How to Avoid Scams on Craigslist

Craigslist.org has been around for years now. This is a widely popular site you can find whatever you want here. Anything from getting that perfect job to your next place to call home craigslist has it all. They also have a ton of scam artists that are using this site for their own personal gain. You can be scammed whether you are buying, selling, or even giving something away for free.

Giving Away Stuff for Free

You would think you are doing a good deed when you give away things for free. Maybe helping those less fortunate or even helping yourself by getting rid of your unwanted items. There are people out there that will actually take your items and relist them for a price. Popular things that are being relisted are: any kind of baby products infants up to kids, and animals. People want to find goods homes for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens so they will list them for free, and someone else will take them and sell them.

Always periodically check listings after you give something away for free. If you find something that you gave away, report the user. You can also create another posting warning other people what this person has done.

Selling Your Items

Many have received e-mails about taking a cashier's check, a money order, and even shipping the item to another country. Ninety-nine percent of the time the funds are fake, and you are out of a product. Make sure to always deal locally and if something does not feel right, then it probably isn't.

Buying Items

When buying something always research the item first so that you know exactly how much it is worth. If you can ask to try the product before buying this will work great when looking at any electronics. Take someone with whenever possible, if you are buying a car and have a mechanic as a friend-ask him to tag along. No one wants to get stuck with a lemon especially if you spent all of your hard earned money on it.

Keep in mind safety first when going to someone's house. See if you can arrange a meeting in a local area, or again take someone with you. You are less likely to be a victim if there are two of you instead of just one person.

If you play it safe and look out for scams your craigslist experience can be a great one. There is money to be made and really great deals to be found. There is always that old saying, "One Man's Junk is Another Man's Treasure."