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I’ve received a few emails from readers –and I’ve found it to be true myself– that selling your items on craigslist can result in you receiving tons of spam emails.    Unfortunately, these spammers know that people who are selling their items because they need money, and spammers prey on these people.

The process works like this:  Because buyers on craigslist can’t see your email address (they see a craigslist email address that will be forwarded to you), they respond to hundreds of craigslist ads per day, hoping that some of those sellers will reply to them.  They NEED you to respond, in order to harvest your real email address. Once they have your real email address, they will begin sending you spam emails (many of which are adult in nature).

After listing a few items myself, I have realized a few ways to spot an email from someone who wants to spam you, and how you can avoid it.

Their message is vague or urgent.

Examples of these emails may say vague things like, “Is it still for sale?” or “Do you still have this?” They might also use phrases like, “Very interested, and can pick this up within hours,” (without mentioning what the item is, or asking any questions about the item or where you live.

They offer assistance.

Examples of these types of emails are messages like, “Do you need help?” “Do you need money?” or “Times are tough, but I can help if you need money.” My husband’s coworker responded to one of these emails, and received an immediate automated response from the same sender. This auto-response email was offering him a pay day loan with an outrageous interest rate.

How to Avoid Being Spammed

• Use a separate email account for your craigslist postings. This will help you avoid giving spammers your real email address.
• In your postings, include (in all capital letters), a phrase telling interested buyers that they must put the name of the item in the subject line and give you a telephone number at which you can reach them if they want a reply.  Spammers almost never take the time to reference the item in subject line, and will never leave you a cell phone numer.

As always, be savvy and safe when using Craigslist.