Key takeaways
- Use Craigslist's anonymized email relay and avoid posting your phone number.
- Deal locally and in person. Refuse shipping, cashier's checks, and overpayment stories.
- Never send anyone a verification code.
- Meet in public during daylight and bring someone with you for big-ticket sales.
Scams to recognize instantly
- "I'll send a cashier's check for more than the price; please wire back the difference." The check bounces after you send the money.
- "Prove you're real; tell me the code I just sent." This hijacks your phone number or accounts.
- "My mover will pick it up, and I'll pay through PayPal." Fake payment emails follow.
- Buyers who cannot talk on the phone, will not meet, or push urgency are almost always scams.
Protect your information
Use the anonymous email relay Craigslist offers, or a separate email address for selling. If you must use a phone, a secondary number is better than your personal one. Do not include your address in the listing; share a meetup spot only after you have talked with a buyer.
Meet the safe way
- Choose a police station safe exchange zone or a busy, well-lit store parking lot.
- Bring a friend, especially for expensive items or cash-heavy sales.
- For furniture pickups, stage the item in your garage or driveway.
- Take cash (check large bills) or confirm an instant payment in your own app before releasing the item.
Frequently asked questions
Should I accept a cashier's check on Craigslist?
No. Fake cashier's checks are one of the most common Craigslist scams. Stick to cash or confirmed instant payments in person.
Prices and tips in this guide are general guidance for U.S. sellers based on typical resale markets. They are not a certified appraisal or a guarantee of what an item will sell for. For insurance, legal, tax, or high-value items, consult a qualified appraiser.