Craigslist provides classifieds at local level as well as varied forums through which interested parties may be able to acquire varied information from different platforms or ventures. Time has however seen varied scammers use this forum in order to make the most off unaware victims.
The varied scams through which one is able to succumb to Craigslist fraudsters are as follows;
- Home and Apartment Rental Scams
It is usually the task of the real estate agent to undertake the relevant procedures for home seekers to be able to acquire their own apartments. If these particular experts are unavailable then the other alternatives to be avoided include the likes of the fake landlord, the middleman and the unreliable renter. These three would post the photos of non-existent apartments and state quite an unimaginable price that would attract the prospect victim.
- Car Buying and Selling Scams
Scammers tend to offer luring charges for their commodities that usually go for more expensive alternatives. At Craigslist however the low prices are usually the order of the day thus the haste is what separates the legit from the fraudsters. The urgency employed by the scammers should be able to send the warning signals to the unsuspecting victims as time goes by to take extreme precaution.
- Ticket Scams
The Craigslist offers all the varied tickets for varied events that may just be unavailable yet be sort by different interested parties. Such tickets range from those to concerts and shows to even air tickets. Scams have therefore been able to utilize this platform so as to acquire real payments for fake tickets that might have never been any where close to the real thing.
- Escrow Fraud
This scam usually involves the fraudsters posing as intermediaries who would hold the money paid for a certain commodity to be first of all delivered then the payments acquired. The intermediaries are also referred to as Escrow firms but not all are guaranteed to be legitimate thus the possibility of the Escrow fraud becoming a likely occurrence.
- Fake Craigslist Guarantee
Thanks to diverse computer experts, scammers have been able to pose as legitimate guarantors assuring buyers of the scammers’ intentions being legitimate to facilitate the execution of a fraud. The buyer would therefore feel secure while transacting in the fraud process that will deprive them of their money unexpectedly without trace.
- Job Scams
This majorly involves the job seekers who may resort to the web for comforting results to their efforts. Scammers however capitalize on such desperation in order to attain easy money. It is therefore advisable not to accept any conditions that may require the potential employer suggesting financial transactions or favors whatsoever.
- Fake Craigslist Domain
It is recommended that one ascertains whether the site they may be in is the real thing or just a copy of the actual domain. There is the legit website URL whose alternatives tend to be nothing close or related to the actual site.
- Excess Charges on Varied Commodities and Services
There are the precise rates charged both online and in from the actual business premises thus certain scammers may decide to charge more than required. This way, such kind may act as the broker by demanding more than is expected of the buyer.
- Acting Scam
As part of the service industries, the Craigslist also provides opportunities for locals to be able to acquire chances to try out their prowess or be involved in the acting profession. It may be for adverts or simply passing of information, thus the scammers may guarantee their victims and acquire some amount while offering them nothing in return.
- Scam Email tactic
This is intended to ensure that the original information never achieves the required purpose but instead distorted to the benefit of the fraudsters. It would then be able to facilitate certain actions that may have not been required of the involved victims.
- Classified Ads Scam
So long as the details required of the victim seem to be detailed and involving personal information then that should serve as an advance warning and precaution must be taken.
- Free Furniture Scam
This normally witnesses the affected being vandalized in various ways with the most extreme being that of being raided from one’s home, just because the deal offered seemed too good for caution to be taken.
- Cell phone Trickery Scam
This features the scams providing unreliable lines through which their victims may be able to contact the presumed sellers or the owners of the services or commodity sort.
- Student Roommates scam
Many students resort to the Craigslist for hostels or accommodations at relatively cheaper rates. The students affected by this scam are both from the local and international community who submit their payments to undisclosed agents claiming to be able to facilitate the relevant transactions involved.
Readers, protect your money by becoming more vigilant while dealing with Craigslist ads. A lot of people suffered and you do not wan to be the next victim. Take every precaution and prevent your money and your pride going down the drain.
Gift card scam. I bought gift cards to Kohls from a seller via craigslist and when I tried to use them, I learnt the balance was nil. Kohls takes three days to update the balance on the phone verification system, which is what I used to verify the balance at the time of purchase.
So be aware if you are buying a gift card via craigslist.Esp if the discount is steep.
Wow! I’ve never heard of most of these. Rohit beat me to one that I’ve encountered. Theme park tickets. People will sell used tickets as new and because they’re just a scanned barcode, you don’t know until you’re at the park.
Very useful information. I try to buy used items whenever possible. It’s a matter of principle with me to reuse, recycle, and repurpose. Also, buying used is a way to meet needs more frugally. However, buying used does make one vulnerable to cheats. I have seen the Craigslist apartment rental scheme in action: I have a relative who is struggling with two part time jobs in an area of very high rent. He nearly fell for rental offer that was too good to be true. However, I had no idea that were so many more fraudulent schemes. I’ll be on my guard more than ever.
Ugh I hate looking through the job boards, clicking on one that sounds interesting, and then realizing afterwards that it’s unpaid or that it’s just a bogus gig. I am definitely one of those people who flag posts that are scammy.
It amazes me that what is really just an online version of classified ads can cause so much havoc by being misused.
I used to feel free to list items for sale in the local paper. I don’t feel so free to list them on craigslist…. and it is a shame.
Scammers are social evils and I also got scammed by a telemarketer. He asked me to give him my credit or bank account details so I can get free shipment of cell phone within 3 days. But after 3 days cell phone was not delivered to my house and I can’t even get my money back.
It’s incredible just how many scams there are! Thanks for sharing this information. I have to admit I have been a victim of a job scam before. As a matter-of-fact I had a full on interview with a company that acquired most of my information (minus my social#) and when I went to visit them to see whether I was hired or not, the company was gone, all the furniture, everything. I have kept an eye on my finances ever since. That is exactly why I don’t give out my social unless I know I’m going to get the job.
Job scams are getting very scary these days. I had a friend that got talked into doing some work and she didn’t even get paid because it was a scam.
Pam