Scams on Craigslist

[b.heagy]

Is there anything you can do about being scammed on Craigslist? Any protection at all?

[Mauer7]

Only if you paid by paypal with your credit card. Otherwise, no.

[b.heagy]

How about filing a complaint with the perps local police department?

[Mauer7]

You could try, but in my experiences, they say its too hard to prove. And unless its a significant amount of money, they wont bother.

[b.heagy]

Thanks for the info. This makes for a SH!#Y first experience.

[yanks12025]

There's nothing you can do. I lost $610 on craigslist and the person's local police did not even return my phone call or anything.

[b.heagy]

partnered a deal for a lot of cards with a two friends of mine and paid with a money order. I dont use craigslist, went on what was presented to me. Live and learn.

[suicide_squeeze]

Bill,

Did you have local police check out the address you mailed the money order to? Care to share the address with us? If it's in my vicinity, I'd be happy to pay them a visit. I have police in the family. I'm in Los Angeles.

Let me know,

Steve

[b.heagy]

Steve,
Thanks for the offer. PO Box in Michigan. I have a few more tricks up my sleeve yet. Not exactly over yet but doesnt look good.

[Lokee]

Craigslist has plenty of warnings on almost every page about dealing LOCALLY and not sending money to people via money order etc...

You can sidestep would-be scammers by following these common-sense rules:

• DEAL LOCALLY WITH FOLKS YOU CAN MEET IN PERSON - follow this one simple rule and you will avoid 99% of the scam attempts on craigslist.
• NEVER WIRE FUNDS VIA WESTERN UNION, MONEYGRAM or any other wire service - anyone who asks you to do so is a scammer.
• FAKE CASHIER CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS ARE COMMON, and BANKS WILL CASH THEM AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE when the fake is discovered weeks later.
• CRAIGSLIST IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY TRANSACTION, and does not handle payments, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer "buyer protection" or "seller certification"
• NEVER GIVE OUT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (bank account number, social security number, eBay/PayPal info, etc.)
• AVOID DEALS INVOLVING SHIPPING OR ESCROW SERVICES and know that ONLY A SCAMMER WILL "GUARANTEE" YOUR TRANSACTION.

Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts?

• FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
• FTC online complaint form
• Canadian PhoneBusters hotline: 888-495-8501
• Competition Bureau Canada: 800-348-5358
• Internet Fraud Complaint Center
• Software Piracy (http://www.siia.net/piracy/report.asp)
• Non-emergency number for your local police department.

If you suspect that an item posted for sale on craigslist may be part of a scam, please email the details to "abuse@craigslist.org". Be sure to include the URL (or 10-digit post ID number) in your message.