FAQs
If the buyer's email fails to make any specific reference to the item you're selling but rather refers to "the item" or uses other generic terms, there is a good chance that the reply to your ad is the work of a scammer copying and pasting replies to as many potential victims as possible.
Why do people ask if it's still available on Craigslist? ›
Many of the scams start with a generic inquiry asking if the item is still available or if you are the original owner. The reason for this is to quickly test to see if the seller is responsive. There's generally no mention of the item you're selling or any questions specific to the item.
Why do people on Craigslist want to send a verification code? ›
Craigslist text scams can start with the other party saying they want to confirm you aren't a scammer. Don't give out any codes sent to your phone, especially if it says it's for verifying your identity. The code is for a Google Voice account the scammer set up using your number.
How do I sell on Craigslist without getting scammed? ›
Avoid adding any personal information in the posting, including your name, real phone number or real email address. Always use the generated email address on your Craigslist posts. This creates a random email address, so the poster doesn't have your real email on file.
What percentage of Craigslist ads are fake? ›
Craigslist Fake Listings Are 1.5% of All Posts | Money.
How can you tell if a Craigslist house is real? ›
Jump To A Section....
- What Is The Scammer's Motivation.
- How Do You Spot Rental Scams On Craigslist?
- #1 There Are Typo's And Grammatical Errors In The Rental Listing.
- #2 Pay Attention To The Photos.
- #3 The Price Is Too Good To Be True.
- #4 The Property Is Never Available To View.
- #5 You Will Never Meet The Landlord.
Do people not use Craigslist anymore? ›
Do People Still Use Craigslist? Absolutely. You can search your local area on Craigslist and find used furniture, cars, rentals, and even jobs. However, because so many Craigslist alternatives exist, it is no longer a one-stop shopping powerhouse when it debuted in 1995.
Why do people spell out phone numbers on Craigslist? ›
Craigslist blocks number written more than one time, so when someone has more than two ads, they spell out the rest. To avoid having their phone number collected and spammed with ads. Some companies make their money by collecting phone #'s and email addresses …
What does a red flag on Craigslist mean? ›
A Craigslist flag marks Craigslist advertising as inappropriate, and if enough people flag the ad, it will be automatically removed. You can also contact Craigslist about inappropriate content – or recommend posts for Best of Craigslist, a kind of Craigslist Hall of Fame.
Why is Craigslist so sketchy? ›
Craigslist is a legitimate website, and most Craigslist posts are legitimate and trustworthy as well. However, just like any other online platform, it can be used by scammers. Some people may post fraudulent listings only pretending to sell goods or services, so take precautions to ensure your safety.
If you give them the code, they can log into your account and transfer all the money out of your savings or investment accounts. Never give your verification code to someone else. It's only for you to log into your account. Anyone who asks you for your account verification code is a scammer.
Can you see how many people viewed your Craigslist ad? ›
While there is no accurate way of tracking views on your Craigslist ads without violating Craigslist's rules, that's totally fine because views are not what you should be worried about anyway.
How does Craigslist make money if its free? ›
The site charges fees only for a handful of classified sections, while posting in most sections remain free. Many financial analysts have prompted Craigslist to boost revenues by adding things like banner advertising, but the site has so far resisted any attempt to commercialize itself.
Is it safe to reply to Craigslist emails? ›
Craigslist offers an anonymous email to advertisers on the site, so they do not have to reveal their real email address. All replies sent to this anonymous email is forwarded to their actual email. This extra steps prevents others from having access to a poster's real address.
Is Venmo safe for Craigslist? ›
If you are a seller, you're taking a significant risk by accepting Venmo payments. Remember, Venmo says you shouldn't use the app for informal sales, like Craigslist or Facebook market. The company can reverse Venmo payments you receive after they hit your account.
How do I know if my Craigslist job is legit? ›
10 Ways to Determine If A Craigslist Job Posting is Legitimate
- Check the Dates. ...
- Protect Your Financial Information. ...
- Set Up a Separate Email Account. ...
- Do Due Diligence Before Sending Your Resume. ...
- Trust Your Instincts. ...
- Don't Get Too Personal. ...
- Look for Signs of Unprofessionalism. ...
- Get Agreements in Writing.
How to verify a Craigslist buyer? ›
- Talk to the person on the phone, if possible, about the deal. If you have to email them first to make the initial contact, ask them for their phone number so you can talk more about the item. ...
- Meet the person you're doing business with in a public place, such as a coffee shop. ...
- Complete your transaction in cash.
What can a Craigslist scammer do with my email? ›
With just your email address, scammers can:
- Target you with sophisticated phishing emails.
- Find more sensitive information about you — including where you live.
- Attempt to hack into your social media or other online accounts.
- Impersonate you and scam your friends and family.
How do I verify my Craigslist post? ›
Verifying a Posting
A posting may need to be verified before it will be published. craigslist only asks for a phone code while you are in the posting process.