Bostonians use the popular classified advertising site Craigslist to post items they want to sell, rent or trade. It's a great site for people who are both buying and selling to get great deals on furniture, cars, trucks, RVs and much more. Job opportunities are posted on the site as well as listings for homes that are for rent or for sale. While most people conduct successful and satisfying transactions on the site, there has been a rash of scam activity taking place. This makes it vital for everyone to be aware and careful not to fall for one of these elaborate money stealing schemes. Here are five money scams to watch out for on Craigslist Boston.
1. Phantom rentals on Craigslist Boston
Local resident Jonathan Scott tells of the many people who showed up at his Provincetown home, expecting to take possession of their new rental. It happened four times in the last year. Scammers got information about his home and posted his residence as a vacation rental. The would-be renters come to his apartment to pick up a set of keys supposedly to a two-family house they secured through the Craigslist website. The home is not for rent and it never has been. The out of town visitors only learn that they've been duped when they show up to pick up the keys and they're informed by Scott that his home is not for rent and they have been scammed.
2. Seller narrowly avoids getting ripped off in buying scam
A woman from the Boston area posted a warning about a recent scam that she encountered. She was getting ready to remodel her kitchen and was selling her old kitchen cabinets on Craigslist. She took pictures and then listed them for sale. The next day a text message showing interest in the cabinets was sent. The number was from Florida and they guy said that his name was John. He agreed with the price of cabinets and couldn't come to take a look at them but wanted to send a certified check. He offered an extra $50 if she would hold them until the movers arrived to pick them up. She agreed and gave him her address. Another text came from Los Angeles offering the same kind of deal but she informed them it was already sold. She received several more texts like this. She started to become suspicious and checked into it. She learned that this was a scam operation and when the check came it was for a large amount over the agreed upon price. She was instructed to cash the check and wire the excess to him. She knew it was a scam at this point and didn't fall for it, but it was close.
3. Rental scams to beware of
There are several rental scams that are currently active on Craigslist Boston. The person who posted this is warning everyone to avoid responding to these ads. They will contact you right away but they will steal your money. They ask you to wire the deposit and first month's rent and promise to mail you the keys. The keys never arrive and they disappear with your hard earned cash.
4. Suspect nabbed in Craigslist Boston apartment scam
A 34-year old man was arrested for listing apartments for rent on Craigslist that he didn't own. Jayson Fallis is the con artist who advertised the rentals and collected $11,000 from nine different victims who paid the $850 a month in rent he was asking and also gave him deposit money. The scam left some of the victims, including single moms and their kids homeless.
5. Consumer hotline warns of active scams and complaints
Everyone needs to be on alert in the Craigslist Boston service area. There were two complaints lodged on the Consumer Hotline about fake buyers scamming sellers out of their money and getting their personal information. When a person lists an item on Craigslist, the con artists respond and act interested. They agree on a price and get the seller's information to send them a check. When the check arrives, it's sent for way too much money. The scammer sends a message telling the seller to wire the extra money back to them after cashing the check. The problem is that the check clears their bank account, only to be returned a few days later. They're out the cash and have to pay the fees on the fraudulent check.
You can also read:
- Five Money Scams to Watch Out for on Craigslist Gulfport
- Five Money Scams to Watch out for on Craigslist Ventura
- Five Money Scams to Watch Out For on Craigslist Miami
- Five Money Scams to Watch Out for on Craigslist San Diego
- Five Money Scams to Watch Out for on Craigslist Sacramento
Share on X (Twitter)Share on FacebookShare on RedditShare on WhatsApp
FAQs
Craigslist does not back any transaction on its site. If you receive an email or text trying to sell you purchase protection, you're looking at a scam. There is no such thing as a Craigslist voicemail service. If a contact asks you to access or check your “Craigslist voicemails,” you're dealing with a scammer.
What can a Craigslist scammer do with my phone number? ›
Following this, they press you to share a one-time, six-digit code sent to your cell phone number. This verification code, they claim, is to ensure that this isn't a fake online listing. However, this Google Voice verification code scam can allow bad actors to use your phone number to conceal their identity.
How to spot a rental scammer on Craigslist? ›
What are the most common signs of a rental scam? Rental scams often have listings with prices that seem too good to be true. They might pressure you to make quick decisions, ask for rent or deposit without a signed lease, or avoid meeting in person.
How to avoid Craigslist scams as a seller? ›
Here are important tips on how to sell on Craigslist safely.
- Always use a proxy email address or phone number. ...
- Plan details in advance. ...
- Meet in public and bring a friend. ...
- Stay safe when a buyer comes to your house. ...
- Use a secure form of payment. ...
- Trust your instincts when vetting buyers.
Don't share personal details. Never disclose your personal or financial information to strangers online. There is no need for your Craigslist contact to know your bank account number, home address, or date of birth. You might share your cell phone number with someone you are meeting in person, but not more.
How can you tell a fake buyer? ›
Fortunately, there are warning signs to watch for.
- The buyer is foreign. ...
- The buyer is unavailable. ...
- The buyer gives you too much information. ...
- The buyer is eager. ...
- The buyer makes a mistake. ...
- The investor uses sketchy advertising. ...
- The investor is unprofessional. ...
- The investor has no references.
Protecting Your Contact Information
Craigslist automatically hides your email address from listings with an email relay system. But once you start communicating to messages in your Craigslist inbox, it will use the name in your own email address.
Why do people spell out phone numbers on Craigslist? ›
Craigslist blocks number written more than one time, so when someone has more than two ads, they spell out the rest.
Can a scammer do anything with your name and phone number? ›
With your name, address, and phone number:
Public records search engines may provide data about your past addresses, workplaces, and other data. If answers to your security questions are not easily available on social media, resources like these may give scammers the hints they need to muscle into your accounts.
What information can a scammer get from my phone? ›
Once hackers have your number, they can use it to gain access to your most sensitive and valuable data, such as your:
- Email accounts and contact lists.
- Financial assets and bank accounts.
- Current and previous home addresses.
- Social media and other online account passwords.
- Date of birth and Social Security number (SSN)
Fraudsters can try to access your online accounts (i.e., social media or banking) using your phone number. They can send a password reset to your phone and even trick automated systems into thinking they are you. Send you malware or spyware.
How do you catch a scammer on Craigslist? ›
Never send payment in advance for a Craigslist item
Sellers should be willing to meet in person and bring the item they are selling. If a seller encourages you to send a down payment or any form of money before receiving your item, this is a strong indication that they are trying to scam buyers.
How can you tell if someone is a rental scammer? ›
Common signs of rental scams
- The listing is copied or vague. ...
- No lease is available. ...
- The address isn't verified. ...
- The listing agent or property manager asks you to wire money or pay in an unusual way. ...
- The listing agent or property manager asks for money before you sign a lease.
You can respond to a rental ad by writing your precise requirements - your budget, the area in which you're looking for a home, and the type (sharing/private) of accommodation you want. If you're comfortable enough, share your contact information too.
How do I know if a Craigslist response is real? ›
Read the email you receive in response to your Craigslist ad very carefully. Look for poor grammar, misspelled words or strange phrases. Many scam artists are from outside the country and may not speak or write English well. They typically send form letters stuffed with big promises hundreds or thousands of times.
What percentage of Craigslist ads are fake? ›
Craigslist Fake Listings Are 1.5% of All Posts | Money.
How do I reply to a buyer on Craigslist? ›
How to reply to craigslist postings
- Click "Reply."
- A window with response options will appear. ...
- Make sure the response address is highlighted and copy it to your clipboard. ...
- Now open your email program and start a new message.
- Paste the response address into the "To" field.
