how to track down a craigslist scammer

Flag Listings Directly on Craigslist or via Email Reply If you're communicating with a Craigslist user and suspect they're a scammer, you can flag their listing directly on Craigslist or their email reply from the email message you receive. To flag a listing, select the flag icon at the top of the page.

1. How do you know if someone is scamming you on Craigslist?
2. What can a Craigslist scammer do with my phone number?
3. What do I do if I get scammed on Craigslist?
4. Can you get scammed on Craigslist?
5. Should I give my address to someone on Craigslist?
6. Can someone use your cell number without you knowing?
7. What can a scammer do with just your phone number?
8. How can you identify a scammer?
9. How do I get even with a scammer?
10. What can scammer do with my name and address?
11. What is the safest way to accept payment on Craigslist?

How do you know if someone is scamming you on Craigslist?

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.

What can a Craigslist scammer do with my phone number?

Don't believe everything you hear. Scammers are now responding to ads but tricking sellers into thinking they are busy at work and can't talk until later. Instead of leaving you with a contact number, they request you enter your phone number into a website that “stores information” for them. Don't fall for it!

What do I do if I get scammed on Craigslist?

If you're a victim of a Craigslist scam, you may want to get in touch with your local police department. It can pursue criminal charges and possibly help you recover any money or items that were stolen.

Can you get scammed on Craigslist?

Be familiar with Craigslist

Scammers often create lookalike sites to lure buyers into paying for items that don't exist. Always confirm the URL before finalizing a purchase. Craigslist does not back any transaction on its site. If you're offered purchase protection at a price, you're looking at a scam.

Should I give my address to someone on Craigslist?

If you live in an apartment, give your address but not your apartment number and meet the buyer outside first. (If you live in a house, you can meet them outside anyway.) In the event that you meet them and they're making you very uncomfortable, send them on your way and go back inside.

Can someone use your cell number without you knowing?

If someone steals your phone number, they become you — for all intents and purposes. With your phone number, a hacker can start hijacking your accounts one by one by having a password reset sent to your phone. They can trick automated systems — like your bank — into thinking they're you when you call customer service.

What can a scammer do with just your phone number?

Scammers can also use your phone number to send you malicious text messages. This type of scam is called “smishing,” according to Ray Wallsh, digital privacy expert at ProPrivacy.

How can you identify a scammer?

Know what to look for

1. you don't know contacts you out of the blue.
2. you've never met in person asks for money.
3. asks you to pay for something or to give them money through unusual payment methods such as gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrencies.

How do I get even with a scammer?

In fact, some people make a game of getting even with or even getting ahead of the scammers by carrying out what's known as "scambaiting."
...
Follow these simple rules:

1. If it's an email, just delete it.
2. If it's a phone call, just hang up. Don't speak and don't argue. ...
3. If you receive a threat, tell the police.

What can scammer do with my name and address?

Ideally with your name and address, they would probably send you mail that attempts to scam you. For example, they might send you a check but will require you to do something in order to receive that money. If this scammer is very sophisticated they can get your life's story with that information alone.

What is the safest way to accept payment on Craigslist?

Follow Craigslist's recommendations about safe transactions to avoid scams and secure a payment from an honest buyer.

1. Provide specific details about your purchase requirements in your post. ...
2. Meet in person with your buyer. ...
3. Accept cash only, even for large purchases.