Scammers continue to target Craigslist users

Posted by Robert Siciliano on August 19th, 2009

Robert Siciliano is a NextAdvisor.com Expert Guest Blogger

Craigslist scammers aren't letting up. Fox News reports on scams that target online car buyers, in which crooks spend about a hundred dollars on a junk car, then steal a similar car and advertise it on Craigslist. They remove the vehicle identification number plate from the junk car and the ignition and put them in the stolen car. Buyers don't realize their new cars are stolen until the scammers are long gone.

In another Craigslist scam, a Massachussetts woman was horrified when a stranger alerted her to a Craigslist post offering her baby up for adoption. The advertisement read: "A CUTE BABY BOY FOR ADOPTION HE IS VERY HEALTHY AND READY FOR ADOPTION FOR MORE YOU COME BACK TO US," and featured a photo of the woman's seven month old son, which had been lifted from their family blog. (I've said before that you shouldn't reveal specifics when posting to blogs and social media sites. Don't post your address, date of birth, kids' names, pets' names, phone numbers, or any account numbers or financial information of any kind. You really shouldn't post children's photos online.) When the mother responded to the post, she was informed that the baby was Canadian but currently living in an African orphanage. The mother said that while her son wasn't being harmed, she felt he was violated. She alerted the FBI and the scammer has been removed from Craiglist as well as Yahoo.

I spoke with Jeffrey A. Kasky, Esq., renowned adoption expert from OneWorldAdoption.com. He said, "Families who hope to adopt a child are frequently medically unable to have children for themselves.  As such, they look at adoption opportunities from an emotional rather than a logical perspective, and are therefore more vulnerable to scams. What would tug at your heartstrings more than thinking that this beautiful little boy was stuck in an orphanage halfway around the world? All you have to do is wire us $300 now, then more and more and more, and he can be yours…"

These scammers are lower than that black smelly stuff in the sewer.

When we were young, our parents told us not to talk to strangers. Strangers are not yet part of our trusted circle. So don't trust them! There's no benefit to paranoia, but being a little guarded can prevent you from stumbling into a vulnerable situation.  Since predators use online classifieds to lure unsuspecting victims, you should find out as much as possible about strangers who contact you. Get a name, email address and phone number, and use Google, iSearch.com, or social networking sites to look for anything suspicious. If you find a red flag, use Intelius.com to investigate further.

Whenever possible, deal locally. People who cannot meet you in your town are more likely to be scammers. And even when you do meet in person, you should be wary. Never meet in private. Choose a public location surrounded by people. If possible, bring along a friend. Predators thrive on isolation, and by pairing up, you reduce your chances of being attacked. Be street smart, and dress accordingly. Don't wear expensive jewelry or provocative clothes. Scarves and loose clothing give attackers something to grab. Wear shoes that will allow you to run and kick if necessary.

Trust your gut and don't discount any troubling or negative feelings about the meeting. If something seems wrong, it probably is wrong. Don't be afraid to cancel. Unfortunately there is an inherent risk in meeting someone you don't know.  Being guarded can keep you from getting into a vulnerable situation. Let your spouse or a friend know where you are going and when you will be back. Use your cell phone to keep in touch throughout the meeting.

Robert Siciliano, identity theft speaker, discusses all kinds of scams on TBS's Movie and a Makeover.

Robert Siciliano is CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com , an identity theft expert, professional speaker, security analyst, published author and television news correspondent. Siciliano works with Fortune 1000 companies and startups as an advisor on product launches, branding, messaging, representation, SEO and media. Siciliano's thoughts and advice on all these matters appear often in both the televised and print news media including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, Forbes and USA Today. He has 25 years of security training as a member of the American Society of Industrial Security. He is the author of two books, including The Safety Minute: Living on High Alert; How to take control of your personal security and prevent fraud. He's also partnered with Uni-Ball to help raise awareness about the growing threat of identity theft and to provide tips on how you can protect yourself.