The robbery of a potential Craigslist message client on Stuart Avenue in August and the “Craigslist Killer” murders link scam, scandal and sexual exploitation to the online marketing Web site.
Craigslist hosts more than 25 million people monthly, which makes personal safety essential.
Cpl. Jim DeFord, VCU’s crime prevention specialist, said the easiest way to stay safe using Craigslist is to use common sense.
“The key thing is to protect your identity,” DeFord said. “Don’t put personal information out that’s not necessary to be put out.”
Amelia Reddington, a senior mass communication major, had trouble finding a rental house in Richmond. She saw someone posting a house for rent who was not it’s owner, she stated in an e-mail. Other posts requested Reddington wire money overseas and complete fraudulent electronic rental applications.
“My experience from Craigslist can be summed up in one sentence,” Reddington stated. “If the offer is too good, assume it’s a scam.”
Reddington stated Craigslist helped her find a great rental but warned future buyers of the different types of scams and to not go anywhere alone.
“People just have to use caution,” Reddington stated. “People can be too trusting and will be taken advantage of if they are not careful.”
Out of the monthly 10 million site visits, Craigslist receives about 200 scam reports, stated a 2005 article by SmartMoney.
DeFord said the best way to prevent fraud is to use cash.
“If you’re receiving money for goods that you’re selling, I would either want cash or a money order,” DeFord said. “Something that you don’t have to rely on their financial institution for it to clear.”
Roughly 40 million American singles use online dating and social networking sites to meet new people, stated a July 2009 article by The National.
DeFord said Craigslist can be appealing because it’s a free dating service, but because of the recent murders in Connecticut, he advised site users to be safe.
“Always meet at least the first three times, or until you feel comfortable, in a public place,” DeFord said. “And either take a friend with you, make it a double date or at least let other people know where you’re at and have them call you and check in.”