Craigslist scams: how to spot, avoid, and recover from fraud on Craigslist

Even with the growth of online marketplaces, Craigslist remains a go-to platform for housing rentals, job searches, and big-ticket sales. Craigslist is convenient and free, and it doesn’t require users to create an account or verify their identity.

Unfortunately, Craigslist's ease and accessibility also attracts scammers. If you learn the common scripts and red flags, you can stop a scam before you lose your money or sensitive data. We’ll break down the most common Craigslist scams, how to pay safely, and what to do if you’ve been scammed.

Why Craigslist has more scams than other marketplaces

Craigslist has more scams than other online marketplaces because it’s anonymous. Unlike Facebook Marketplace or eBay, there are no profiles, no ratings, no mutual connections—not even a login required.. Emails are hidden, and anyone can post, buy, or sell for free. In other words, a scammer can post, steal, and vanish without a trace. 

Scammers can quickly and easily create fake listings, then duplicate near-identical posts to increase their reach and fine-tune their scripts. Once the scammer steals your money or personal information, they disappear without a trace—leaving your finances and your identity exposed. 

Most common Craigslist scams

1. Cashier's check/money order overpayment scam

The overpayment scam is the No. 1 seller-targeted scam on Craigslist. Despite the growth of digital payment platforms, use of cashier’s checks or money orders is still a common fraud tactic. Because Craigslist has no buyer verification or transaction history, there’s no way to vet who’s on the other end of a message. 

How the scam works

1. The scammer responds to your listing and poses as a buyer.
2. The “buyer” pays over your asking price using a cashier’s check or money order.
3. After sending payment, they claim they overpaid and ask you to refund them via wire transfer, gift card, or payment app.
4. You refund the “overpayment.”
5. The scammer’s check/money order bounces.

The cashier’s check or money order sent by the scammer may appear authentic; it may even clear at your bank. However, the issuing bank will eventually report the check as forged and reverse your deposit. 

How to avoid being scammed

• Never send money or ship goods until the payment fully clears.
• Meet in person when possible, and insist on using cash. If you can’t meet in person, use a legitimate escrow service you choose—not the one the “buyer” suggests you use.
• If you receive a cashier’s check or money order, call the issuing bank to verify the check. Use the phone number listed on the bank’s official website.

2. Verification code scam (Google Voice hijacking)

The verification code scam, also called Google Voice hijacking, started on Craigslist and has since spread to every other major online marketplace. Rather than losing money directly, this scam’s purpose is to trick you into helping the scammer set up a Google Voice phone number that can be used for future scams.

Google Voice is a free service that gives you a U.S.-based phone number linked to your Google account. It can be used to make calls, send texts, and even receive SMS verification codes (the same ones that banks, apps, and platforms use to confirm your identity). With a Google Voice number, a scammer can respond to Craigslist listings, bypass two-factor authentication on financial accounts, open fraudulent accounts, or sell the number to other cybercriminals. And because Craigslist doesn’t require account verification, all that’s needed is a new number each time they run a scam.

How the scam works

1. The scammer poses as a Craigslist buyer or seller.
2. They claim they need to “verify” your phone number before completing the transaction. They might say something like, "I need to make sure you're a real person—I’ll text you a code."
3. Google sends a verification code to your phone number (because the scammer has already started the process using your number).
4. The scammer calls and asks you to read the code over the phone, or they ask you to enter the code on a website link they control.
5. When you read or enter the code, the scammer confirms access to your Google Voice number. 
6. Once the scammer hijacks a Google Voice number, they can receive or forward calls/SMS to impersonate you for future scams.

Google Voice is a target of the verification code scam because it only requires a single, one-time code to set up a number. The Craigslist post is just a front for you to confirm the verification code.

How to avoid being scammed

• Treat SMS, one-time verification, or authenticator codes like passwords: never share them with anyone! A credible Craigslist buyer or seller won’t ask for these codes.
• Don’t verify codes over the phone or enter them into websites linked from a Craigslist message.
• Use strong passwords and set up account recovery options on your devices: secondary emails, account-specific PINs, etc.
• Set up a Google Voice or temporary number to use for all Craigslist communications

What to do if you’ve already shared a verification code

Shared a code? You’ll need to act immediately. The scammer may already be using your number.

