Buying On Craigslist: How To Avoid Scams
Buying On Craigslist: How To Avoid Scams
Craigslist is an online classified website that has seen an increase in popularity over the last few years. Millions of Americans have realized the potential of making money on Craigslist by selling their unwanted goods. What does this mean for you as a buyer? It means great deals. Unfortunately you always need to be on the lookout for scams. Scams appear all over the internet including Craigslist.org. How can you protect yourself?
Be Aware of Common Craigslist Scams
The best way to avoid scammers on Craigslist is to know what to look for. In terms of buying used products online such as clothes toys movies and books you will find wired payments. This is usually a clear sign of a scam. Craigslist is designed to connect local buyers and sellers. Buyers typically pickup their purchases and make a cash payment. Be cautious of sellers who are dead set against this.
Use Your Best Judgment
The easiest way to avoid Craigslist scams is to use your best judgment. Of course you are looking for the best deal but be on the lookout for deals that seem too good to be true. Many mistakenly believe scammers will charge the highest price possible for a product. This is not always true. A scammer selling an iPhone may offer to sell the phone for only 25 because they know they dont have the product and dont intend to sell it. They also know they are likely to get more buyers with that 25. With a lower price more buyers are likely to fall victim to the scam meaning more money for the fraud in the longrun.
Compare Craigslist Listings
Luckily it is easy for avid internet users to spot a fraud on Craigslist but what if you are new to buying online? Compare for sale listings on Craigslist. For example if looking to buy a used iPhone perform a search for other iPhones. The descriptions and selling prices should be similar. Be cautious of sellers who want too much or too little for a product.
Unfortunately comparing for sale listings on Craigslist.org isnt the easiest process. The website is setup by location. When looking to buy products you click on your closest city and then search or browse the for sale listings. If only one seller is selling an iPhone locally you may be unable to compare other listings and prices. That is unless you have the Craigslist Reader program. This free software program enables you to search Craigslist listings on a national level as opposed to a local level. It is unique tool that is not only handy but it can help you avoid scams.
About the writer: You can download the free Craigslist Reader at http://www.motiont.com/Craigslistreader.aspx. Perform a multicity Craigslist search with ease. Visit MotionT.com the home of free software to search online classified websites like Craigslist.
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