Shopping On Craigslist? Be Leery

Online, June 6, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Craigslist is a popular Web site known for its free online classified ads. Unfortunately, this also means the site can contain ads or respondents that are looking to take advantage of online buyers or sellers.

The incidents of Internet scams are rising every day, and Craigslist is certainly not immune. Online identity theft is also rampant, with buyers or sellers claiming to be someone they are not. Before you begin using Craigslist, be sure to prepare with the following tips in order to protect yourself from this type of crime.

• Deal locally with buyers and sellers you can meet in person. This way, you can see the product in person as well as pay for it. You should always pay in cash, so you don't have to pass on any personal information. Be sure to inspect the item before handing over your cash, however.

• Never wire money to a Craigslist seller using wire transfer services. If they request it, move on. It's very likely a scam.

• Never give out financial information, such as bank account or credit card numbers. No matter how much you think you know someone over the Internet, identity fraud is very common. If the seller pushes you to provide this information, get out of the deal pronto.

• Never rent housing without seeing the interior, or purchase items sight unseen. It's very likely that the housing or item for sale don't exist, and the thief will simply take your money and run.

Most scams will involve an inquiry from someone far away, often in another country, and will require a Western Union, Money Gram, cashier's check, money order, shipping, escrow service or a "guarantee." Scammers will also be hesitant, and often refuse, to meet face to face before completing a transaction.

If you think you are being targeted for identity fraud, Internet fraud or an Internet scam, visit the Craigslist site about scams at www.craigslist.org/about/scams.