Go to voice.google.com and sign in to your Google account. Under Settings, look for the linked phone number and remove it. This will automatically disconnect the Google Voice number from your phone.

If the number has already been transferred, contact Google support to reclaim it. You’ll need to verify your identity and explain that you were scammed. Be sure to change your Google account password and review any accounts that use your phone number for multi-factor authentication. If a scammer has your Google Voice number, they may be able to intercept those codes.

Worried your information is already exposed?

3. Rental and housing scams

Rental fraud tops the list of scams reported to Craigslist. The anonymity that makes Craigslist convenient for landlords also makes it easy for scammers to impersonate them: cloning real listings, faking identities, and disappearing the moment a deposit clears.

How the scam works

1. The scammer poses as the rental’s landlord, agent, or property manager and posts fake or duplicated listings.
2. When you reply to the post, the scammer claims to be “out of town” and requests a deposit before you can view the place.

How to avoid being scammed

• Use a reverse address or phone lookup and Google Street View to confirm the unit matches the Craigslist photos
• Run a reverse-image search to find duplicate images on other sites
• Ask for a signed lease and proof of ownership
• Arrange an in-person viewing before you send a deposit

4. Car scams

Car scams aren’t unique to Craigslist; you’ll find similar scams on social media platforms and other online marketplaces. While car scams are less common than other scams on Craigslist, they appeal to fraudsters who want to turn a profit on big-ticket items. They also continue to increase because the pandemic normalized limiting in-person contact for major sales. Not to mention that without seller profiles or verified identities, a scammer can post a convincing listing, collect payment, and disappear without a trace. 

Scammers’ methods have also become more sophisticated: Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports that since 2020, more scammers are setting up fake websites that advertise classic cars or fraudulent vehicle history reports. ¹

How these scams work

The "out-of-town" seller

1. The scammer poses as a private seller or dealership and lists a non-existent vehicle for sale
   • The post might include a real Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), photos ripped from a real listing, fake addresses, or links to websites that mimic legitimate sellers
   • The scammer might create an elaborate story that justifies the car’s low price. They might also send extra photos and car details to gain your trust. 
2. The “seller” claims they’re away and can’t meet in person
3. Like the Reddit marketplace escrow scam, they insist that you send payment using a fake escrow service. (Car scammers typically don’t use payment apps.)
4. The “seller” promises to deliver the car once you pay, and that you can return the car if you’re not happy with the sale
5. Instead of requiring a single upfront payment, the scammer might ask for installments: first a deposit, then payment, then shipping, etc.
6. The car never arrives, and the scammer disappears

The eBay Motors escrow scam

One of the most convincing variations of the out-of-town seller scam uses eBay’s brand to manufacture trust. Even if the listing is on Craigslist (not eBay), the scammer claims the transaction is protected under eBay’s vehicle purchase program.

Here’s how it typically plays out:

1. After you express interest, the scammer sends a professional-looking email that appears to be from eBay Motors.
2. The email explains that eBay will hold your payment in escrow until you receive and approve the vehicle.
3. You wire payment to the fake escrow account, but no car arrives and the “eBay” emails stop. Because the transaction happened outside of any real platform, there’s no purchase history, no dispute process, and no recourse.

The fake vehicle VIN history report scam

1. The scammer poses as a private seller and creates a fake website that runs vehicle history reports.
2. After you respond to the listing, the scammer claims that well-known vehicle history sites (CarFax, AutoCheck, etc.) leave out important details; they link to the fake website and urge you to use that site instead.
3. You enter payment information to download a “report.”
4. The scammers steals your money and/or sensitive personal data.

How to avoid being scammed

• Instead of using Craigslist to buy a car, opt for franchised dealerships or licensed online sellers. 
• Before you buy, insist on …
  • Viewing and picking up the car in person
  • Doing a test drive
  • Completing an independent mechanic inspection
• Use the VIN to …
  • Run an official vehicle history report
  • Check the title status with your state DMV
• Do not wire money or use an escrow service you don’t recognize. Pay in cash, meet at your bank branch to do a verified transfer, or use a credible escrow service that you choose.
• Use only approved VIN lookup sites. (You can verify sites on the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.)

