Craigslist – Scambook Blog (2024)

FAQs

What can a Craigslist scammer do with my email? ›

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.

Craigslist verification code scams

Craigslist text scams can start with the other party saying they want to confirm you aren't a scammer. Don't give out any codes sent to your phone, especially if it says it's for verifying your identity. The code is for a Google Voice account the scammer set up using your number.

Avoid adding any personal information in the posting, including your name, real phone number or real email address. Always use the generated email address on your Craigslist posts.

In 2023 alone, 45.6% of all email traffic was marked as spam [*]. But spam and scam emails are more than just annoyances. If scammers have your email address, it can potentially put you at risk of hacking, fraud, and even identity theft. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) estimates that [*]:

Scammers often use fake sites to lure buyers into paying for items that don't exist. Always check the URL before finalizing a purchase. Craigslist does not back any transaction on its site. If you receive an email or text trying to sell you purchase protection, you're looking at a scam.

To protect buyer and seller privacy, Craigslist keeps email addresses hidden. However, even with this security system, you might want to take additional precautions when responding to emails from Craigslist.

Craigslist automatically hides your email address from listings with an email relay system. But once you start communicating to messages in your Craigslist inbox, it will use the name in your own email address. As well, it's not difficult for a scammer to get your email address using a Craigslist email address decoder.

FWIW your address is not a secret, unless you've gone through extraordinary means to protect it. You shouldn't worry about giving it out being a threat to your personal security. OTOH the "I'll send you a check" thing is a common scam on Craigslist, but you've been well warned about that already.

Why do people spell out phone numbers on Craigslist? ›

Perhaps 50% of people who say they are coming out do so. To avoid having their phone number collected and spammed with ads. Some companies make their money by collecting phone #'s and email addresses … using automated software that scans web sites for that kind of info.

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.

Craigslist has a spot to routinely list the VIN on ads for this reason. Repeat used car buyers look askance at sellers who won't provide the VIN. There really is nothing a buyer can do with the VIN to cause the seller harm.

When you call the buyer, use caller ID blocking by appending *67 before dialing the number.

One of the first things that scammers try to do is route out the most gullible. One way they accomplish this is by creating a massive amount of fake, low quality ads. Frequently the ads are created by bots, or programs that live on the internet and perform tasks that their makers assign.

They can use your email to reset other account passwords, gain access to credit information or, even, delete accounts. They can use the information they uncover to steal money or obtain personal data, which they can sell on the dark web.

Unfortunately, no such protection exists for those replying to posts. When you reply directly from Craigslist, your email address will be visible to the recipient.