How to Stay Safe While Using Craigslist

Craigslist has become a popular online network featuring free classified advertisements. Craigslist caters to job seekers, house hunters, those searching for love and everything in between, but it has also become a breeding ground for identity theft, scams, and violence. Recently a Minnesota woman was murdered after responding to a Craigslist classified ad for a babysitter.

There are a few simple steps you can take to stay safe while using Craigslist:

Create a separate email account
When you are responding to Craigslist listings, use an e-mail account that doesn't have your full name attached to it. This is helpful in preventing identity theft, as well as keeping your personal information safeguarded.

Research
Whether you're meeting someone from Craigslist for coffee or interviewing for a job, a little research goes a long way when it comes to staying safe. Before meeting, ask for references, run a Google search, or dish out some cash and run a criminal record check on an individual. You may be able to spot a scam or a predator before you get too involved.

Use the buddy system
There is safety in numbers. Bring someone along if you are meeting a Craigslist poster for the first time. If you are conducting an interview in your house or selling something from your home, make sure that someone else is in the house with you.

Keep it public
If possible, arrange a Craigslist interview/date/meeting in a public place. Public meetings are safer than private meetings.

Protect your personal information
Don't give away any personal information on Craigslist such as credit card number or social security number. Be wary of providing any personal information over email. Don't give any personal information to a 'company' until you have established that they are legitimate.

Trust your instincts
If something on Craigslist seems like a scam, it probably is. If someone seems shady, they probably are. Your 'gut feeling' is one of the best devices to use to keep yourself safe. Pay attention.

Don't keep a secret
Let a trusted individual know that you are corresponding with someone over Craigslist. Tell them who the individual is, where you are meeting them, what you are meeting them for, and any other relevant information. If anything were to happen, at least one other person would have this vital information to give to authorities.

Craigslist can be a beneficial site if used correctly. So stay smart and stay safe and you can enjoy your time on Craigslist.