How to Spot a Craigslist Scam

1. Type the words 'for local pick up only' and 'cash only' prominently in your ad--and make no exceptions. This drives away a good share of potential scammers.
2. Delete emails from potential buyers who have lengthy sob stories or complicated explanations of why they need to pay by check or money order. Anyone who says their 'secretary' will take care of the transaction because they are in a foreign country or are too busy as a famous archaeologist to make the purchase in person is most likely a fraud.
3. Be aware of scams involving fake checks or money orders. A good fake check or money order can pass through the bank's initial screening process--then, days later, you'll get penalized for trying to cash a counterfeit check. By then, the scammer will be long gone. This is why you want to make your transaction cash only.
4. Familiarize yourself with the Craigslist scam involving a shipper. The buyer will say the product will be picked up by a shipper--and usually also promises to wire you more money than the item actually costs. This is the most common Craigslist trick.
5. Notify the Federal Trade Commission of any attempted or successful scams by calling 877-FTC-HELP.