The Gloucester Township Police Department has compiled tips to avoid being scammed.
The following is a message from the Gloucester Township Police Department:
- Never give out your real contact information
Craigslist gives you the option of using your true email address or using a Craigslist-provided proxy email address, so that you don’t have to expose your true email when posting an ad. It’s a good idea to use the proxy email, as it will help keep spammers and scammers from getting access to your real email address. - Never give out any personal or financial information
Some scammers will say they can deposit the money into your account, so they can steal your personal information, in order to obtain credit cards and other things in your name. - Avoid using money wiring services for Craigslist transactions
Even Craigslist advises that almost anyone wanting you to use a money wiring service is likely trying to scam you. - Never buy something without seeing it in person first
People tend to trust that the picture a seller posts of an item is really the item being sold. Some sellers will just grab a picture they find on the internet. Always check out the item in person before making a deal.
And most importantly…
- Always meet the buyer or seller in a public place and bring a friend
For your own personal safety, always meet the buyer or seller in a public place, such as a coffee shop or Wawa. It’s probably a good idea if you bring a friend, as well, to witness the transaction and keep an eye out for your safety. Don’t meet in a secluded place or invite strangers into your home. The Gloucester Township Police Department also has a safe exchange zone located in front of our department.
