How to Use Craigslist Safely

Though it seems most of the Internet world is using Craigslist, reports of scams and even a few life-threatening incidences have turned some people away from the popular classified ad site. Yet, most problems with Craigslist can be avoided by using some basic cautions as well as additional privacy measures. Read on for tips on how to use Craigslist safely whether you're selling an item or applying for a job.

Things You'll Need

• New email account
• Companion
• VOIP line (optional)

Instructions

1. Obtain a new free email account at Google, Yahoo! or your favorite free web mail site as programs exist that can identify people and/or their Internet usage via an email address. A new account will allow you to better use Craigslist safely and offer additional peace of mind. For convenience sake, forward Craigslist messages to a regular email account.

2. Use Craigslist safely when looking for a job by not sending a resume to an unknown source, or at least remove personal contact information. Instead, first inquire about a business with a cover letter and ask for a website and/or phone number to verify the job. Politely, inform the company of your safety concerns if desired.

3. Sell items on Craigslist more trouble-free by not accepting personal checks. Forged checks and insufficient funds run rampant for higher-end purchases in particular. Ask instead for a money order, cash or a cashier's check.

4. Avoid providing your home phone number without serious consideration, and be cautious of providing a cell phone number. If you plan to use Craigslist regularly, you may find it worthwhile to obtain a free or low-cost VOIP number via Skype or another service. Instant messaging is another way to communicate. Use your own judgment when aiming to use Craigslist safely and weigh the cost of inconvenience with the risk of exposing your identity that may be misused.

5. Bypass ads that sound too good to be true or those which seem to resurface repeatedly. This is especially important for roommate or rental ads. Though some people will not have success with their first ad, searching for recent copies of the ad is wise. If in doubt, inquire about what became of the last ad result or roommate, as applicable, and decide if the information sounds logical.

6. Take a proactive approach with your safety when setting up a meeting. Either sell an item off site or have a friend present. If you meet someone from Craigslist and have a bad feeling, it is better to change your mind and be safe, even at the risk of sounding impolite. Make up an excuse or look at your cell phone and let the person know you need to address an emergency. Your instinct is your best defense to use Craigslist safely, but note that well practiced cons exist.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that many Craigslist scams are relatively benign but may involve providing your information to telemarketers.

• Remove any ads that are no longer needed to improve your safety on Craigslist.

• Ask for help from someone you trust if you have difficulty assessing the safety of a Craigslist ad.