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6.2 Remaining Safe and Secure Online

Classified Advertising Websites

For decades, people have sold unwanted items through
classified ads. For the most part, these transactions are
an excellent way to connect buyers and sellers. Whether
the advertisement has been placed in a newspaper or
online through a website such as Craigslist, you are
meeting strangers, in person, in your home. So
you must be especially careful. Scams as a result of
fake job postings and sale of stolen or counterfeit
goods and crimes ranging from threats to assaults,
property dam-age, and theft have all resulted from
such situations. Problems with these websites
often result because these are private transactions
between individuals and do not have the same
protection from fraud and loss as do transactions
through commercial stores and reputa-ble retail
websites. They also do not have the protection from
secure online payment websites and credit card Gary A. Conner/age fotostock/SuperStock
companies. Online classified ad sites such as
In February 2015 Fox News in Connecticut (FOX CT) Craigslist are great tools for find-
reported the Better Business Bureau guidelines shown ing jobs, housing opportunities,
in Table 6.3 to protect consumers from the dangers or goods and services. However,
associated with classified ads (Schwartz, 2015). these sites can also be full of scam-
mers who post fake ads. Be aware
You can learn more about classified ad fraud at http:// of what to look out for when using
www.craigslist.org/about/scams. these sites.

Table 6.3: Do’s and don’ts for online classified ads

Do Don’t

Talk with the person first on the phone before Don’t agree to offers that involve shipping; criminals
meeting with him or her. It is a red flag if the other often send or receive stolen or counterfeit merchan-
person refuses to speak with you by phone before dise or illegal materials in this manner.
the transaction.
Meet in a public place, if possible, and trust your Don’t go alone. Take someone else with you if you
instincts if something seems suspicious. can.
Accept payment in cash only. Don’t accept cashier’s checks, certified checks,
or money orders. They may be counterfeit, and
wire transfer or preloaded debit cards may not be
legitimate.
Always check a company’s website or call to confirm Don’t assume that all job opening notices are legiti-
a job opening before meeting with someone for a mate. They may be fake notices that are fronts for
potential job interview. other purposes.

Always drive by and view any property you are Don’t buy or rent property sight unseen. Criminals
interested in buying or renting before you agree to have been known to post photos of property that
the transaction. belongs to someone else.

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