Is Craig's List Safe To Use?

[Ghostyis40]

just as it says above, I know allot of people use it so I was wondering what are the in's and out's and do's and don't to using Craig's List? as much advice and help would be welcomed...like how to use that darn site to begin with? lol

 

[Blood Fetish]

It is generally a lot safer if you are the one selling things instead of buying them. Things to avoid are people who want to pay with a check, money order, etc. Take cash.

 

[The Masked Man]

If it's one of those purchases where you drive to their house and picking up the product, then make them test it out first, especially electronics.

 

[AceWarhead]

Do's: Look for local deals, and always have a way to contact them. Have a way to identify the person meeting up, always hesitate on too good deals.
DONT: look for far a way deals, din't jump the gun, ask for the condition and pic of the item being sold.
Source: Experience

 

[godreborn]

I would never trust craigslist. it's the buying equivalent of online dating--extremely foolish!

 

[Blood Fetish]

I would never trust craigslist. it's the buying equivalent of online dating--extremely foolish!

Why is meeting people online foolish in your opinion?

 

[mucus]

i bought a phone off of craigslist, it works great.
but i fully tested it before taking it.

though i usually avoid it... lots of creepers around

 

[DarkAura]

Ask for pics if none are in the post, meet locally, test the product before you buy it if possible and ask for a receipt or proof of purchase if possible. A lot of people unload stolen goods on craigslist too. Avoid wiring money, checks, and used car dealerships

 

[mucus]

naw man, you should TOTALLY wire money to the car dealership which is located in a different country, then they will TOTALLY sell you a car at an amazing price! >_<
I hope you realize I'm kidding.

 

[Sterling]

Do
- Check condition by asking for pictures. If pictures are taken from afar, generally be suspicious because such pictures can be easily doctored, or totally miss a detailed flaw.
- Always buy locally, and always meet in a public place. Sometimes going to someone's house is alright, but it's much more dangerous than meeting publicly.
- When meeting publicly, always bring a buddy or two along.
- When meeting publicly, arrange a signal to know when you've seen the dealer, or your customer.
- Always do a check over the condition of the item in question before you hand payment over.

Don't
- Accept or give anything but cash. The danger of being ripped off increases by leaps and bounds if anything else changes hands.
- Be afraid to back out of the deal if anything seems fishy, or the item in question isn't up to par.

 

[Gahars]

If someone wants the deal to take place in an isolated patch of forest, that probably isn't a good sign.

Otherwise? Yeah, just be smart about it and you should be fine.