What Is the Safest Way to Buy Something Through Craigslist?

Never use a credit card or check to pay for Craigslist items.

A free service like Craigslist often nets amazing local deals, but Craigslist has also received negative attention for being a hotbed for predators and scams. If you've found an item you'd like to purchase through Craigslist, your safety should take top priority. When it comes to online classifieds, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protect your safety, your identity and your money by asking questions, keeping records and watching for signs of danger.

Instructions

1. Set up an email specifically for communication with Craigslist sellers. Giving our personal information, such as a personal email address, phone number or full name could put your identity at risk. Craigslist automatically sets up a proxy email address for sellers, but if you use your personal email address for purchases, a scammy seller could get ahold of your information.

2. Pay in cash and only after you've actually received an item. Craigslist is most effective and safe when buying local. When you agree to purchase an item and give a seller a check or your credit card number, you're giving away valuable information. If you must pay via credit card, use a secure payment service such as PayPal, so your card information is concealed. Still, when you purchase an item sight unseen, you risk your money.

3. Arrange to meet in public places and bring a friend when you're purchasing an item locally. Criminals such as Philip Markoff -- known as the "Craigslist Killer" -- have been known to use the website to search for and lure victims. Never tell a seller to meet you at your home and never agree to meet at theirs. Instead, choose a highly populated area, such as a restaurant or mall, where you can exchange goods and money safely.

4. Keep a detailed record of the transaction. Save emails and other correspondence in case the transaction goes awry. Payment services like PayPal offer a certain amount of buyer protection, but only after mediation and proof that you didn't receive the goods or services agreed upon. Records are also necessary if you need to involve local law enforcement as the result of a scam.

5. Watch for signs of a scam artist seller. Some telltale signs your transaction isn't legit include a distant seller, pressure to pay upfront and then receive services or an offer to ship excessively large items, such as cars. Some scam artists might ask you to send a cashier's check for a high amount with the promise that you'll be returned more money. Use Craigslist for quick, uncomplicated sales where you can pay cash and pick up the item or risk a scam.

References

• Wired Safety: Craigslist Safety
• Craigslist: Scams