Scammed? what to do

Report to Craigslist

Last updated September 18, 2026

The short answer

Flag scam Craigslist posts and report the email relay messages

Craigslist has no support desk. Reporting is done with the flag button on the post and the report links in the email relay. That sounds thin, but flagging works, and the payment red flags Craigslist lists catch nearly every scam on the site.

What they handle

  • Scam, spam and abusive postings
  • Scam email sent through the Craigslist relay
  • Rental listings for property the poster does not own
  • Buyers and sellers who refuse to meet in person

How to file a report

  1. 1

    Flag the posting

    Use the flag button above the posting title. Craigslist names this as the route for spam, scam or abusive posts on the site.

  2. 2

    Use the report links in relay email

    Messages sent through the Craigslist mail relay carry report links at the bottom. Those are how you report an email scam rather than a post.

  3. 3

    Check it against the payment red flags

    Craigslist names Western Union, MoneyGram, cashier cheques, money orders, PayPal, Zelle, shipping, escrow services and a "guarantee" as scam signals. So is anyone who will not meet face to face.

  4. 4

    Report it to the authorities if you paid

    Craigslist points to the FTC, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and your state Attorney General. If you were defrauded by someone you met in person, contact local police.

What you'll need

  • The posting URL or its post ID
  • The relay email address you were corresponding with
  • The payment method, amount and date

What to expect

Flagging removes posts but produces no reply and no case. Craigslist holds no money and offers no buyer protection, so anything paid is recovered through your bank or not at all.

Go to Craigslist: Reporting scams

Frequently asked questions

The seller wants to use an escrow service. Is that safer?

No. Craigslist lists escrow services among its scam signals. The escrow site is usually fake and run by the same person.

Company guide

Craigslist scams

Knowing which scam you were hit by makes the report better. This is how scams impersonating Craigslist actually work, what the company will never ask you for, and the warning signs to recognise next time.

Read the guide →