How to Safely Purchase Something from Craigslist.org: 8 Steps (2024)

1. 1

   Contact the owner via whatever method they have available. Use a non-traceable email such as Mailinator, GishPuppy, or others to keep your information private.

2. 2

   Beware of a "great" deal. If the price you negotiate is too good to be true, it very likely is. And it may be a way to get you to come to a crook with cash in order to rob you; most people will not take as many precautions for smaller amounts of money.

   Advertisem*nt

3. 3

   Be very cautious about how much of your information you share. Giving your name and phone number are fine, but avoid giving your address or work place.

4. 4

   Pick a mutually acceptable public place to meet. A fast food place, Starbucks, and the phone store that the phone is branded such as Sprint, or AT&T areall acceptable places. Never, even if someone gives an excuse, go to someone's home or work address, especially alone.

   • If someone gives you excuses as to why you need to go to their apartment or home, do not agree under any circ*mstance. They may tell you their children are home, they are too young to drive, that their car is broken down, or a number of other creative excuses, still, do not accept the excuse, you have no way of knowing if it's true. Very good thieves and manipulators know exactly what to say so that you let your guard down and agree to something unsafe.
5. 5

   Set up a time. Preferablyduring the day, and have a friend or family member come with you. Make sure if you are buying jewelry or an expensive item that you try to always bring a companion. Thieves count on you being alone.

6. 6

   See Also

   The Best Social Media Site Still Looks Like It Was Made in the 1990sHow Craigslist WorksAt 25 Years, Understanding The Longevity Of CraigslistLooking for cool items on a budget in your area? Try Craigslist

   Always bring your cell phone. If there is an emergency you want a quick way to get in touch with help.

7. 7

   Go to the ATM before you meet with the person selling the item(s).You do not want the person you're meeting to follow you or be with you when you go to the bank or ATM, it could be dangerous. There is a possibility they could also be working with another person who follows you while the first person waits at the location where you've initially met.

8. 8

   Meet the seller in a public place and complete your transaction, buying the item you want. It sounds like this is a lot of work, but it is worth it to stay safe.

   Advertisem*nt

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question

• Always meet in a public place.

  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

• Never trust someone's excuses for not being able to meet publicly, they can sound like the most soft spoken, wonderful people and be thieves and robbers.

  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

• Common excuses to get you alone are "My car has broken down", "My wife (or husband) has our only car", "I'm watching my children", "I'm too young to drive"', and "I can't leave work" to name a few.

  Thanks

  See Also

  How to Use Craigslist (with Pictures) - wikiHow

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

Show More Tips

• Never go to anyone's home or apt. alone, ever.

  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

• Do not trust excuses. If they want to sell the item they will meet you publicly.

  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

• Thieves lie. They will come up with elaborate stories and excuses, do not believe them.

  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

• Be cautious and have money on you, never allow someone to go with you to the ATM.

  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

• Do not carry any extra money or valuables on you.

  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

• Never refuse to give someone your money if they have a gun or a knife.

  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

• Watch to be sure you are not being followed when you leave your meeting place, especially if the item you purchased is very expensive.

  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

• If you are robbed the police may not come immediately, the most important thing is to get to a safe place.

  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

• If you are robbed, go to the police immediately, and post something on Craigslist.org specifying the ad you answered, especially if it's still listed. You may find you were not the only one taken advantage of.

  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

Co-authors: 10

Updated: March 29, 2019

Views:8,445