Be Careful On Craigslist – Craigslist Safety Tips
By Home Security Source Mar 4, 2011 | 11:15:00 amPosted in: Personal Safety, Home Security Tips The Internet can be a useful and convenient tool for buying and selling almost anything. However, a recent news story out of Michigan, reported that a teenager arranged a transaction with a seller to buy a cell phone through Craigslist and it ended in tragedy. The 19-year-old went alone to meet the seller and was shot dead, then robbed. Law enforcement believes he was targeted on purpose. The riskiest part about buying and selling on Craigslist is the transaction. If you or anyone you know uses Craigslist, there are some important things to keep in mind for safety.
When buying or selling anything on Craigslist, keep all aspects of home security and personal security in mind. Meet up with potential buyers or sellers in a neutral public place in the daytime, like a coffee shop or restaurant. With large items that are not transportable, arrange to have someone else with you when a potential buyer comes to look. Do not meet with those you are not comfortable with.
Do not accept personal checks. Forged checks and insufficient funds are very common for higher-end purchases in particular. Ask instead for a money order, cash or a cashier's check.
If you are buying an item that is more than $100, pay with a cashier’s check and let the seller know in advance that you will be paying this way.
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