Be Smart With CRAIGSLIST

Author Posted by Belle
Updated: March 7th, 2010

I probably don’t need to tell you how great Craigslist is when it comes to buying concert tickets, second hand furniture or used baby stuff.  You can find your craigslist by typing your city.craigslist.org or follow this link and look on the right for a big list of cities and countries represented on craigslist.

Of course, scammers love to take full advantage of CL to extract email addresses, personal information, or to rip money off of overly-trusting (read: gullible!) CL users.

These scammers typically can be found posting JOB listings, DATING listings, and even FREE stuff.

Gettin’ A Job

So, if you find yourself applying for a job, make sure the company you’re responding to is clearly identified. Always look for an actual name or contact number that you can call ahead of time. If you are unsure whether it’s legit, you can still send your resume but DO NOT INCLUDE your address, telephone number or any other personal info! Use an alternative email address, too.

Selling Something Nice?

If you plan to sell something, make sure you do NOT accept any email requests for checks to be cashed, money differences to be reimbursed, or other things that smell rather fishy. Only deal with local people who can actually write a proper email–this is important!!–and provide you their contact information without blinking. Follow your people instincts, and if you don’t trust them, read my online dating tip–it applies here, too.

Buyer Beware!

If you are buying stuff, make sure you get decent pictures of the ACTUAL item. Scammers usually post only stock photos or no photo at all. They also sometimes say “email for pictures.” Now, I don’t mean to say that everybody who uses that phrase is a scammer, but just be aware.

Dating on CL

If you are dating, be EXTREMELY careful please. I know HORROR stories. Check out your candidates ladies (AND gentlemen) please!!

Here’s one final tip if you have to meet someone to finalize a transaction. Do it in a public place. So if, let’s say, you are buying some chairs, ask to have them brought outside or to the garage. That way the outside world can see you!

Oh… and NEVER go alone!

   

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