5 Craigslist Scams to Watch Out For in 2025: Apartment & Car Scams

Published on February 07, 2025 by SureBuy.io Team

Craigslist still gets plenty of traffic in 2025 — and with that popularity comes a wave of scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers and renters. Whether you're browsing for a place to live, a used car, or just trying to score a deal, it's critical to know the warning signs. Below are five of the most common scams we’re seeing this year, and what to do before handing over any money.

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1. Apartment Deposit Scams

It’s one of the oldest Craigslist scams, but it still works. Scammers grab real photos and descriptions from legitimate rental listings and repost them under fake accounts. They’ll claim to be out of town or otherwise unavailable, and they’ll ask for a deposit to “hold the unit” — often before you’ve even seen it in person.

These scammers rely on urgency and emotional appeals: “Lots of interest, need someone reliable ASAP.” But if someone’s asking for money before a walkthrough or paperwork, that’s a red flag. No legitimate landlord requires payment before a showing.

2. Fake Car Listings

Used car scams are getting more elaborate. Some fraudsters list vehicles they don’t actually own, using stolen photos and suspiciously low prices to reel you in. Others use tactics like forged VINs or claim they’re shipping the car from out of state — all to avoid meeting face to face.

Always verify the VIN, ask to see the title in person, and insist on a local meetup at a public location like a DMV. If the seller dodges or pressures you to act quickly, walk away.

3. The “Too Good to Be True” Trap

Some listings don’t scream scam right away — they just look unusually cheap. That’s on purpose. Scammers use low prices to create urgency and emotional excitement, especially for high-demand items like electronics, sneakers, and furniture. Once you're hooked, they'll start asking for payment before you realize something feels off.

Before jumping on a deal, compare prices across other marketplaces like eBay or OfferUp, and do a quick image search to see if the photos are stolen. If something feels off, it probably is.

4. Listings That Seem Real — But Aren’t

Not every scam is obvious. Some listings use real product specs, multiple images, and believable language. But even if a post looks legit, the real test is how the seller behaves. Are they answering questions clearly? Will they meet in person? Can they show a receipt or proof of ownership?

This is where SureBuy.io comes in handy. Just copy and paste the listing text, and our AI flags any suspicious language, pricing inconsistencies, or behavior that doesn’t line up. You get a quick read on what’s real and what isn’t — before you message the seller.

Copy/paste a suspicious listing into SureBuy.io to get a breakdown of red flags and pricing confidence — in seconds.

5. Unsafe Meetups

Even if the listing and communication seem fine, things can still go sideways during the meetup. Scammers may try to rush the handoff, switch the item, or simply not show up. Worse, some use meetups as a setup for theft or worse.

Always meet in public, well-lit locations — many police departments offer designated exchange zones. Bring a friend, tell someone where you're going, and never carry large amounts of cash. Platforms like PayPal Goods & Services offer more protection than handing over bills.

SureBuy.io helps you catch sketchy listings before it ever gets to that stage.

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