How to Avoid Being Victimized by Craigslist Scams

Following a recent Craigslist scam attempt in Tredyffrin Township, police are urging residents to take precautions to ensure that they do not become victims of such scams.

Around 10 a.m. on Feb. 5, Tredyffrin Township Police were advised of an attempted scam through Craigslist. The complainant was attempting to rent an advertised home listed for a very low price, police said. Though the home in question was for rent, it was listed at a much higher price, police said.

Tredyffrin Township Police recommend taking the follow precautions to avoid becoming a victim of such scams:

• Deal locally, face-to-face — follow this one rule and avoid 99 percent of scam attempts.
• Do not extend payment to anyone you have not met in person.
• Beware offers involving shipping — deal with locals you can meet in person.
• Never wire funds (e.g. Western Union) — anyone who asks you to is a scammer.
• Don’t accept cashier/certified checks or money orders — banks cash fakes, then hold you responsible.
• Transactions should be between users only, with no third party providing a “guarantee”.
• Never give out financial info (bank account, Social Security, Paypal account, etc).
• Do not rent or purchase sight-unseen — that amazing “deal” may not exist.
• Refuse background or credit checks until you have met landlord or employer in person.

.If you’ve been a victim in a scam, please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov to file a complaint, police said.

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