Avoiding Craigslist And Other Internet Scams

Posted April 20, 2012

The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs advises consumers to sidestep would-be scammers by following these rules: 

  • Deal with local people you can meet in person (follow this one rule and avoid 99% of scam attempts on craigslist);
  • Never wire funds via Western Union, Money Gram or any other wire service;
  • Fake checks and money orders are common, and banks will cash them and hold you responsible when the scam is discovered weeks later;
  • Craigslist does not guarantee a transaction, certify a buyer/seller or provide protection for a payment. Claims to the contrary are false;
  • Never give out financial information (such as bank account or social security number) to a stranger;
  • Do not rent housing without seeing the interior, or purchase expensive items sight-unseen;
  • Do not submit to credit checks or background checks for a job or for housing until you have met the interviewer or landlord/agent in person.  

Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.

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