How to Safely Buy from Craigslist

Don't let someone bully you into paying for something they promise to send later.

Craigslist is a community moderated website that features local classified ads in over 70 countries and 700 local areas. You can use Craigslist to search for jobs, real estate, furniture and services in your community. It is important to maintain your safety to make sure that you do not get scammed or harmed. When meeting people from Craigslist, you should be cautious and insist on meeting in a safe location.

Instructions

1. Refrain from purchasing items listed on a Craigslist ad that you have not personally inspected. Always wait to pay for the item in person. Never agree to pay or accept payment for items via Western Union, Moneygram or wire transfer.

2. Bring along a friend to your meeting with the seller. If it is not possible to bring someone with you, let your friends and family know where you will be. Always insist that the meeting take place in a public place like a park, coffee shop or shopping mall.

3. Bring your cell phone with you during your face-to-face meeting.

4. Use caution when buying or selling expensive items. Verify the authenticity of items before you buy them. Take care to secure any expensive items that you are selling. Do not advertise your home address where the item is stored, and do not encourage people to visit to look at your items.

5. Avoid international transactions. Instead, try to sell or buy items locally so you can meet people face-to-face to complete the transaction.

References

• Craigslist: Scams
• Craigslist: Safety
• Craigslist: Factsheet