FAQs
What are the most common signs of a rental scam? Rental scams often have listings with prices that seem too good to be true. They might pressure you to make quick decisions, ask for rent or deposit without a signed lease, or avoid meeting in person.
What is the best payment method for Craigslist? ›
In almost all cases, you are best off accepting cash for a Craigslist sale. Personal checks can bounce, and scammers can fake cashier's checks and money orders.
How do you know if a buyer is scamming you on Craigslist? ›
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. There is no such thing as a Craigslist voicemail service. If a contact asks you to access or check your “Craigslist voicemails,” you're dealing with a scammer.
When you reply to Craigslist, does it show your email? ›
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.
How to make sure a Craigslist ad is real? ›
If you're offered purchase protection at a price, you're looking at a scam.
- Deal locally. ...
- Examine the product before finalizing a sale. ...
- Don't accept or send a cashier's check, certified check or money order as payment. ...
- Use cash — safely. ...
- Don't share your personal information.
Why do people post fake rentals on Craigslist? ›
People post fake rental ads on Craigslist because they are scammers and are looking for easy money. Plus, some potential renters who may be looking for a new home may be a little desperate as well, because everyone needs a place to live in, of course.
Should I use Venmo for Craigslist? ›
If you are a seller, you're taking a significant risk by accepting Venmo payments. Remember, Venmo says you shouldn't use the app for informal sales, like Craigslist or Facebook market. The company can reverse Venmo payments you receive after they hit your account.
Is Zelle safe for Craigslist? ›
Is Zelle safe for Craigslist? It can be. Zelle makes sending payments fast, but they may not refund you if you're scammed on Zelle while trying to buy something on Craigslist.
Should you accept PayPal on Craigslist? ›
Craiglist Safety Tips for Sellers
Request cash payment when exchanging in person. If you're shipping your item, use a service such as PayPal for more security. Never accept a money order; this is usually a scam.
Why do people on Craigslist want your phone number? ›
Scammers are now responding to ads but tricking sellers into thinking they are busy at work and can't talk until later. Instead of leaving you with a contact number, they request you enter your phone number into a website that “stores information” for them. Don't fall for it!
A buyer contacts a seller to purchase an item. The scammer pretends to be interested in buying the item and asks the seller to provide them with a “secret code” that was sent to their phone via a text message. The scammer claims that they need this code to verify the seller's identity and proceed with the transaction.
How can you tell a fake buyer? ›
Fortunately, there are warning signs to watch for.
- The buyer is foreign. ...
- The buyer is unavailable. ...
- The buyer gives you too much information. ...
- The buyer is eager. ...
- The buyer makes a mistake. ...
- The investor uses sketchy advertising. ...
- The investor is unprofessional. ...
- The investor has no references.
How do I reply to a Craigslist buyer? ›
Click on “Reply” located at the top-left corner of the Craigslist post. A floating menu with a list of email options will display on-screen.
How to stay anonymous on Craigslist? ›
Type your email address in the Reply To box. Type your email address again in the box next to the Reply To box. Then click "Anonymize" to make your post anonymous.
Does Craigslist hide both emails? ›
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 to tell if Craigslist vacation rental is legitimate? ›
Check property records for the actual property owner's information. If possible, contact them. Google the address, you may find a different for sale or for rent ad, contact the listing agent. If the rent is too low, it's probably a scam.
Are there fake listings on apartments com? ›
Note: We cannot guarantee 100% accuracy of listings submitted to Apartments.com, but we do monitor the site to create a safe marketplace for all. But if you come across a suspicious listing, we want to know!
How do I flag a fake Craigslist ad? ›
Craigslist Scam Alert
If you suspect that an item posted for sale on Craigslist may be part of a scam, please e-mail the details to abuse@craigslist.org. Be sure to include the URL (or 10-digit post ID number) in your message. Please use the “spam” flag link in the top right corner of a spam posting.
How do I respond to an apartment ad 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.