Craigslist Scams
Scams on Craigslist — protecting buyers, sellers, and renters.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Craigslist's open, lightly moderated classifieds format makes it one of the most scam-prone platforms for buying, selling, and renting. Scammers list vehicles, housing, and goods they do not own, target sellers with overpayment cheques, and post fraudulent rental listings for properties they have no right to rent out.
The platform's anonymous nature and the expectation of cash transactions make it easy for fraudsters to operate with little accountability. Many scams originate outside the US where local law enforcement reach is limited.
This guide covers the most common Craigslist scam types, how to identify warning signs, and the practices that reduce your risk as a buyer, seller, or renter.
Common scams on Craigslist
Fake rental listings
Scammers copy real estate listings and re-post them at below-market rents, collecting deposits from multiple applicants for properties they do not control.
Vehicle and goods non-delivery
Items are listed, payment is collected — often by wire or money order — and the seller disappears without delivering anything.
Overpayment cheque scam
A buyer sends a cheque for more than the asking price and asks the seller to wire back the difference — the cheque bounces.
Vehicle escrow fraud
A buyer or seller insists on using a third-party 'escrow' service that turns out to be fraudulent, stealing the transferred funds.
Job listing fraud
Fake job ads collect personal information or advance fees from applicants.
Common red flags
- A seller who cannot meet in person and insists on shipping payment
- Rental prices significantly below the local market average
- A landlord who asks for a deposit before you have seen the property in person
- Buyers who want to pay with a cheque for an amount higher than the asking price
- Requests to use a specific third-party escrow or payment service
- Sellers or buyers who claim to be out of the country
- Listings with stock photos or images easily found elsewhere online
How to protect yourself
- Meet in a public, well-lit place for transactions — many police stations offer 'safe exchange zones'
- For vehicles and high-value items, use a verified escrow service or pay only in person
- Visit a rental property in person and verify the landlord's ownership before paying any deposit
- Use cash for local in-person transactions — avoid wire transfers, money orders, and gift cards
- Reverse image search listing photos to check if they appear elsewhere
How to report it
- Flag the listing as prohibited using the 'prohibited' link at the top of any Craigslist post
- Report fraud to your local police and national fraud service
- If money was sent by wire or bank transfer, contact your bank immediately
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy or sell on Craigslist?
Craigslist transactions can be safe when conducted in person with cash. The risk is highest when either party wants to ship items, pay remotely, or use unusual payment methods. Stick to local, in-person deals wherever possible.
How do I verify a rental listing is real before paying a deposit?
Visit the property in person, search the address in the land registry or property records to verify ownership, and never pay a deposit before signing a legitimate lease. If the landlord cannot show you the property, do not pay.
A buyer sent me a cheque for too much and wants me to send back the difference — what should I do?
This is an overpayment cheque scam. Do not send any money. The cheque will bounce days later even if your bank initially credits it. Cancel the transaction and report the buyer.