search and browse classifieds in your city or state
This will give you and the seller the opportunity to meet you in person.
Step 2. Try in every way to propose an exchange in person and not to send the money in the mail
Unlike eBay, Craigslist is not responsible for unsuccessful transactions. This means that if you send someone money, you won't be able to contact Craigslist if you don't receive the item you paid for. Any references on Craigslist that say "buyer protection" or "certified seller" are not reliable.
Step 3. Insist on a cash payment
Fake checks and scams are common, and banks will hold you - and not the seller - accountable. Never send money to anyone. Most sellers who request online payment are scammers.
Step 4. Prioritize posts with photos over those that don't
If you are interested in a post that has no messages, or would like more information, contact the publisher but do not bid until you are no longer certain. If the seller doesn't respond to you, look for another ad.
Step 5. Find out about the average price of the object you are interested in
This is a very important step if you want to rent a room or buy a car on Craigslist. If you're unsure of the price, browse newspaper ads, other Craigslist ads, visit dealerships for car prices, or ask your friends for advice.
Advice
- Don't send money overseas. Often those who ask for money on foreign accounts are a scammer.
- Many scam ads on Craigslist are simply copied and pasted from another source (eBay). By copying part of the ad and searching for it on Google you can quickly check if the post has been copied.
- Don't stop at the first interesting object; make a note and keep looking.
- If a buyer contacts you through a service like ListHD, their email will contain their IP address. This will allow you to verify that their location is geographically close.
- You should never disclose information such as credit card number, bank account number, etc., unless you are certain who will receive the information and it is transmitted on a secure server. This is very important to avoid identity theft or other scams.
- If you haven't found any interesting items, wait until the next day or search other sources.
- If an offer is too good to be true, it probably is.
