Can people really make money on Craigslist.org?
I’ve heard of so many scams online. Isn’t Craigslist just another?
What are things new users on Craigslist need to be aware of?
Good questions! Craigslist is a “practically” FREE classified ad website where I can list and sell products, services, resumes, etc. Personally I think Craigslist is AMAZING for people looking to start an online business: it gives them a taste of how easily they can connect with buyers and move products they deemed as junk.
Recently I listed a car to sell on Craigslist.org. I’ve received quite a few calls, multiple legitimate emails, and finally this email, which I thought you all should be aware of:
Have you received emails like this when listing on Craigslist?
From: jimmy ralph <jimmyreal001@gmail.com>
Hello,
Good Morning I saw the advert of your item on the website and i decided to make enquiries about the item , the present condition is ok by me , and i will like to know if it needs any adjustment,.i will like you to get back to me with your full details where the check will be mailed out to such as follow.Full name that will be on the check.
Your full address okay not p.o.box.
And your state and city and zipcode
Telephone number.i will like you to get back to me with all this information so that you can get the check this week without any delay and i will like you to know that the payment will also comprise of the shipping fund and when the check clears in your bank then my shipping company will come for the pick up okay.
Thanks .
Now the red-flags:
- Order by check: can you say “BOUNCE” or “Counterfeit”? As Craigslist recommends in it’s terms -
NEVER WIRE FUNDS VIA WESTERN UNION, MONEYGRAM or any other wire service – anyone who asks you to do so is a scammer.
FAKE CASHIER CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS ARE COMMON, and BANKS WILL CASH THEM AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE when the fake is discovered weeks later.(source)
- Never mentions the actual product: “…I saw the advert of your item on the website…i decided to make enquiries about the item…” – What did this client really want to purchase from me, that’s the question. If, in the email, they don’t ask questions, talk about specifics, etc., it’s probably an automated or form letter.
- Shipping: Craigslist warns of this multiple times too -
DEAL LOCALLY WITH FOLKS YOU CAN MEET IN PERSON – follow this one simple rule and you will avoid 99% of the scam attempts on craigslist.
AVOID DEALS INVOLVING SHIPPING OR ESCROW SERVICES and know that ONLY A SCAMMER WILL “GUARANTEE” YOUR TRANSACTION.
Here’s an example of a legit Craigslist email:
We are interested in looking at your car, if it is still available. Please email us and give us more details, or a phone number and we’ll give you a call. Our number is 801-xxx-xxxx.Thank you!(their first and last names)
Craigslist is a great way to make quick money online. It’s local, no shipping fees, no listing fees, free for practically everything.
How have you seen success with Craigslist?
Related posts:
About Nate
Check out this one I got:
Dear Friend,
Let me start by introducing myself,I am Mr Tony George the Bill and Exchange Manager of Bank of Africa Burkina faso.
I am writting you this letter based on the latest development at my Department which I will like to bring to your personal edification.($18.5million transfer claims).
This is a legitimate transaction and I agreed to offer you 40% of this money as my foreign partner after confirmation of the fund in your bank account, If you are interested,get back to me immediately for more details,
Best Regards,
Mr Tony George
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Jordan
Watch for these people..they almost got me..found them on the rip off report when it sounded too good to be true……………………….The amount on the check is $1800 am using the excess on the payment to offset the cost of the various shipments my mover has under taken on my behalf.Now you have the check with you take it to your Bank and have it cashed,you then deduct your own money and also a extra $50 for your running around expenses so you will be sending the rest to the shipper via western union today so pick up can be schedule as soon as email gbolike103@gmail.com..mind you, if u cash the check YOU pay it back
Just got one written EXACTLY like that today. I felt it was like those ‘second chance’ emails you’d get from scammers on Ebay. They’re everywhere, with the economy the way it is and people desperate for cash and using resources other than local newspapers, I think there’ll be another round of people posting and warning about them. I just take it for what it is and focus on selling to legit users, they’re out there, just getting harder to find or get the cash when supply outweighs demand…
I received a letter offering a job online, with the same kind of format. I’m glad I read this article first!
Thanks.
I have got an article for sale on Ebay Australia at the moment and I have had 2 emails where people have said can you drop it somewhere and having read your experiences I now think they could have been scammers cos they never got back to me via my Ebay message inbox and ebay also sent me an email stating that I could not sell it in that way that it was against their policy and I couldnt work out why. Now I know why
Glad this article helped.
Hi my name is Claude and I am in Australia. Is Craigslist open to international customers? I would say from what you have told your students as I am one of them and have been a part of the programe for just 1 day so far, it is not possible for me to use Craigslist, or is it?
Hey Claude,
Yes, it is possible to use Craigslist in Austrailia. Just go to your country and location when you get to the home page of Craigslist.
Keep me posted on your suceess!
Thanks for the advise. I am sure to run into scammers.
I don’t even open e-mails anymore unless I know who they are from.
Colette
Listed several items and as you said there are alot of scammers. Have had 5 ligit people who leave there names and have sold 3 items. Am listing more today.
Thanks for the article.
While looking for work I found a shopping site that sounded good. After giving them my name and address they sent me a check for the $1800.00 more than they promised and asked me to cash the check and send them the $1800.00 via western union back. The letter was stamped Canada and I reported them to the Canadian postal officials, the us post office, the state and the us attorney generals office and the bbb.
Never never send money via western union.