How to Accept Payments on Craigslist: Best Ways to Stay Safe

PDF download Download Article
Stay safe on Craigslist with this seller's guide
PDF download Download Article

Craigslist is an excellent tool for buying, selling or trading used items. Whether you are trying to de-clutter your home by selling a bunch of your unused stuff, selling off large pieces of furniture before a move, or trying to liquidate an old baseball card collection, Craigslist is a handy tool. However, you need to be on the lookout for scams and make sure you protect yourself by doing business smartly. By learning how to accept payments on Craigslist, you can navigate the selling process with ease.

Craiglist Safety Tips for Sellers

  1. Meet in a public place if selling face-to-face.
  2. Request cash payment when exchanging in person.
  3. If you're shipping your item, use a service such as PayPal for more security.
  4. Never accept a money order; this is usually a scam.
  5. Cashier's checks can be forged, so exercise caution when accepting these.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The recommendation from Craigslist is that you only do business locally, and for good reason. You are much less likely to be scammed by someone who you meet and transact with face-to-face. Asking a buyer to stop by your house to pick up the item is the norm (and the safest way to transact), but it isn't out of the question to ship an item. Just make sure you understand the risks involved.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you decide to ship your item, this is the only payment option you should entertain. A buyer can make a payment to your PayPal account using nothing but your email address. Only after you have confirmed payment should you ship the item. If the buyer is not willing to pay in advance, do not do business with them.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you decide to meet your buyer in person, ask that they pay cash. Any honest buyer will understand your hesitance to accept other forms of payment and will gladly stop by an ATM to get the cash. If a buyer insists on paying by check or some other form, strongly consider calling off the deal.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you meet a buyer in person and they do not have sufficient cash on them, you could ask them to pay for part of the item in cash and cover the rest with a personal check. Remember that by doing this, you run the risk of the check bouncing.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Even though these are typically viewed as sound because they are drawn on a bank's funds, they are surprisingly easy to forge. It is not a good idea to do business with a Craigslist buyer who insists on paying by cashier's check.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Accept-Payments-on-Craigslist-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Money orders are the type of payment most often associated with scams on Craigslist. Never do business with anyone who offers to pay you by money order for more than your asking price, especially if they are asking for a portion of the money to be wired to a third party. This is a classic formula for Craigslist scamming.
    7. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    If the buyer pays on PayPal, can he reverse the payment once I have given him the item?
    Community Answer
    Most likely yes, they can file an unauthorized payment and take the money back. Assuming you have no proof that you given them the item, PayPal will likely not help you unless the item is sold through eBay. I recommend only taking cash.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 45
  • Question
    How do I handle a sale when the buyer offers to pay by PayPal and have someone else pick it up?
    Community Answer
    Do not go through with the sale! PayPal has some sort of clause that voids protection if the item is picked up from the seller.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 16
  • Question
    How do I get my money from PayPal once the buyer makes the payment?
    Community Answer
    Go to your PayPal account and click on 'transfer funds'. There you can transfer the money to your checking or savings account.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 13
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Mention in your Craigslist posting that you will only accept cash. This can mitigate some confusion from the start.
        Thanks
        Helpful 51 Not Helpful 11
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Sell Your Items on Craigslist
      How to
      Sell a Car on Craigslist
      How to
      Buy on Craigslist
      How to
      Post Ads to Craigslist
      How to
      Email People on Craigslist
      How to
      See Expired & Deleted Craigslist Posts: 2 Easy Tricks
      How to
      Advertise a Garage Sale on Craigslist
      A Quick and Easy Guide to Creating a Craigslist Account
      How to
      Search All of Craigslist Nationwide
      How to
      Use Craigslist
      How to
      Post Pictures on Craigslist on iPhone or iPad
      How to
      Post Pictures on Craigslist on Android
      How to
      Spot Car Scams on Craigslist
      How to
      Report Fraud on Craigslist
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 311,375 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Starr Jarvis

        Feb 28, 2018

        "PayPal is the best choice for me so next time I will add in the additional cost of having this service before hand."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement