how to conduct craigslist transaction lawyer

What is the best way to pay someone on Craigslist?

Payment. The best form of payment in most cases, according to Craigslist, is cash, since you can verify the amount on the spot. Also, if you're equipped with a fake money detector pen you can immediately determine if larger bills are counterfeit. Craigslist warns against accepting money orders and cashier's checks,...

What are some tips for selling on Craigslist?

Never give out any personal or financial information to anyone requesting it online via Craigslist. Always meet in person and deal in cash or use a secured/proxied form of payment such as PayPal so you don't have to reveal your credit information to the seller.

Does Craigslist accept money orders&cashier's checks?

Craigslist warns against accepting money orders and cashier's checks, since scammers have often made fake versions of these -- leaving the seller without their merchandise and their money when the bank won't cash the checks or money orders. Craigslist also advises against using wire services like Western Union and MoneyGram.

How do you deal with scammers on Craigslist?

Shop Local When Possible. Craigslist recommends that you "Deal locally with folks you can meet in person". This is a good rule of thumb since many scammers won't risk meeting you in person and won't waste the resources needed to do so.

How do I handle a transaction on Craigslist?

7 Tips for Staying Safe on CraigslistMake sure the transaction is worth your time.Always use a proxy email address.Plan details in advance.Meet in public and bring a friend.Stay safe when a buyer comes to your house.Accept cash only.Trust your instincts when vetting buyers.

What happens if you buy something on Craigslist and it doesn't work?

The short answer is YES, you can get your money back or make the seller make the item come up to snuff, legally, but, the cost of making that happen may be prohibitive in the real world.

How do you protect purchases on Craigslist?

7 Ways to Protect Yourself When You Buy and Sell on CraigslistUse cash. ... Only deal with local people, in person. ... Meet your buyer or seller in a secure location. ... Sellers: Don't let a buyer overpay and don't agree to unusual payment scenarios. ... Buyers: If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably a scam.More items...•

Are sales final on Craigslist?

If it's been some time or if it's not in the same condition as when he took it I'd definitely say all sales are final.

What can you do if you get scammed on Craigslist?

Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts? If you are defrauded by someone you met in person, contact your local police department. If you suspect that a craigslist post may be connected to a scam, please send us the details.

What can you do if you get scammed out of money?

Report the scam to the FTC online, or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, ET). The FTC accepts complaints about most scams, including these popular ones: Phone calls. Emails.

Does Craigslist offer buyer protection?

Craigslist does not offer buyer protection, period, so you can safely assume that any offer of such a service is fraudulent. Report the offending listing to Craigslist right away. After all, it certainly qualifies as a violation of Craigslist's terms of service, if not U.S. law.

What is the safest way to accept payment on Craigslist?

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.

Does PayPal protect against Craigslist purchases?

Items delivered or picked up in person are not covered under PayPal's seller protection policy, however, they do cover items that are shipped with proof of shipment and online shipment tracking information. Scammers bank on you believing every transaction is covered. “And they'll say, 'do you have a PayPal account?

What can I do if someone sold me something that doesn't work?

Talk to the Seller. It may seem obvious, but the first thing to do is talk to the seller. ... Use Professional Organizations. If talking directly to the personnel in the store accomplished nothing, you may have outside methods to apply pressure. ... Take Them to Court. ... You Do Not Have To Be Powerless.

How do you negotiate a seller on Craigslist?

How to negotiate for the best deal on CraigsListExpress interest. When you find something you want for sale, write a brief note asking a few questions about it–even if you already know the answer to it. ... Wait 3 to 5 days. ... Make an offer. ... Wait and Negotiate.

How does Craigslist work for buyers?

Listings on Craigslist are just like traditional newspaper classified ads. All transactions are between you and the seller; Craigslist is just the “middleman.” That means when you purchase an item from a Craigslist seller, expect to pick up the item in person and pay in cash.

How to protect your real email address?

To protect your real email address when responding to an ad, consider a disposable e-mail address, such as one from Mailinator or GishPuppy, to conceal your identity. Using one of these alternative email services preserves anonymity throughout the entire transaction.

Can you trust a picture on Craigslist?

When purchasing an item, don't trust the picture posted on Craigslist. Sellers sometimes use an image from the internet to misrepresent the product they're selling. If you want to purchase the item, check it out in person before making a deal, and follow the above safety tips for meeting a seller in person.

Does Craigslist remove geotags?

