How to Spot a Craigslist Scam
Thanks to Craigslist.com, selling a car, finding a roommate or getting rid of your kids' old baby clothes is as easy as clicking "post." Best of all, unlike most newspaper classifieds or Ebay.com, it's totally free to post on Craigslist. Unfortunately, as much as sellers love Craigslist, scam artists love it even more. Here's how to tell if a potential buyer is trying to pull a fast one.
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Instructions
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Type the words "for local pick up only" and "cash only" prominently in your ad--and make no exceptions. This drives away a good share of potential scammers.
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Delete emails from potential buyers who have lengthy sob stories or complicated explanations of why they need to pay by check or money order. Anyone who says their "secretary" will take care of the transaction because they are in a foreign country or are too busy as a famous archaeologist to make the purchase in person is most likely a fraud.
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Be aware of scams involving fake checks or money orders. A good fake check or money order can pass through the bank's initial screening process--then, days later, you'll get penalized for trying to cash a counterfeit check. By then, the scammer will be long gone. This is why you want to make your transaction cash only.
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Familiarize yourself with the Craigslist scam involving a shipper. The buyer will say the product will be picked up by a shipper--and usually also promises to wire you more money than the item actually costs. This is the most common Craigslist trick.
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Notify the Federal Trade Commission of any attempted or successful scams by calling 877-FTC-HELP.
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Tips & Warnings
Cash is the best form of currency when selling on Craigslist, but if you really want to accept money in a different form, Paypal.com is a safe bet. This will require the buyer to Paypal you the money either before or after seeing the merchandise, however, unless he uses a computer on the spot when you meet.
Never give out any personal financial information to someone who has contacted you through Craigslist.
Don't accept Western Union or other wire transfers.
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Comments
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Pretty sure the Paypal option isn't very promising ehow. Paypal holds the seller financially responsible for the transaction amount if the buyer pays with a stolen credit card for example. Read: holds the SELLER responsible not the buyer (the one that actually used the stolen credit card). Do cash transactions ONLY. You have been warned.
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Joe McCarter
Feb 25, 2011
I am looking for an appt in new york for the summer..this guy is wrote replyed with this email saying it was $130 per night..and its in the middle of soho...any thoughts?...is this a scam? Thank you for choosing our Apartment for your vacation. We hope that you have a pleasant stay; the apartment is available for your choosing dates..I am quite sure that this is arguably one of the best apartment you can get around at this reduced rate. I cannot guarantee the hold of the apartment until you've booked and pay for it. This is a four beds/four baths apartment; price for the rent is $130 per night and $3000 for a monthly rent. You are to make advance payment equal 50% of the rental fee plus a damage fee of $300 which enable us to reserve and secure the apartment for your choosing date. The advance payment is required before arrival. Note: Damage fee is fully refundable on the day of... -
laurelea
Jul 19, 2009
I put up ONE ad for tutoring Jun 29 and another one July 1 and as of today am still getting "inquiries" as to whether or not I can tutor someone's child who lives overseas but is coming to the states for the "month of July 30" (?) and wants to pay me in advance to tutor them in good morals and whatever subject matter I want...and give a percentage of the certified check costs to the "nanny". I even got 2 checks from one guy, called Money Gram to verify, determined they were fake and ripped them up. Don't fall for this one!
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jacksons1
Jul 02, 2009
Here's the one I got...classic scam..I am curious about one thing...why the no po box reference...anybody? Thanks for your response to my mail, I hope it is in good condition like it stated because I have taken a close look at the advert and amcompletely satisfied, . I'll want you to remove the advert from web and consider this item is sold to me, I'll be paying via Certifiedcheck and the check will deliver to you in next two days .So i want tobe the best offer by adding $50 to your money and i hope you will keep this item for me Your Full Name Contact Physical Address not p.o box City and State with Zip Code Cell phone number I will like you to know that you will not be responsible for shippingi will have my mover to come over as soon as you have the check,and i will get back to you once my secretary made the payment out to you.
