Craigslist Capers and Confoundings

Craigslist has unlimited entertainment potential. It makes the news all the time for unwittingly accepting ads for goods and services that really push the envelope in terms of legality. So it really did not surprise me at all when I read a Craigslist ad with the heading, "Crime Pays!" The text, which I admit I have abridged, was as follows: "In a deflating economy and rising crime, more and more people are looking for what we have to offer... we are looking for motivated, clean cut, well spoken individuals who are hungry for success ... come and get in at the ground floor and get paid what you deserve." And to sweeten the deal, the "job" offers "full benefits," "full training," (what kind of training would that be??), "paid weekly," and "full support to reach your goals." If you've always wanted to be a career criminal, here's your big chance! Training included! Floor plans of banks and semi-automatic weapons thrown in free of charge!

This is not the first time I have seen a dicey jobs ad on Craigslist. There was the ad seeking a legal assistant that appeared to be a money-laundering scheme. Even better was the financial services firm looking for clerical help with an MBA! Granted, Craigslist is not responsible for vouching for the accuracy of these ads, and in its "Avoiding Frauds and Scams" section it advises, "Craigslist is not involved in any transaction, and does not ... guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer 'buyer protection' or 'seller certification.' " But it certainly seems to attract some very colorful racketeers.

The best Craigslist ads are the ones where you're not really even sure what they're advertising for. Like the one for the "Spring Slam!!! Hiring Event - Immediate Openings!" Okay - so far, so good. Tell me more: "Company expansion for Fun and Exciting People who want to make it Big for 2010." Unfortunately, at this point the advertiser has already tipped his or her hand - English is clearly not the native language here, never a good sign. They're going to expand their company just for me? Well, I'll be right over, then! Even worse, it's followed by, "Make $800+ / weekly + Rapid Advancement After 90 Days!!!!" Just the random capitalization alone is enough cause for alarm.

And I will Leave You with This gem And this Advice: Never, ever answer an ad with a headline you can't understand. Check this out: "$50+ Millionaires Produced? Final Expense Life Agents Leads In-House." The text of the ad is no clearer, unfortunately. It's a sales position, but it is not clear whether "health/dental" applies to benefits for the salesperson, or whether that is the product being sold. And the "exotic trips" part of it is really intriguing.

In short, they're hiding in the bushes waiting for you with clubs. Proceed cautiously. And ask questions, lots of questions. Otherwise you will end up either robbing a bank or on an exotic trip selling health/dental insurance or final expense something-or-other (with leads provided, of course). Beware!

Sources:

Personal experience

www.craigslist.org