Craigslist is a world-renowned database of classifieds for everything from toys to furniture. With a couple of taps and an email address, anyone can submit an advertisement for the desired purchase and 'sale' of things. However, you should know how to distinguish real from fake ads on Craigslist.
Steps
Step 1. Search and view ads in your area
This way you and the seller can meet.
Step 2. Try to meet in real life instead of sending money over the Internet
Unlike E-Bay, Craigslist is not responsible for money transfer errors. This means that if you send money to someone, you won't be able to complain to Craigslist unless you get the desired item that you paid for. Any link on Craigslist with the words "buyer protection" or "certified seller" is fake.
Step 3. Insist on cash
Counterfeit checks and money orders are common, and as a result, the bank will contact you and not the merchant. Never send money, under any circumstances. Most bank transfer payments are fake.
Step 4. Pay attention to messages with photos instead of messages with only one text
If you are interested in a message without a picture or want to know more information, then contact the seller, but do not make any offers until you are fully convinced of the product. If he doesn't answer your requests, then look at something else.
Step 5. Know the approximate value of things
This is great, for example, when you plan to rent a house or buy a car through Craigslist. If you are not sure, look at other sources on the Internet or ask friends for a reasonable price for the desired item.
Advice
- Do not send money via Western Union. A lot of cheaters outside your country use this method.
- If a seller or buyer contacts you through a service such as ListHD, you will be able to see the IP address in their email. This way you will be able to find out where this person is.
- A lot of Craigslist scams are copied from other sources (like Ebay). The copied portion of the ad and subsequent google check can easily clarify the situation.
- Do not rush to the first points; put it aside and look further.
- Information such as credit card number, bank account, passport details and other important numbers should only be shared with other people if you are completely sure of who you are sending the details to and are using a secure server.
- If you cannot find what you need, then wait one day or use other sources.
- If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Warnings
- When you plan to rent an apartment or house, be careful, according to the law, the payment of the deposit cannot be higher than the cost of rent for one month. If the apartment costs $ 1,500 per month and the tenant asks for a large amount for a deposit, this is cheating.
- Sometimes, the required deposit exceeds the rental price by 1, 5 or 2 times. The most common reason is tenants with a bad rental history or a patchy rental history. Another reason could be a bail for damage from pets. Also, rent for the first month can be "discounted" to facilitate early check-in in a new or refurbished block.
- Don't send money overseas by paying the first month's rent or deposit. Meet with this person.