How to Stay Safe on Craigslist

News reports about the so-called Craigslist Killer and other crimes related to the website are on the rise. How can you take advantage of all that Craigslist offers while staying safe?

Here are some suggestions recommended by Craigslist and law enforcement officials.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    

   Take care when meeting strangers on Craigslist or via any other website.
   
   Understand that Craigslist transactions are typically transactions between people who know nothing about each other beyond information exchanged via the Internet.
   
   Be as wary about meeting other members of the Craigslist community as you would in meeting any stranger.

2. 
    

   Insist on a public meeting place. Craigslist suggests that you meet for your transaction in a public location like a cafe rather than a private home. The watchful eyes of the general public can protect you from threats to your personal safety.

3. Bring along a friend. If you are meeting someone in person to close a Craigslist transaction, take a friend or family member with you. As with meeting in a public place, the presence of an extra person on your team reduces the safety threat.

4. 
    

   Take a cell phone. If you find yourself in trouble when answering a Craigslist ad in person, make sure that you have a way to call for help, either from law enforcement or from an able friend or family member.

5. Protect your privacy. Do not offer personal information like your address or phone number via Craigslist if it is not required to complete your transaction.

[bkassab]

on 8/1/2009 if you are buying or selling something locally from a stranger found on criagslist or backpage, or kijiji, etc. Its best to use a local public place of business who has signed up to become a craigslist drop off location (DOL). You can find local ones at www.craigslistDropOff.com Basically, you no longer need to meet the buyer/seller directly, because the seller can drop off the item and the buyer pick up the item independently and on their own time from the Drop off location (DOL). That way, you don't have to give our your home address or cell phone number anymore.

[chava812]

on 5/5/2009 I would suggest avoiding meeting, if at all possible, too (using USPS and PayPal if practical). I believe the two ladies targeted were setting themselves up for meeting strangers however, so anyone using normal common sense on meeting a stranger (tips you provided above) will not run these risks. Good advice!!

[jsncooley]

on 4/23/2009 Great tips on staying safe when using craigslist, 5*! =D

[gputscher]

on 4/23/2009 Very good advice in your How to Stay Safe on Craigslist article. Thanks! 5*