6 WAYS TO AVOID GETTING SCAMMED ON CRAIGSLIST - Acclaim Federal Credit Union (2024)

FAQs

6 WAYS TO AVOID GETTING SCAMMED ON CRAIGSLIST - Acclaim Federal Credit Union? ›

Scammers often use fake sites to lure buyers into paying for items that don't exist. Always check the URL before finalizing a purchase. 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.

Scammers often use fake sites to lure buyers into paying for items that don't exist. Always check the URL before finalizing a purchase. 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.

What can a Craigslist scammer do with my phone number? If a Craigslist scammer has your phone number and gets you to verify a code sent to that number, they can use it to open a Google Voice account. With that account, they can continue running scams using your phone number.

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.

If you Google their name and don't find much, you could be dealing with a scammer. Their social media accounts look suspicious. Look for anything that feels off, such as a low friend count, no recent posts, or only the same photos as on the dating site. They may appear to have an overwhelming intensity.

By and large, credit cards are easily the most secure and safe payment method to use when you shop online. Credit cards use online security features like encryption and fraud monitoring to keep your accounts and personal information safe.

What is the best payment method for Craigslist? ›

Use cash — safely

If you're dealing with a local, the most secure way to pay or collect funds for a Craigslist transaction is with cash. To keep it even more secure, you can make the exchange in a safe place like your local police station or even at Acclaim FCU.

Scammers and hackers can use your phone number in numerous ways to compromise your data. If you think a phone number is only a means of communication, think again. Some criminals use cell phone numbers to impersonate others, steal private information, and access financial benefits.

Craigslist provides a "cover" email address that is forwarded to the recipient's actual email address. Only Craigslist knows the real email addresses of both parties. This way, if one of the people involved turns out to be untrustworthy, they don't have the other person's email address.

Once scammers have your email address and associated information, they can: Target you with sophisticated phishing emails. Your email address can be used to track down personal information like your phone number, where you bank, what online services you use, and even your home and work address.

Craigslist blocks number written more than one time, so when someone has more than two ads, they spell out the rest.

Don't share personal details. Never disclose your personal or financial information to strangers online. There is no need for your Craigslist contact to know your bank account number, home address, or date of birth. You might share your cell phone number with someone you are meeting in person, but not more.

There are several things that a scammer can do with your address and phone number, which is why you should always be wary when someone asks for this information if you're not sure who they are or what they want. Identity theft is one of the main reasons someone might ask for this information.

Scammers can use your cell phone number to blackmail you. If they gain access to sensitive information, such as videos or photos you don't want to be made public, they can threaten to release them. They will ask for a ransom to return the data back to you.