Introduction: How to Protect Yourself When Using Craigslist

Craigslist is a website that allows you to post and view free classified advertisements in your local area. On Craigslist you can buy and view multiple products and services; such as used cars for sale, homes and apartments for rent, available employment opportunities and more. It is a great resource, but it is not without its risks. Revealing too much information about yourself could make you a target for criminals. You can, however, minimize your risk by taking a few simple precautions when creating your ad and dealing with prospective buyers.

Step 1: Omit Any Personal Information About Yourself When You Create Your Craigslist Ad.

Omit any personal information about yourself when you create your Craigslist ad. Do not include your phone number, a permanent email address or anything in photos of your product that someone could use to find your house or place of business.

Here’s my tip:I wanted to sell some furniture on Craigslist last month, but I didn’t feel comfortable publishing my real phone number. My friend suggested I get a phone number from Dingtone and use that. I downloaded the app, got a local Boston phone number and posted the ad. It worked perfectly. All the calls and texts got forwarded to my real cell number. With one phone, I effectively had two phone numbers: the Dingtone number to seamlessly deal with the public and my real phone number for everything else. I sold my furniture and never had to use my real number which makes me feel safer using Craigslist.

Step 2: ​Select “anonymize” Under Your “Reply To” Email Address.

Select “anonymize” under your “Reply to” email address. This will create a random email address which will forward any mail it receives to the email address you provide.

Or you may apply for an extra number at little cost, which can be used to contact buyers. In this way, your personal info will not be disclosed. Dingtone, one of the best VOIP service provider, offers phone numbers at little or even no cost.

Step 3: ​Nerver Meet Prospective Buyers in Your Home.

Nerver meet prospective buyers in your home. Arrange meetings with prospective buyers in a public place. This will reduce the chance of the prospective buyer robbing you and keeps thieves pretending to be interested in buying your merchandise from scouting out your home or place of business for a future crime.