How to protect yourself on Craigslist

*** Disclaiimer** This is NOT a slam on Craigslist.

Craigslist is a great site and you can find many good deals, services, and information there. That being said, this hub is about using common sense when buying products or contacting people for information or services whether it be craigs or any other "open" website on the internet. It is also a way to fight back against those that are using craigs and other classified sites as bases for criminal activities.

Craigslist is great.

You can find almost anything you are looking for on craigslist: computers, collectibles, business services, etc. literally almost anything. You can also SELL almost anything there too. It is basically a huge classified ad. Anyone can post an ad. Anyone can answer an ad. This is where you have to be careful.

When I say anyone... I mean ANYONE. They have no idea who you are and you have no idea who they are...until there is some kind of response/contact made as an answer to the ad. This is where you need to start being careful.

Don't be blinded by a "Great Deal"

When you spend a few days watching for a particular item, you will see a few that but the price may be more than you are willing to pay. Then, one day an ad will pop up listing exactly what you are looking for and the price is right.... super right.... if you will take time and think about it a little more, it may be TOO right.

In a former corporate job, I worked in a security clearance type position. I was VERY good at spotting deception and someone that just did not seem "right", so to speak and had honed my skills to a pretty heightened state of awareness. I could almost "feel" it from someone within the first few minutes of talking to them. So I considered myself a great judge of people.... or so I thought. I got taken by a smooth talking scammer that had all of the right answers.

Long story short, even with all of my security experience, this guy had me completely snowed. I found out a few days later that the item I had purchased had been stolen. I gladly gave it our to the local law enforcement and gave them every piece of information I had on the seller. Unfortunately, I was out the money I had spent on the item and no hope of ever getting it back.

Common Sense Advice

The internet classifieds are filled with real, honest people, offering real honest bargains. But you should also realize there are people out there that will steal from you just as quickly as if they had picked your pocket. When looking for bargains and making contract through an internet classified ad, and setting up a purchase, use these common sense suggestions:

1. Get as much information about the seller prior to the meeting by asking questions - name, where are you from, why are you selling this, why is it so cheap? etc. Ask probing questions and listen for stumbles and clues that something may not be right.
2. Before you ever set the meeting, have a blank Bill Of Sale ready to go and take it with you.
   
3. Set up the meeting in a public place.
   
4. Bring someone with you, a friend, family member, or work associate. Just make sure you are not alone when meeting a stranger you have contacted through an online classified.
5. If you have a cell phone that records voice or movies, use it. Record the transaction.
6. When you meet the person, ask to see identification. If they can not or will not provide it, end the meeting and leave, Everyone should have some form of identification.
7. Look closely at the item and find the serial number if it is a product that has one. If it is scratched off, end the meeting and leave.
8. In most jurisdictions, you can call the local law enforcement and ask them to check the serial number to see if it has been reported stolen. You will need to make sure you have that telephone number handy in your cell and you can call in the middle of the meeting. If the seller starts getting nervous or does not want you to call and check on it, do not but it! End the meeting and report it to the local law enforcement officials with a description of the seller and the events.
   
9. Insist on completing the Bill-Of Sale on the item.  A Bill-Of Sale will show that you made the purchase in good faith. If the seller does not want to or refuses to complete and sign it, end the meeting.
10. When the meeting is over, if the seller drove a car to the meeting, try to get a look at the license plate and record it. You just never know how handy that may be later.

Finally, use common sense. If the seller passes of these mentioned tests, you still need to protect yourself. If anything about the meeting, the seller, or even the sale itself just doesn't feel right, do not buy the item.

Also, remember or record as much information you can about the item, meeting, seller, etc. The sale may be legitimate, but you never know what will come up months down the road. The item could later be reported as stolen and you need to be able to protect yourself by producing records of the transaction.

Remember, it's a jungle out there. Don't be the target of a online predator. I am sure everyone has stories about purchases made through an online classified site. Please feel free to share them in the comments section.