Financial Services on Craigslist - How to Avoid Trouble
Each day, more American consumers turn to Craigslist.
org.
Most are looking to buy, trade, or sell, but you may be looking for something else.
That is why the classified website also has a section for services offered.
In that section, you will find a wide range of financial services.
Unfortunately, you will also find that most are scams.
How can you avoid them? Use your best judgment.
If you are seeking financial help, you may be desperate.
Desperate to make extra money fast and desperate to get rid of your debt.
Frauds prey on this.
A lawyer or accountant who offers to go over your finances to create a get out of debt plan is likely legitimate.
However, someone who offers to get rid of your debt within 24 hours or a posting that claims you can make $500 a day stuffing envelopes, is nothing more than a scam.
No matter how desperate you are, rely on your good judgment to make wise decisions.
Read all Craigslist postings carefully, as this is another easy way to avoid financial scams.
Be on the lookout for those that provide you with no solid information.
They just say "get out of debt in 24 hours," or "make $1,000 in one day.
" Sounds great, but they don't tell you upfront how you can do this all.
Why? It is usually something illegal or impossible and they don't want you to know until it is too late.
Too late may be after you paid a fee or handed over your personal information, such as your social security number.
Do additional research.
When hiring the services of a financial expert, it is best to go with a company or someone who has received certification, such as certified account or tax preparer.
Why? These individuals should have a business name, which you can easily use to search online.
Look at the website for the Better Business Bureau, consumer reporting websites, and scam alert websites.
Search with the company or individual name and get the real deal.
Search more than just your local Craigslist city page.
Craigslist is city based, meaning you can only search one city page at a time.
This makes it easy for scammers to target you.
If you live in Orlando, you are unlikely to search the Craigslist.
org page for Delaware.
However, doing so can alert you to a scam.
See the same links and listings posted? It may be a sign of a national scam, where individuals all across the country are targeted.
In terms of financial assistance, it is best to opt for local help.
Meet your financial planner or accountant in person.
org.
Most are looking to buy, trade, or sell, but you may be looking for something else.
That is why the classified website also has a section for services offered.
In that section, you will find a wide range of financial services.
Unfortunately, you will also find that most are scams.
How can you avoid them? Use your best judgment.
If you are seeking financial help, you may be desperate.
Desperate to make extra money fast and desperate to get rid of your debt.
Frauds prey on this.
A lawyer or accountant who offers to go over your finances to create a get out of debt plan is likely legitimate.
However, someone who offers to get rid of your debt within 24 hours or a posting that claims you can make $500 a day stuffing envelopes, is nothing more than a scam.
No matter how desperate you are, rely on your good judgment to make wise decisions.
Read all Craigslist postings carefully, as this is another easy way to avoid financial scams.
Be on the lookout for those that provide you with no solid information.
They just say "get out of debt in 24 hours," or "make $1,000 in one day.
" Sounds great, but they don't tell you upfront how you can do this all.
Why? It is usually something illegal or impossible and they don't want you to know until it is too late.
Too late may be after you paid a fee or handed over your personal information, such as your social security number.
Do additional research.
When hiring the services of a financial expert, it is best to go with a company or someone who has received certification, such as certified account or tax preparer.
Why? These individuals should have a business name, which you can easily use to search online.
Look at the website for the Better Business Bureau, consumer reporting websites, and scam alert websites.
Search with the company or individual name and get the real deal.
Search more than just your local Craigslist city page.
Craigslist is city based, meaning you can only search one city page at a time.
This makes it easy for scammers to target you.
If you live in Orlando, you are unlikely to search the Craigslist.
org page for Delaware.
However, doing so can alert you to a scam.
See the same links and listings posted? It may be a sign of a national scam, where individuals all across the country are targeted.
In terms of financial assistance, it is best to opt for local help.
Meet your financial planner or accountant in person.
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