How Do I Reply to Craigslist Emails Anonymously? (2024)

Craigslist offers an anonymous email to advertisers on the site, so they do not have to reveal their real email address. All replies sent to this anonymous email is forwarded to their actual email. This extra steps prevents others from having access to a poster's real address. Unfortunately, no such protection exists for those replying to posts. 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.

  1. 1.

    Go to a free Web-based email service, such as Gmail, Yahoo! Mail or Hotmail.

  2. 2.

    Choose to create a new account and follow the service's instructions. When creating your username, which is usually the first part of the email address, avoid using any identifiable information, especially your real name.

  3. 3.

    Go to Craigslist.org and locate the ad you want.

  4. 4.

    Click and drag your mouse over the email address to highlight the entire address.

  5. 5.

    Hold the "Ctrl" key and press "C" to copy the address.

  6. 6.

    Return to your new Web-based email account, choose to compose a new email and click in the "To" field. Hold the "Ctrl" key and press "V" to paste the address in the field.

  7. 7.

    Compose your email and click "Send" to send your email anonymously.

How Do I Reply to Craigslist Emails Anonymously? (2024)

FAQs

How Do I Reply to Craigslist Emails Anonymously? ›

Unfortunately, no such protection exists for those replying to posts. 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.

Does replying to a Craigslist email work? ›

If you chose to reply using your default email client or webmail service, Craigslist will automatically paste the reply-to address into the “To” field. If you chose to copy and paste the reply-to address into an alternate email program, open your email client and copy/paste the reply-to address into the “To” field.

How to spot fake Craigslist responses? ›

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.

Can Craigslist buyers see my email? ›

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.

Does Craigslist show my name? ›

Your email is anonymized as a seller responding to a Craigslist email, but the name field is not. PLEASE NOTE: The “real name” field (e.g. Jane Doe) in your email program is passed through to the recipient. Any contact information in the body of your message will pass through unaltered.

How do I reply to a Craigslist email anonymously? ›

Unfortunately, no such protection exists for those replying to posts. 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.

Should you use your personal email for Craigslist? ›

Always use a proxy email address or phone number

Craigslist provides proxy email addresses to sellers, and it's a good idea to use them so browsers can't spam your actual email address.

What can a Craigslist scammer do with my email? ›

With just your email address, scammers can:
  • Target you with sophisticated phishing emails.
  • Find more sensitive information about you — including where you live.
  • Attempt to hack into your social media or other online accounts.
  • Impersonate you and scam your friends and family.

Can you see who flagged you on Craigslist? ›

Can I Find Out Who Flagged My Craigslist Post? No. While you cannot figure out who exactly flagged your Craigslist post, it is still possible to edit your ad to align itself with Craigslist's Terms of Use to get it live again.

What percentage of Craigslist ads are fake? ›

Craigslist Fake Listings Are 1.5% of All Posts | Money.

Does Craigslist keep your email private? ›

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.

Should you put your phone number on Craigslist? ›

Scammers are getting pretty sneaky and are collecting personal phone numbers through Craigslist Ads. Case in point, when you're placing an ad or responding to an ad, avoid using your personal phone number to communicate with buyers or sellers.

Can a Craigslist ad be traced? ›

It is important to remember that even if you post something on Craigslist anonymously, law enforcement may still be able to trace the content back to you.

How can you tell if someone is real on Craigslist? ›

If a seller encourages you to send a down payment or any form of money before receiving your item, this is a strong indication that they are trying to scam buyers. Some Craigslist scammers may ask you to send money to a foreign address because they “have suddenly been stationed overseas,” or something similar.

How do I sell anonymously 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.

Why do Craigslist buyers ask for a phone number? ›

You list an item and get an immediate response from a potential buyer. The “buyer” claims to be very interested in your item, but they want to make sure you are legitimate first. The scammer asks for your phone number, so they can text you a verification code.

How does Craigslist email relay work? ›

CL Mail Relay

craigslist creates a randomized custom email address for each posting. Use your email program as you normally would. Please note: The “real name” field (e.g. Jane Doe) in your email program is visible to the recipient.

How do I reply to a Craigslist job ad? ›

To respond to a job listing on Craigslist you must email the poster. You can navigate to the email from the job posting. In your email, you should introduce yourself, express your interest in the job, and briefly touch on the skills, experience, and qualifications that you possess.

Can you see how many people viewed your Craigslist ad? ›

While there is no accurate way of tracking views on your Craigslist ads without violating Craigslist's rules, that's totally fine because views are not what you should be worried about anyway.

Do you get messages on Craigslist? ›

Craigslist has a messaging system that allows buyers to contact sellers directly through the platform without revealing personal email addresses. If you've created your posting through a Craigslist account, log in to your account and check the "Messages" or "Inbox" section to see if there are any responses there.

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