When you use Craigslist to sell or purchase something, you communicate by sending an email to the other person in the transaction. To protect buyer and seller privacy, Craigslist keepsemail addresses hidden. However, even with this security system, you might want to take additional precautions when responding to emails from Craigslist.
How Contacting Someone on Craigslist Works
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.
When buying or selling items on Craigslist, you communicate through the website, using this two-way email relay.
How to Email Someone on Craigslist
When you reply to a post (that is, someone has something for sale that you want to buy), you’ll see an address that looks like: abcde-0123456789@sale.craigslist.org.
Craigslist gives you the option of copying and pasting this email address into an email application that you will open on your own, or you can click one of the provided links to automatically open your email account.
Proxy Email Address
When you receive an email in response to an ad you posted, you’ll see an address that looks like: rcc9la26d76a03514c34f9200@reply.craigslist.org. Although the sender used their real email account to contact you, the proxy email address hides their real email address.
When posting an ad, always use the Craigslist proxy email address. Additionally, use only your first name in the Contact Name field.
Protect Your Privacy With an Alternate Email Address
When you communicate using the proxy email address, your real name still shows up, as does signature data, such as your company name and phone number. If you're concerned about your privacy, consider using a free alternate email address specifically for purchases.
Part of the reason Craigslist uses the proxy email system is to prevent scams and the distribution of your private information. But it can only do so much. Do your part by not clicking links within any email you receive unless you trust the sender. Scammers can doctor emails to look like they’re from a particular sender, such as Craigslist—so when in doubt, always contact the sender through Craigslist to verify.
Additionally, once you’re in contact with a buyer or seller, you may want to exchange mobile numbers to make the transaction easier.While the majority of Craigslist users are trustworthy, go with your instincts before offering your mobile number. Also, remember to use personal security habits like meeting in a neutral, public location, such as a coffee shop or grocery store parking lot.
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.
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.
Respond to the email you receive with your dedicated Craigslist email address. Limit personal information, such your address or phone number, in an email response. You can handily deal with an interested party or even a confirmed buyer without initially divulging this information.
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.
Make sure the post you are responding to is still active by refreshing the page. If the recipient has opted out of the conversation, you will no longer be able to email that address. Try sending your message again with less content, fewer or no attachments, and reduced file sizes.
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.
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.
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.
You can reply to any post on Craigslist — just click the "reply" button at the top left of a post, and complete the Captcha puzzle if you're asked to. Some Craigslist listings will offer a phone contact to call or text, though most listings will only offer an email contact.
To protect buyer and seller privacy, Craigslist keeps email addresses hidden. However, even with this security system, you might want to take additional precautions when responding to emails from Craigslist.
If you are using a free email account (like Hotmail and Yahoo), make sure you have not exceeded your mailbox storage limit, and check your bulk/junk/spam mail folder(s).
However, you cannot create a Craigslist ad without providing your email address. But you can make your email address anonymous using Craigslist's ad creation settings. This hides your identity from those responding to your ad.
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.
It is best never to trust someone on Craigslist fully to avoid the risks of encountering a scam. However, certain signs can suggest whether the person is a genuine buyer or seller. Most Craigslist scammers will not agree to meet in person. Instead, even local sellers will prefer shipping.
Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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