Craigslist doesn't specify whether or not it removes geotags, as some online sites do, so it's wise to remove geotag information from your photos before uploading them to Craigslist. Use an EXIF geotag removal app to remove the geotag information from your pictures before you post them online.

Is Craigslist a scam?

Craigslist warns that anyone who asks you to use a money-wiring service is likely trying to scam you. Wire transfers seem to be the service of choice for criminals (especially foreign ones) perpetrating shipping fraud and other online scams.

Is Craigslist a no-frills website?

Craigslist is all about no-frills buying and selling. But as with any internet service, especially one used by millions of people, caution and common sense are essential.

Do scammers use credit checks on Craigslist?

Some scammers post job listings on Craigslist and say they need to run a "credit check" on responders. This is a ploy to steal your personal information to obtain credit cards in your name or conduct some other kind of identity fraud. In any Craigslist transaction, never give out personal or financial information.

Can you meet a buyer on Craigslist?

Some police departments provide a designated area in their parking lots where you can meet a buyer or seller. These areas are video taped and monitored by police officers. Craigslist also recommends following these rules: Don't meet in a secluded place. Never invite strangers into your home.

How to report a fraudulent listing on Craigslist?

Contact Craigslist. Craigslist has a message form you can fill out to directly report a fraudulent listing to the company.

What is the law that police will investigate?

Research your state's law. Police will only investigate activity that violates state criminal law, so find your state's law that applies to criminal fraud and make sure it applies to your case.

Is Craigslist community moderated?

Craigslist is to a large extent community moderated. However, if enough users have flagged a free classified ad as prohibited, it is subject to automatic removal. ...

Can the FTC contact you if you don't include your information?

Although you don't have to provide any contact information and may remain anonymous, if you don't include your own information the FTC or other agencies will be unable to contact you in the case of further investigation.

Is fraud theft?

Keep in mind that fraud essentially is theft by deception, so proving the intent to deceive is crucial to any fraud case. If the person didn't know the information they were giving you was false, they may not be liable for fraud.

Does the FTC review individual complaints?

Although the FTC does not resolve individual complaints, it will review your information and put it in a database that is available for law enforcement officials nationwide.

Is the seller of a car guilty of fraud?

However, after purchasing the car you take it to a mechanic and discover the transmission is blown. The seller isn't guilty of fraud unless it can be proven that she knew the car needed a new transmission and intentionally lied about it to get more money from you for the car. ...

What is the best payment on Craigslist?

The best form of payment in most cases, according to Craigslist, is cash, since you can verify the amount on the spot. Also, if you're equipped with a fake money detector pen you can immediately determine if larger bills are counterfeit. Craigslist warns against accepting money orders and cashier's checks, since scammers have often made fake ...

What happens if you don't feel right about a transaction?

If after meeting with a buyer or seller you, for whatever reason, don't feel right about the transaction, don't go through with it. You might disappoint or upset the other party, but that's a part of business. Meeting with a buyer or seller is not a purchase agreement.

Is Craigslist a scam?

One known scam that has seen many swindled out of money involves someone pretending to be an out of town while trying to lease residential or commercial space. Being aware of this type of scam is especially important for businesses who use Craigslist to shop for office or warehouse space.

Is Craigslist a for profit company?

Legally speaking, Craigslist is a for-profit company. Culturally speaking, however, the Craigslist team wants to sustain a non-corporate, non-commercial nature as a part of promoting its overall public service mission. And a part of that public service is to protect the public -- including businesses who may rely on Craigslist for some ...

Is a phony agent a legit agent?

To secure the space, he asks that you send a deposit, whether by mail or some other means, only for you to find out that the space isn't available at all and he's not a legit agent.

Does Craigslist accept money orders?

Craigslist warns against accepting money orders and cashier's checks, since scammers have often made fake versions of these -- leaving the seller without their merchandise and their money when the bank won't cash the checks or money orders. Craigslist also advises against using wire services like Western Union and MoneyGram.

Where to meet a buyer or seller?

Here’s how it works: Agree to meet the buyer or seller of whatever you’re selling (or buying) ONLY at a police station, sheriff’s office or similar law enforcement facility. Meet only during daylight hours, unless the police department has offered inside facilities 24 hours a day.

Is it safe to meet in the lobby?

Typically, they have cameras, and a lot of police officers coming and going. It’s not as safe as indoors, but it’s much safer than the proverbial “meet in a public place.”. And there’s no charge for the service.