It’s natural to feel uneasy when meeting someone you only know from the internet — especially when cash is expected to change hands.
So how can you purchase something on Craigslist without falling for a con, or worse, becoming the victim of a robbery?
Craigslist says that by dealing locally and meeting face-to-face you’ll “avoid 99% of scam attempts” — but what practical steps keep you safe when meeting a complete stranger?
These seven guidelines will help you avoid dodgy Craigslist offers and protect yourself.
1. Always Meet in a Public Place
This tip may seem obvious, but be sure to pick a public location where other people are present.
Cafés or fast-food restaurants are good options and are usually easy to find nearby.
Any busy, well-lit spot will do; I once met a seller in a Winghouse parking lot to buy a guitar.
Because local meetups from online marketplaces are so common, some police stations even offer designated meeting areas: SafeTrade maintains a list of stations nationwide where you can safely complete a transaction.
Whatever you choose, never give a stranger your home address or invite them inside — and avoid going to their residence as well.
2. Make Sure the Product Works
If you’re buying electronics or any item that could be faulty, don’t pay until you’ve tested it.
Meeting at a café makes it easy to plug in the device and verify it functions properly.
Keep in mind: once you hand over cash and leave, you typically won’t get a refund.
3. Bring a Friend
Don’t meet a stranger alone; bring a friend or family member with you.
If no one can join, at least tell somebody where you’re going and who you’re meeting.
Having another person present lowers the risk of being robbed and gives you extra security.
4. Use Cash — But Not Too Much
If the seller insists on a money transfer or online payment, refuse.
Only buy from sellers who will meet in person and accept cash. You aren’t protected if you send money and never receive the item.
That said, don’t carry large sums of cash since that increases your risk of being targeted. If you’re buying a high-value item like a car, tell the seller you’ll go to an ATM if you decide to buy and return with the cash.
Another option is to meet at your bank.
This addresses the cash issue, as the bank provides a safer setting. You don’t have to transport a big bundle of bills into or out of the branch — and the environment reduces risks like being pressured into accepting a worse-than-advertised item or a lower price than agreed.
5. Get a Detailed Receipt
Buying something costly? Ask the seller for a full receipt. If something goes wrong, this will be your only proof of purchase.
If the purchase is a used car, have a mechanic check it before paying. Also ensure the seller produces paperwork proving ownership — otherwise you may face issues when registering the vehicle.
6. Don’t Give Out Personal Info
Since you’ll meet in person, there’s no need to share personal details.
You don’t even have to use your real email: communicate through Craigslist’s proxy email, which forwards messages to your personal account.
Agree on a time and place via that email. If you feel comfortable after asking questions and confirming everything seems legitimate, you can give the seller your phone number. Preferably use a number that isn’t tied to your home address.
Cell plans are often linked to your address, but you can download an app that offers a temporary, untraceable phone number. Burner provides a free 7-day trial — perfect for a one-off Craigslist transaction.
7. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, listen to your gut. It’s a warning sign if a seller refuses to meet in certain places or won’t give more details about the item.
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Your Turn: What great bargains have you found on Craigslist? Have you ever bought something that turned out different than advertised?
Emma Collins, an editorial intern at Savinly, always brings a family member along when handling Craigslist transactions.
Also, before you go, consider reading advice on how to avoid gas pump skimmers — it’s another useful safety tip for everyday transactions.
