A new scam is making the rounds on Craigslist and it’s one that you need to be aware of. Here’s what you need to know about this latest scam and how you can avoid becoming a victim.
The scammer will contact you via email, posing as a interested buyer or renter. They will often send a detailed message asking about the item or rental property you have listed. They may even include a link to their own website or online profile in the initial email.
Once they have gained your trust, they will ask for your bank account information so they can wire you the money for the purchase or rental. They may even send a fake cashier’s check or money order as “proof” of their intentions.
Once you provide them with your bank information, they will quickly withdraw all of the money from your account, leaving you with nothing. And if you try to contact them once they have your money, they will most likely disappear and you will never hear from them again.
This scam is becoming more and more common, so it’s important to be aware of it. If you are selling or renting something on Craigslist, only deal with local buyers or renters who you can meet in person. Do not give out your bank account information to anyone online, no matter how trustworthy they seem.