FAQs
Count the money in the public location that you've chosen to meet to verify that the money is all there. This is the only way to verify that your transaction is legitimate, and an honest seller will have no problem allowing you to take the necessary precautions to ensure you're getting what you are paying for.
How to tell if a buyer is legit on Craigslist? ›
While Craigslist posts do often get answered fairly quickly, if the buyer/seller seems extra pushy, it's often a warning sign. They aren't willing to meet in public - if they say that you must pick the item up from their home or a specific private address, this could be a red flag.
How to spot a rental scammer on Craigslist? ›
What are the most common signs of a rental scam? Rental scams often have listings with prices that seem too good to be true. They might pressure you to make quick decisions, ask for rent or deposit without a signed lease, or avoid meeting in person.
How do I make sure my Craigslist tickets are real? ›
Ask for photos of the tickets. Ask for the barcode number to verify authenticity with the issuer. Ask the seller to meet in person. Report the seller to Craigslist and the authorities.
Can I trust people on Craigslist? ›
It is best never to trust someone on Craigslist fully to avoid the risks of encountering a scam. However, certain signs can suggest whether the person is a genuine buyer or seller. Most Craigslist scammers will not agree to meet in person. Instead, even local sellers will prefer shipping.
What is the best payment method to not get scammed? ›
By and large, credit cards are easily the most secure and safe payment method to use when you shop online. Credit cards use online security features like encryption and fraud monitoring to keep your accounts and personal information safe.
What is the safest way to accept payment on Craigslist? ›
Craiglist Safety Tips for Sellers
Request cash payment when exchanging in person. If you're shipping your item, use a service such as PayPal for more security. Never accept a money order; this is usually a scam. Cashier's checks can be forged, so exercise caution when accepting these.
What is the safest way to receive money as a seller? ›
Cashier's Check
They are seen as a safer form of payment over a money order because they are considered guaranteed funds. They also have no upper limit and can prove the buyer's good standing in the issuing bank.
Why do Craigslist buyers ask for a phone number? ›
Scammers are now responding to ads but tricking sellers into thinking they are busy at work and can't talk until later. Instead of leaving you with a contact number, they request you enter your phone number into a website that “stores information” for them. Don't fall for it!
How do I respond to a Craigslist rental? ›
You can reply to any post on Craigslist — just click the "reply" button at the top left of a post, and complete the Captcha puzzle if you're asked to. Some Craigslist listings will offer a phone contact to call or text, though most listings will only offer an email contact.
If you're the victim of a scam, make sure to: Flag the listing on Craigslist by clicking the red flag icon so that you can warn others. Also send a detailed report to Craigslist. Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov/Home/FileComplaint.
Are Craigslist vacation rentals legit? ›
From my N=3 study, 66% of them are scams. You can tell by reverse image searching the vacation rental. Usually scammers simply copy and paste the description and images from VRBO, AirBNB, etc. So if it is cross-listed you can contact both contacts and make sure they are the same person.
How do you know if a buyer is scamming you? ›
A buyer overpays for your product.
If someone offers you extra money, they're most likely trying to scam you. They'll normally ask you to refund the extra with a gift card or wire transfer and then disappear. Later, you'll find out that the original payment was fraudulent.
How does a buyer contact a seller on Craigslist? ›
Contacting Someone on Craigslist
To reply to a Craigslist post, just click the reply button. To use your device's default email app, select the first link. Otherwise, select the web-based email you use (like Gmail or Yahoo) or copy and paste the email address at the bottom of the window into a new email manually.
How do you know if a seller is authentic? ›
Check the product's reviews to see opinions from past buyers. Check if the Product Description mentions that the seller is an Authorised Distributor of the product.
