How to Spot Purchase Protection Program Scams on Craigslist

Purchase protection program scams on Craigslist target buyers who become suspicious about a seller's intentions. They involve sending a hesitant buyer a copy of a fake purchase protection program and can result in convincing the buyer to purchase the item. Learn how to spot the purchase protection program scam on Craigslist and protect your money from scammers.

Instructions

1. Find a posting on Craigslist selling a high-priced item. Cars, computers, electronics and other popular, expensive items are usually involved in this scam.

2. Read the posting for details about the item and payment options.

3. Express interest in the purchasing the product, but be hesitant to purchase the item or wire money to the seller. Listen as the seller assures you that the item is covered by Craigslist's purchase protection program.

4. Encourage the scammer to email you a copy of the supposed purchase protection program. Scammers may have written a few paragraphs or simply copied another website's protection program and inserted "Craigslist" where the other company's name used to be. The email may also include fraudulent seller verifications, guarantees and links to third-party payment services.

5. Exercise caution if you decide to buy the item. If you pay by clicking on the third-party links, you will likely be taken to a phishing site where your financial information will be collected and stolen.

6. Receive what seems to be an invoice or receipt. The invoice or receipt will have details about your transaction and mention the purchase protection program again. Scammers try to make it look legit by including a payment status, your personal details and fake seller information.

Tips & Warnings

• Craigslist does not have a program dedicated to protecting buyers or sellers from scammers.

• Scammers may also call the fake program the "Buyer Protection Program."