FAQs
Many of the scams start with a generic inquiry asking if the item is still available or if you are the original owner. The reason for this is to quickly test to see if the seller is responsive. There's generally no mention of the item you're selling or any questions specific to the item.
How do I reply to a Craigslist ad with no contact information? ›
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. To reply anonymously, you need to create a free Web-based email address, which does not contain identifiable information.
Is it safe to text people on Craigslist? ›
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.
How do I know if a Craigslist response is real? ›
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.
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.
Is Craigslist losing popularity? ›
Craigslist's traffic is also falling steadily. In 2019, it was as high as 437 million monthly visits, according to Similarweb; in January this year it was just 173 million. Still impressive, but down more than 60%.
Should you use your real name on Craigslist? ›
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. This creates a random email address, so the poster doesn't have your real email on file.
Does Craigslist hide your email when you reply? ›
Craigslist uses email obfuscation to protect your actual email address from exposure. When you click on the response button in the Craigslist ad, the site generates for you a Craigslist email address. When the other user responds to your message using this address, you receive the message into your real email address.
How do I make sure I am not being scammed on Craigslist? ›
Be familiar with Craigslist
Scammers often create lookalike sites to lure buyers into paying for items that don't exist. Always confirm the URL before finalizing a purchase. Craigslist does not back any transaction on its site. If you're offered purchase protection at a price, you're looking at a scam.
Do people still use Craigslist in 2024? ›
It remains the leading classified service in any medium. In terms of job postings, there are 2 million listings per month, making it a great option for many job seekers.
To identify a scam listing on Craigslist, look for these red flags: prices that are too good to be true, vague or generic item descriptions, poor grammar and spelling in the listing, a sense of urgency to complete the transaction, and requests for personal information or unconventional payment methods.
How do I talk to someone on Craigslist? ›
Contacting Someone on Craigslist
To reply to a Craigslist post, just click the reply button. To use your device's default email app, select the first link. Otherwise, select the web-based email you use (like Gmail or Yahoo) or copy and paste the email address at the bottom of the window into a new email manually.
Should you give your email address on Craigslist? ›
When you use Craigslist to sell or purchase something, you communicate by sending an email to the other person in the transaction. To protect buyer and seller privacy, Craigslist keeps email addresses hidden.
What can a Craigslist scammer do with my email? ›
With just your email address, scammers can:
- Target you with sophisticated phishing emails.
- Find more sensitive information about you — including where you live.
- Attempt to hack into your social media or other online accounts.
- Impersonate you and scam your friends and family.
Can you see who flagged you on Craigslist? ›
Can I Find Out Who Flagged My Craigslist Post? No. While you cannot figure out who exactly flagged your Craigslist post, it is still possible to edit your ad to align itself with Craigslist's Terms of Use to get it live again.
How to identify a Craigslist scammer buyer? ›
Similarly, buyers who ask for personal or financial information or offer to pay more than the asking price for an item are often scams. If something seems suspicious, it's best to walk away and look for a different opportunity.
What does a red flag on Craigslist mean? ›
A Craigslist flag marks Craigslist advertising as inappropriate, and if enough people flag the ad, it will be automatically removed.
Why is Craigslist flagged for removal? ›
To avoid Craigslist ads getting flagged, make sure that your content is unique and original while complying with the website's Terms of Use. For example, in many cases, using images or logos owned by other companies or persons may cause your listing to be removed from the website due to copyright infringement.