portland cars & trucks "199" - craigslist (2024)

FAQs

How to identify a Craigslist scammer? ›

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.

Craigslist rental scams

Rental scammers may create listings for properties they don't own or recreate legitimate listings with a different phone number or URL. Signs to look out for: The property owner won't let you see the property. They offer a “lease-free” option.

The FTC calls it the Google Voice scam and say it can lead to someone using your phone number to conceal their identity and rip off other people. Here's how it works: The scammer sends you a message letting you know they're interested in buying your item. They may message you a phone number and ask you to text them.

Avoid adding any personal information in the posting, including your name, real phone number or real email address. Always use the generated email address on your Craigslist posts. This creates a random email address, so the poster doesn't have your real email on file.

If the profile pictures are too attractive or magazine-quality, it may be a scam. Likewise, scammers usually don't have access to many images — so if they seem to use the same few images across their social media and dating profiles, it's a bad sign. Ask to meet up.

How can you tell a fake buyer? ›