How to Avoid Craigslist Buyer Spam

Unscrupulous people can phish for your email on Craigslist.

In these tight economic times, a resurgence of creative ways to buy goods has resulted in an increased popularity in Craigslist -- a free online site for sellers to advertise their products. Dealing with people worldwide through Craigslist can increase your vulnerability to spam email. While you can call a seller if he includes a phone number, sometimes he will just provide an email address. So if you are interested in the item, you'll have no choice but to respond via email. While most Craigslist advertisers are honest, a few want your email address so they can send you spam emails -- trying to scam you.

Instructions

1. Create a new email account that you use only for Craigslist ads. This way, any spam will go to a separate account, and your main account will not get cluttered with junk email.

2. Avoid clicking on links or opening unknown attachments from anyone you don't know, while dealing with people on Craigslist.

3. Send an email to Craigslist, if you have problems with spam after using the site. The email address for reporting such issues is [e-mail]. You can also report spam directly to your email provider.

4. Ensure that your anti-virus software is current. Use reputable software, and adjust the filter on it according to your needs. Be aware that too high of a setting might screen out some emails you want.

Tips & Warnings

• According to the Craigslist website, several examples of spam on their site include some well-known emails, while others are more uncommon. The Nigerian scam involves someone sending you grammatically incorrect spams to send you money, in order for you to process money for them. A virus called Kez worm confuses email addresses. Another spam message tries to convince you to use their website instead of Craigslist.

References

• Craigslist: About - Help - Spam
• SmartMoney: A Craigslist Scam You Might Fall For
• Momportunity.com: Spam and Scams in Full Force on Craigslist