- Never wire money or send payment before seeing items
- Meet in public places for transactions
- Verify phone numbers and ask detailed questions
- Watch for overpayment scams and fake checks
- Trust your instincts about suspicious behavior
Craigslist scams are unfortunately common, but they’re usually easy to avoid if you know the warning signs and follow basic safety protocols. Understanding common scam patterns helps protect both your money and personal safety.
The most important rule is never send money before seeing the item in person. This includes wire transfers, gift cards, prepaid cards, or any form of advance payment. Legitimate sellers will always allow you to inspect items before paying, and they’ll accept cash or other secure payment methods during in-person meetings.
Overpayment scams are extremely common on Craigslist. A buyer contacts you offering to pay more than your asking price, usually with a story about needing expedited shipping or wanting to include extra money for a moving service. They send a fake check for more than the agreed amount and ask you to wire the difference back. The check later bounces, leaving you liable for the entire amount.
Fake check scams extend beyond overpayment scenarios. Any check payment should be treated with extreme caution. Even cashier’s checks can be counterfeited. If you must accept a check, verify it with the issuing bank before releasing the item, and wait for the check to fully clear your account.
Remote purchase scams target sellers of high-value items. The buyer claims to be out of town, in the military, or otherwise unable to see the item in person. They offer to send payment immediately and arrange shipping. This scenario almost always indicates a scam, as legitimate buyers want to inspect expensive items before purchasing.
Rental scams are particularly sophisticated. Scammers copy legitimate rental listings and re-post them at attractive prices. They collect application fees or deposits from multiple victims before disappearing. Always verify property ownership, visit properties in person, and be suspicious of rental prices significantly below market rates.
Employment scams promise easy money for minimal work. Common versions include reshipping scams, work-from-home opportunities requiring upfront fees, or jobs that involve handling financial transactions for others. Legitimate employers don’t ask for money upfront or request help with financial transactions.
Personal information fishing scams request sensitive details under various pretenses. Scammers might claim they need your SSN for background checks, bank information for payments, or copies of identification for verification. Never provide personal information until you’ve met someone in person and verified their legitimacy.
Communication red flags include poor grammar, generic responses that don’t address your specific listing, requests to continue conversations outside of Craigslist’s email relay system immediately, or urgent pressure to act quickly.
Geographic inconsistencies often reveal scams. Be suspicious if area codes don’t match claimed locations, if someone claims to be local but uses non-local references, or if shipping is suggested for items that should be picked up locally.
Verification strategies include reverse phone number lookups, reverse image searches for photos, and asking specific questions about the item or service. Legitimate users can provide detailed answers and additional photos upon request.
Meeting safety protocols are essential. Always meet in public places with good lighting and security cameras, preferably near police stations or busy commercial areas. Bring a friend when possible, and let others know your plans. Never invite strangers to your home or go to unfamiliar private locations.
Trust your instincts above all else. If something feels wrong, walk away regardless of how good the deal appears. Your safety and financial security are worth more than any potential savings.