There’s a better option.It’s called SafeTrade. Here’s how it works:
And there’s no charge for the service. See also Where to Trade and How to Tradefor important tips on staying safe when buying and selling on Craigslist and other online marketplaces where you meet in person to trade. By the way, the idea for SafeTrade originally came from a Milwaukee, Wis., police officer, Lisa Saffold. She first suggested it in 2012 in interviews after a series of robberies connected with transactions initiated on Craigslist. |
FAQs
Where is the safest place to meet for Craigslist? ›
If meeting with a Craigslist contact to buy or sell a small item, take along a buddy and meet in a public place. Where should you meet for a Craigslist transaction? Coffee shops, shopping centers or even the parking lot of the local police station are all possibilities.
Where to meet when selling online? ›A safer place to meet
SafeTradeSpots are designated locations at law enforcement offices where buyers and sellers can meet in public under surveillance to complete in-person transactions. There's no charge for the service. Use the SafeTradeSpot Locator to find a location in your area.
There are some common Craigslist scams that you can spot quickly and avoid once you are familiar with how they work.
- Middleman scam. It's a common scam in the rental industry. ...
- Escrow fraud. ...
- Job scams. ...
- Email recovery scams. ...
- Buyer scams. ...
- Seller scams.
Jan 10, 2024
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.
What is the best way to accept payment on 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.
The best alternative to Craigslist, in our opinion, is Offer Up. The app offers a robust array of listings, is easy to use, includes a verified account feature, and includes buyer ratings. Other worthy alternatives to Craigslist include Facebook Marketplace, Locanto, Mercari, and Recycler.
Is Venmo safe for Craigslist? ›If you are a seller, you're taking a significant risk by accepting Venmo payments. Remember, Venmo says you shouldn't use the app for informal sales, like Craigslist or Facebook market. The company can reverse Venmo payments you receive after they hit your account.
Can I trust people on Craigslist? ›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.