5. Job scams

Craigslist job scams are prevalent because they entice targets with promises of easy work, great pay, and a quick hiring process. Their end goal is to launder stolen merchandise or steal victims’ money or sensitive personal data. Plus, fake employers face zero verification on the platform, so it’s surprisingly easy to post a job listing with zero credentials. 

How these scams work

Fraudulent work-from-home offers

1. The scammer posts a fake listing that advertises high-paying remote work. Jobs might include data entry, mystery shopping, garage-sale flipping, envelope stuffing, etc.
2. Before they can hire you, the scammer claims they need:
   • Fee payments for various job-related items (background checks, certifications, or training materials); or
   • Hiring paperwork that asks for sensitive personal information: your SSN, bank account details, a copy of your driver’s license, etc.

Fake check for "equipment"

1. The scammer posts an offer to buy or supply equipment.
2. They ask you to handle purchasing/shipping and send you a check for the “equipment.” 
3. They claim they overpaid you and ask you to return a portion of the money.
4. You refund the money, and the scammer’s check bounces.

This scam is a version of the cashier’s check/money “overpayment” scam described earlier. The difference is the fake check is intended for non-existent job equipment, not a sale.

Reshipping schemes

1. The scammer sends you a package or money as part of an alleged job task or employee verification step.
2. They ask you to forward any delivered packages to another address.

These goods are merchandise that the scammer bought using stolen credit cards or bank account numbers. They need you to forward the items to the final buyer to hide their location. If you send the items, you become part of their money laundering scheme.

How to avoid being scammed:

• Research the company before you reply to the listing. Look up the business name and reviews on Glassdoor, Reddit, and BBB.
• Never share your SSN, bank login credentials, or ID copies until you’ve verified the employer and the role.
• Never buy or accept payment for job-related goods.
• Don’t reship packages or use your address for shipments you didn’t buy.
• Insist on being paid by direct deposit or a verified employer/payroll company.
• If the job description is vague, ask questions! Request an employer phone/video call, official offer letter on company letterhead, and verifiable references.

6. Phishing emails disguised as Craigslist responses

The Craigslist phishing email scam works like other phishing scams: it links to a fraudulent website controlled by a scammer. The site might show up as a phony login form or payment page that steals your Craigslist credentials, personal information, or credit card/banking details.

How the scam works

1. You post a real listing on Craigslist, or the scammer posts a fake one.
2. For either option, the scammer sends you a fraudulent reply email. The “reply” mimics a Craigslist notification and links to a website they control.
3. You click the link and follow the steps requested.

How to avoid being scammed:

• Never click links sent to your email.
• To check Craigslist messages, log in to Craigslist on your browser or app.

7. Ticket and event scams

Ticket and event scams on Craigslist are most common for high-demand and seasonal events.

How the scam works

1. The scammer advertises ticket(s) with prime seats and/or an unusually low price. 
2. Once you pay, the scammer sends an image (screenshot or PDF) of a counterfeit barcode, nonexistent reservation, or duplicate ticket.
3. After you try to transfer the ticket or enter the event, you realize the tickets are invalid.

How to avoid being scammed:

• Buy tickets from the event box office or official ticketing platforms.
• Use mobile-transfer systems that show transfer history or allow buyer verification.
• If buying on Craigslist …
  • Meet the seller in person well before the event
  • Verify seat locations, bar codes, ticket authenticity before paying
  • Test-entry when possible

Craigslist rental scam red flags

Craigslist rental scams rely on urgency and scarcity in a competitive market. Scammers know that renters want a great deal and a quick turnaround. They often advertise below-market rates, an easy sign-on process, and immediate move-in dates to draw quick responses from rental seekers.

While rental scams are scarily common on Craigslist, they feature similar patterns that you can quickly pinpoint.

Watch for these red flags:

• The listed price is well below comparable units in the area.
• The scammer claims they can’t meet in person or talk over the phone. They use excuses like being out of the country, away on business, or in an urgent situation that makes them unavailable.
• They require you to send money for a deposit before you can view the place. They might also ask for personal details (ID, references, contact information, etc.).
• They don’t accept cash and instead request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or P2P payment apps.
• They don’t provide a lease or detailed rental terms, even when you ask.
• They don’t answer or give vague responses to your follow-up questions about the rental
• They pressure you to pay quickly. They claim that if you don’t move fast, someone else will take the deal.
• The listing is posted multiple times, and/or the same property photos appear in multiple listings.
• Photos don’t match the exterior shown on Google Maps.

