FAQs
Craigslist Scam Alert: 5 Signs a Con Artist Is Replying to Your...
- They Won't Come See the Item in Person. ...
- The Email Reply Doesn't Refer to the Specific Item You're Selling. ...
- The Buyer 'Accidentally' Overpays. ...
- They Ask for Personal or Financial Information. ...
- The Buyer Refuses to Meet at a Public Place.
Why do people ask if still available on Craigslist? ›
These messages inquire if the sale items are still available and insist on continuing the conversation over unusual Gmail addresses such as the example above. Genuine buyers will not persuade you to speak outside of Craigslist. Any attempts to do so could eventually lead to a fake check, advance fee, or phishing scam.
How to spot a rental scammer on Craigslist? ›
What are the most common signs of a rental scam? Rental scams often have listings with prices that seem too good to be true. They might pressure you to make quick decisions, ask for rent or deposit without a signed lease, or avoid meeting in person.
How to respond to Craigslist housing ads? ›
You can reply to any post on Craigslist — just click the "reply" button at the top left of a post, and complete the Captcha puzzle if you're asked to. Some Craigslist listings will offer a phone contact to call or text, though most listings will only offer an email contact.
How do Craigslist buyers contact you? ›
Craigslist provides proxy email addresses to sellers, and it's a good idea to use them so browsers can't spam your actual email address. Once a potential buyer is truly interested, however, it's okay to switch communication to your cell phone; most buyers appreciate being able to text.
Why is Craigslist so shady? ›
Craigslist is a legitimate website, and most Craigslist posts are legitimate and trustworthy as well. However, just like any other online platform, it can be used by scammers. Some people may post fraudulent listings only pretending to sell goods or services, so take precautions to ensure your safety.
Do people not use Craigslist anymore? ›
Do People Still Use Craigslist? Absolutely. You can search your local area on Craigslist and find used furniture, cars, rentals, and even jobs. However, because so many Craigslist alternatives exist, it is no longer a one-stop shopping powerhouse when it debuted in 1995.
Should you give out your address on Craigslist? ›
Is it safe to give my address on Craigslist? It's probably not a good idea. Sharing personal information, even something as simple as an address or phone number, could provide a scammer with a piece of information that they need to steal your identity. If you're selling something, try to meet in a safe, public place.
Where do Craigslist replies go? ›
A: Replies to live posts are relayed to poster's email address.
How to spot a fake rental? ›
Common signs of rental scams
- The listing is copied or vague. ...
- No lease is available. ...
- The address isn't verified. ...
- The listing agent or property manager asks you to wire money or pay in an unusual way. ...
- The listing agent or property manager asks for money before you sign a lease.
If you suspect that an item posted for sale on Craigslist may be part of a scam, please e-mail the details to abuse@craigslist.org. Be sure to include the URL (or 10-digit post ID number) in your message. Please use the “spam” flag link in the top right corner of a spam posting.
How to tell if a Zillow listing is legit? ›
What makes a listing suspicious?
- Requests to wire money. ...
- Long-distance landlords/owners/agents.
- Listing providers claiming to be in a remote location and unable to meet in person.
- Requests for verification codes via text or phone call.
- Requests for personal or financial information.
Does Craigslist hide your email? ›
Craigslist offers an anonymous email to advertisers on the site, so they do not have to reveal their real email address. All replies sent to this anonymous email is forwarded to their actual email. This extra steps prevents others from having access to a poster's real address.
How do you get attention on Craigslist? ›
Use high-quality photos: Include clear and well-lit photos that showcase your item or service. Images can attract more attention and give potential buyers a better idea of what you're offering. 3. Optimize your title: Craft a concise and attention-grabbing title that accurately describes your listing.
How do I contact people on Craigslist? ›
Look for the contact information provided in the ad, such as an email address or phone number. Some ads may have a "Reply" button that you can click to send a message directly through Craigslist's email system. Use the provided contact information to send a message to the ad poster.
How to verify a Craigslist seller? ›
- Talk to the person on the phone, if possible, about the deal. If you have to email them first to make the initial contact, ask them for their phone number so you can talk more about the item. ...
- Meet the person you're doing business with in a public place, such as a coffee shop. ...
- Complete your transaction in cash.
When you respond to a Craigslist ad does it show your email? ›
When you reply directly from Craigslist, your email address will be visible to the recipient. To reply anonymously, you need to create a free Web-based email address, which does not contain identifiable information.
Do Craigslist replies go to email? ›
A: Replies to live posts are relayed to poster's email address.
Is it safe to reply on Craigslist? ›
This type of ad often gets a high rate of response, allowing the spammers to collect multiple email addresses from a single ad. If you're worried about using your own email address, Craigslist recommends using an anonymous email with no identifiers in the address when replying to Craigslist ads.