Craigslist and Online Scams Gaining Ground in Wichita

Posted November 14th, 2011
Written by RPD Staff

Craigslist scams are not new to the world, but they are becoming even harder to detect. Years ago, unsuspecting victims would wire money to criminals who promised to ship their newly-bought items. Presently, these types of scams rarely manifest since people are catching on to scammers’ tactics.

The newest scams were unc these overed by a warning from the Better Business Bureau. According to the BBB, Craigslist scam artists are not only intent on stealing your money, but also your identity. Residents of Wichita, Kansas were recently targeted in a slew of Craigslist scams targeting auto buyers, renters and job seekers. Their personal and financial information was compromised.

In an attempt to thwart scams, the BBB suggests you adhere to the following guidelines when using Craigslist or similar sites:

Never meet a person alone or in a secluded place. Always meet in public, carry a cell phone and take someone along with you. Never invite strangers into your home. It is also important to exercise extreme caution when high value items are involved.
Beware of requests to wire money via Western Union or Money Gram. Once the money is transferred to the requesting party, you will have a difficult time getting the money back in the case of a scam.
Beware of fake cashier checks and money orders. Just because a bank cashes the check does not mean it is legitimate. Once the bank realizes it is a fake, you will be held responsible for the funds.
Never divulge your personal information to anyone under any circumstances. This includes bank account numbers, social security numbers, eBay or PayPal passwords.
Deal with sellers locally. Shipping requests and deals involving escrow services are suspect.
Never purchase any item without seeing it first. This includes rental housing as well.
Do your background homework. Retrieve and confirm the seller’s address and phone number.
Trust your instincts. Don’t allow anyone to pressure you into making a decision or revealing your personal information.

For job seekers, the Better Business Bureau warns of these red flags:

Upfront fees. A legitimate job offer will never ask you for money before an interview or to cover administrative expenses. Additionally, do not give a “potential” employer any bank direct deposit information until you are officially hired.
Unsolicited job offers. Spammers can capture your emails from replies and use them to direct you to a website. These websites may install malware on your computer or ask you for bank account details via a message that appears to come from your bank. Other “fake” companies will inform you of your hire and request your bank account information or social security number.
Wiring money. Never wire money even if you are given a check to cash first. Scam artists will tell you to first cash a check and then wire some of the money to another organization. Victims get caught by cashing the check and then wiring money before the bank informs them of the phony check.

If you are a job hunter, it’s a good practice to create a free email account dedicated to the sole purpose of job seeking. You can protect yourself by avoiding any incoming emails with requests to click suspicious links.

If you notice any Craigslist or internet scams, you can report them to the Better Business Bureau. You can also contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center at 800-251-3221 or at www.ic3.gov.