Scams
Right here’s tips on how to spot and dodge scams when trying to find stuff on the categorised advertisements web site that gives virtually all the things beneath the solar
12 Aug 2024
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5 min. learn
Folks have been shopping for and promoting objects on Craigslist for practically three a long time. As a platform for digital categorised advertisements, its utility remains to be second to none for many individuals. However its simplicity (and anonymity) can even create dangers which are, in lots of respects, equal to, if no more acute than with, these on on-line marketplaces akin to Facebook Marketplace.
Certainly, there’s little in the best way of safety from scammers, who may promote you objects that don’t exist or attempt to harvest your personal information to be used in follow-on fraud. Alternatively, they might attempt to purchase objects you’re placing up on the market utilizing fraudulent cost strategies.
It pays to remain conscious of each outdated and comparatively new tips they’re utilizing to take action. Look out for the next warning indicators.
Widespread Craigslist scams to keep away from
1) Non-existent objects
There’s an entire class of Craigslist scams that revolve round a fraudster claiming to promote one thing they don’t have of their possession. It could possibly be a ticket to a show, a automotive, a pet, an apartment or holiday rental, or perhaps a job listing. They’ll often draw victims in by both creating a sense of urgency (i.e., a ‘final probability to purchase’ a sold-out gig ticket) or by promoting an merchandise for a lot decrease than its face worth.
They want either full payment, or a downpayment on an expensive item, via a payment method that is hard to trace, and even harder for you to get reimbursed (i.e., wire transfer, crypto, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, and many others). Within the case of job listings, they might ask you to pay for coaching or tools up entrance, and will additionally request you hand over delicate private/monetary info. They could additionally use faux third-party websites so as to add legitimacy to a faux merchandise rip-off.
Be alert to those warning indicators, solely pay for objects by way of safe cost strategies, and by no means pay for a high-value merchandise earlier than seeing it in individual first (together with property leases).
2) Overpayment
A purchaser sends you a verify for an merchandise, nevertheless it’s for greater than the acquisition quantity. They urgently request you pay them the distinction by way of wire switch or an analogous methodology. Nonetheless, within the meantime, the verify bounces, leaving you out of pocket.
Always wait for any check payment to clear before refunding any money, or sending your goods.
3) Google Voice scam
A buyer might claim to want to verify your identity before they purchase online – and send you a six-digit Google Voice verification code to do so. They will request the code when it is sent to you.
In reality, it’s not authenticating you, but instead allowing the scammer to set up and authenticate a Google Voice account associated with your phone number. They can then use your phone number to scam others.
Never send an unknown buyer a Google Voice verification code.
4) Phishing scams
Scammers have various tried-and-tested tactics designed to trick you into handing over personal and financial information (known as phishing). They may send an email purporting to come from Craigslist itself offering certification, purchase protection or some other type of ‘guarantee’. Clicking through will take you to a phishing site designed to harvest your information. They might also use fake ticketing or e-commerce sites as part of a non-existent item scam.
Never trust unsolicited emails and if a seller takes you to a third-party site, be wary of entering any personal or financial details. Check for spelling mistakes or strange URLs.
5) Bouncing checks
Some buyers want to pay by cashier’s check. But this should be a red flag as these non-digital payment methods are easier to fake than you might think.
Avoid anyone wanting to buy an item you’re selling on Craigslist via cashier’s checks. Or tell them you’ll only send the item once the check clears. And definitely never send an item before the check arrives.
6) Fake escrow
An escrow company is an independent third party that holds the funds when two entities transact. Unfortunately, scammers have worked out a way to game this system, by creating their own fake escrow sites.
Whether buying or selling, the scammer might claim they want to use a specific escrow site to insulate themselves from fraud. But all it will end up doing is stealing your money and/or harvesting your personal and financial information.
Always research the escrow site if suggested by a buyer/seller on Craigslist or suggest one of your own.
How to avoid Craigslist scams
Understanding what the most popular scams look like on Craigslist is a giant step towards staying safer on the site. Heed the above warning signs, such as outrageous bargains, sellers who try pressure tactics or who are evasive about the item for sale, buyers that want to pay via check or who overpay, and individuals sending Google Voice ‘verification’ numbers.
Also consider:
- Requesting to see a high-value item for sale in person (ensuring you are in a public space and are accompanied)
- Using secure payment methods like credit cards, even disposable ones, instead of paying via gift cards or cryptocurrency, two strategies which are standard amongst fraudsters however tough to hint and get better
- Being skeptical of third-party websites
- Refusing to share any private or monetary info in your communications with sellers and patrons
- Utilizing disposable phone numbers and email addresses so that you just additional shield your most important contact info. (Craigslist makes use of two-way e-mail relay to cover your e-mail handle when speaking with patrons or sellers).
Should you acquired scammed on Craigslist
Within the occasion of a worst-case state of affairs, maintain calm. Take into account the next:
- Report the rip-off to the FTC (when you’re based mostly within the US) and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Hold an in depth eye in your financial institution and credit score accounts and flag if there’s any suspicious exercise
- Inform Craigslist that the itemizing was a rip-off, by clicking on the pink flag icon and submitting a report
- File a report with the police
Craigslist generally is a nice useful resource. However the value we pay for comfort is having to navigate the darker aspect of the digital world. Keep secure.
