Craigslist has really grown in popularity over the last few years. On Craigslist, you can find almost anything you want or need -- cars, furniture, clothes, even jobs and personal ads. Too bad numerous scammers can also be found on this Internet phenomenon also.

One scheme that is often seen involves listing a car for an amazingly low price. The listing may tell the story of how the vehicle is owned by someone in the armed forces and is being shipped home. And how desperately money is needed before its arrival. The unsuspecting buyer sends the cash, only to be left in the lurch. No car ever arrives.

One man was arrested for listing a rental home on Craigslist that he didn't even own. Before he was caught be the authorities he made away with thousands of dollars. His many victims were left with no rental and no money. By doing a some research, these would-be renters could have avoided this terrible situation.

Another common scam involves fake job postings. That's why it is always wise to approach "work from home" ads with caution. Many times, after paying an upfront fee, the job seeker will find little if any real work. If you ever get a phone number, its easy to use a telephone look-up directory such as cheapinfosearch.com/West-Virginia/Burnsville/304/852 to make sure the person is not be impersonating someone else.

Anytime you are considering making a purchase on Craigslist or applying for a job, it's important to do some research and be cautious. Before sending money you should always require a personal review of the item or some type of guarantee on it. Personal ads should especially be treated with extreme caution as there are people out there looking to take advantage of lonely souls trying to make a connection.

There have also been many people who have sent money to pay for an item and the item is never sent. Of course, when this happens, there is no recourse and the money is simply gone. When dealing with Craigslist and making a purchase, it is much better to meet the seller directly to make an exchange of the money for the item. This allows you to take a look at the merchandise before actually paying for it.

Providing free listings for goods and services, Craigslist can be a great resource for many people. Unfortunately, it has also become a breeding ground for fraudulent dealings. By taking some simple precautions, you can avoid being duped or cheated out of your hard earned money.

This site, as with others, caution that if someone wants money wire transferred to a distance location or sent in money order or cashiers check, be concerned. It is best to buy locally and meet the sellers face-to-face to exchange funds. Additionally, you should never give out personal information and, most of all, use gut instinct to decline any offers that sound too good to be true.