Craigslist scams: fake escrow, shipping, and wire tricks
Editorially reviewed · Last updated September 8, 2026
Yes — this is a scam. Craigslist is real, but a buyer who won't meet, overpays by cashier's check, and routes you through an “escrow service” is running three scams at once.
Exhibit · Email
Other versions you might get: A buyer who “pays” through a fake payment-processor page and asks you to ship first; a seller of a car or camper who can't meet but offers “Craigslist buyer protection” through an escrow site; a buyer who asks you to read back a verification code (that's the Google Voice scam); or a straight wire-me-first deposit demand on an apartment or item. Different props, same rule broken: money or a code moving before a face-to-face handoff.
What to do right now
- Stop the deal. Don't deposit the check, don't click the escrow or payment link, and don't ship anything. Craigslist's own safety rule — deal locally, face-to-face — defeats the vast majority of scam attempts.
- If you already deposited a check, don't touch the money. “Funds available” doesn't mean it cleared — a fake check can take weeks to bounce, and the bank will pull the full amount back out of your account. Tell your bank you suspect a fake check, and read our fake check scam guide.
- If you already sent money on, call the wire service (MoneyGram: 1‑800‑666‑3947, Western Union: 1‑800‑325‑6000), your bank, or the gift-card issuer immediately and ask them to reverse or freeze it.
- Report it. File at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and flag the email or listing to Craigslist so the account gets shut down.
Reduce the risk of another scam
Follow Craigslist’s local, face-to-face safety guidance and verify payment independently. No single habit prevents every scam. If you deposited a suspicious check or sent money, contact your bank or payment provider promptly.
● Public service · free steps first
Take the free protection steps first
A suspicious message does not tell us how someone found your details. If you shared personal information, start with the official recovery guidance. You can also freeze your credit for free.
- Freeze your credit — free at all three bureausRestricts access to your credit report for new credit applications. It does not protect existing accounts from misuse.
- Report it and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.govThe FTC walks you through exactly what to do next, for free.
Decide what protection you need
Start with the free controls above. Compare what a paid service would add only after deciding which problem remains.
No purchase needed. How we use evidence.
Frequently asked
Is there a real Craigslist escrow or buyer-protection service?
A buyer sent me a cashier's check for more than my asking price. What do I do?
A buyer wants me to ship the item and says their mover will collect it. Scam?
How is a Craigslist scam different from a Facebook Marketplace scam?
What's the safest way to buy or sell on Craigslist?
Related scams
Facebook Marketplace scams: spot the 3 common tricks
Buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace and something feels off — a “verification code,” an overpayment, or a move to Zelle? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Fake check scam: why you'll owe the money back
Someone sent you a check and wants you to send part back? That is a fake-check scam pattern. Available funds are not proof the check is valid.
Overpayment scam: refunding the difference is the trap
A buyer paid you too much — by check or payment app — and wants the difference sent back? Here's the verdict and what to do.
OfferUp scams: spot the fake buyer in one line
A buyer wants a verification code, an overpayment refund, or to move you off the app? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.
Home title theft: spot the deed scam before it moves
Worried someone is using your name to sell a property or change its deed? Here's what home title theft is, what a title-lock ad gets wrong, and what to do.
Ticket scams: spot the fake seller before you pay
A ticket seller wants payment now, sends a copycat link, or offers only a screenshot? Here's how to check the event, delivery method, and buyer protection first.
eBay scams: spot the fake buyer or seller
A buyer or seller sends a fake eBay notice, pushes you off-platform, or asks for a wire or gift card? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Airbnb scams: spot the fake host or payment link
A host moves you off Airbnb, sends a payment link, or pressures you to share a code? Here's the verdict and what to do.
Sources
- 01Avoiding Scams— Craigslist
- 02Selling stuff online? Here's how to avoid a scam— Federal Trade Commission
- 03How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Fake Check Scams— Federal Trade Commission
- 04Report fraud to the FTC— Federal Trade Commission
Pass it on
Help protect someone else
If this could have fooled you, it can fool someone you know — a parent, a friend, the family group chat. It's safe to forward, and stands on its own as a record for a bank or the police.