If you don’t notice obvious red flags, dig deeper. Finding your next new home is important, but it’s not worth compromising your sensitive personal or financial data.

Take these added steps to verify the listing’s authenticity:

• Look up basic property details on a credible rental site (Zillow, RedFin, RealtyTrac, etc.). 
• Run a public records search on the property address to verify property status, details, and ownership.
• Once you’ve found property details, compare them to the Craigslist post. Does anything not match up?
• Run a reverse-image search on Google Images to identify the original source of the photos. A search could confirm if images have been stolen from other listings or credible rental sites.
  • You can also run a reverse-image search on TinEye, or run the photos through both search tools
• Plug the listed address into a Google Search and click “Street View.” Compare the street view and listing photos. Does the unit actually exist, and do the street view and listing photos match?
• If you’re in the area, drive by the property. Does the property match the photos? Do you see any “For Rent” signs with a contact number?
• If the listing names an owner, agent, or property manager, search for their contact number outside of Craigslist. Call the number directly to verify if the unit is actually available.
• Ask for a physical lease and proof of ownership (deed or tax bill)
• Never hand over money until you’ve physically viewed the unit and signed a lease 

Legitimate landlords will meet you in person and provide a lease. If the renter avoids your questions or makes excuses to not meet in person, it’s likely a trap! Don’t reply to the ad—and if you already have, stop all further contact.

Pro tips for Craigslist rentals

• Always tour the property in person
• Never send money for a rental you haven't physically visited
• Check that the alleged landlord's identity matches public records
• Use secure payment methods for deposits
• Trust your instincts if something feels off

Safe payment rules for Craigslist

For any Craigslist transaction, remember to:

• Default to cash payment when possible
• Meet the buyer/seller at a public, well-lit location to hand over payment
• Avoid irreversible, digital payment methods, such as …
• Wire transfers: Western Union, MoneyGram, etc. 
• Gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or crypto
• P2P payment apps: Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, etc.
• Don’t accept a cashier's check or money order unless you verify the issuing bank. (Call the bank using its official number).

If you’re closing a deal on a rental unit, take these steps before you pay the deposit:

• View the unit and meet the property manager in person
• Confirm the rental terms and sign the lease

How to report a Craigslist scam

Craigslist does not facilitate refunds or mediate disputes. If you were scammed by a Craigslist scam, report the scam as soon as possible.

1. Flag the Craigslist post. This quickly removes the post from public view. Click the "flag" button above the posting title.
2. If you sent money to the scammer, contact your bank immediately. Ask about reversals, fraud holds, and initiating trace requests.
3. Document all communications with the scammer. This includes names, Craigslist listing URL, screenshots, emails, names, phone numbers, communication and transaction dates, payment receipts, and any bank transaction IDs. Preserve originals, and don’t alter evidence.
4. Report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC collects consumer complaints to track scams and share alerts. You can also call (877) 438-4338 to report the scam.
5. File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. The IC3 forwards complaints to appropriate law-enforcement agencies, which may lead to an investigation.
6. Consider filing a police report. Your bank might ask you to file with your local police department if you lost a large sum of money.

What to do if you've been scammed on Craigslist

If you’ve been scammed on Craigslist, act quickly to limit damage to your financial or personal identity. First and most importantly, stop all contact with the scammer. Then preserve any evidence that banks, federal agencies, and law enforcement could use to investigate the incident.

Your recovery checklist

Your data may already be out there

Almost every Craigslist transaction exposes your name, phone number, address, or email. That information can end up in fraud databases before you even realize something is wrong.

Run a free dark web scan to see if your information is circulating where it shouldn’t be.

Frequently asked questions

This guide is published by OmniWatch. Follow OmniWatch on Facebook for ongoing guidance on identity protection, digital safety, and scam awareness.

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1 Better Business Bureau, BBB update to Virtual Vehicle Study: Be careful when buying a vehicle online