Protect Yourself For A Safe Experience

Whether you are posting advertisements from a personal or business standpoint, you should always keep in mind personal safety. This is key when dealing with any web posting method. Do not provide personal details which would allow you to become a victim of any form of cyber crime, which could range from identity theft to abduction. Take necessary precautions to prevent yourself or a loved one from harm. You must also be aware the type of material you provide will be viewed and read by any number of people. Over fifty million people use Craigs List each month. Anyone from your spouse to your boss or child’s teacher can read your ad. Though Craigslist does allow for postings to be made anonymous, if someone responds be aware it could be someone you know or don’t know.

Proper Content Leads To Success

Always be sure your posting follows all of the terms of use for Craig’s List. On Craig’s List you will find a list for acceptable site conduct. This information informs you on what is and is not appropriate. Do not post an advertisement which offers anything illegal or malicious to others. You cannot be racist or discriminate in your posting. Basically it is common sense; if your advertisement could offend or harm someone it is simply not appropriate. You are posting an advertisement meant to be harmless and to be taken seriously. So, simply include information needed. If you are an employer posting a job ad, you would include the job type, location, pay rate and requirements. If you are searching for a romantic partner you can be specific as to the type of person or relationship you are searching for. You must be 18 years of age or older for the protection of minors. Generally, if you are up to no good, your advertisement will be rejected and if in the event you are a scam artist you will be caught and prosecuted. If you are obeying all outlines and regulations you will be pleased with your choice to place and ad on Craig’s List.

Precautions On Avoiding And Reporting Possible Internet Scams

At anytime when you choose to venture online, you are putting yourself at risk for many dangers. These dangers can range from financial loss, monetary fraud, identity theft as well as other cyber crimes. It was reported in 2007, over 86, 279 cases of Internet fraud were reported for investigation. It is because of crimes such as this you must be aware and be prepared to follow certain precautions to keep you and your finances safe. As far as personal safety goes, if you choose to meet someone from Craigs List in person, meet in a public location. Inform a friend or relative you are meeting said person as well as when and where. Take a friend with you and carry a cell phone. Above all trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, you can cancel or simply remove yourself from the person’s company and seek help.

Avoiding Scams Using CraigsList Precautions

The number one precaution offered on Craigslist is to be wary of the forms of payment requested or offered. Avoid wire services such as western union and money gram, as scammers use these frequently. Also deal locally with people so you are likely able to meet with them in person. When doing this, 99% of scams are avoided. Be aware of false money orders and cashier checks. If a fraudulent check is cashed and later discovered, you would be charged for this. Know that Craig’s List is not involved in any transactions. They do not handle any forms of payment and they do not offer any guarantees on merchandise or shipment. This information is actually provided for you along with other details on the opening site page to the left. Look for the category of avoid scams. Also, another helpful piece of information is to keep personal finance information to you. Do not provide your social security number, credit card number or bank account number to anyone online. Far too many times identities are stolen and finances drained by scam artists online using this information. Just be cautious and use common sense when searching Craigs List or any other Internet service.

Reporting Fraud And Resolving Cyber Crime

If in the event you suspect or have fallen victim to fraudulent activity, there are resources available to report and resolve the issue. You can contact the free FTC hotline 877-382-4357 or to report cyber crime online visit http://www.ftc.gov. For other reporting or details on Internet Fraud visit http://www.ic3.gov. This is the Internet fraud complaint center. Craigslist offers this information and more under the avoid scams section. They also allow you to flag or mark any advertisement which seems suspicious or malicious in any way. It is not only the right thing to protect yourself from these crimes. But, by reporting suspicious activity you can save someone else from becoming a victim. It is a responsibility to do so by all users of the Internet. You would protect your neighbors if you saw someone snooping in their bushes and reporting shady Internet activity is no different.