How Do I Reply to Craigslist Emails Anonymously? (2024)

FAQs

How Do I Reply to Craigslist Emails Anonymously? ›

When you reply directly from Craigslist, your email address will be visible to the recipient. To reply anonymously, you need to create a free Web-based email address, which does not contain identifiable information. Go to a free Web-based email service, such as Gmail, Yahoo! Mail or Hotmail.

Respond to the email you receive with your dedicated Craigslist email address. Limit personal information, such your address or phone number, in an email response. You can handily deal with an interested party or even a confirmed buyer without initially divulging this information.

Craigslist provides a "cover" email address that is forwarded to the recipient's actual email address. Only Craigslist knows the real email addresses of both parties. This way, if one of the people involved turns out to be untrustworthy, they don't have the other person's email address.

Whatever name appears on your emails to other people will be what shows in your response to a Craigslist ad. Your email address will not. In that space will be the coded email address supplied by Craigslist.

Unfortunately, no such protection exists for those replying to posts. When you reply directly from Craigslist, your email address will be visible to the recipient. To reply anonymously, you need to create a free Web-based email address, which does not contain identifiable information.

Always use a proxy email address or phone number

If you're the one browsing, send questions to sellers through an email address you solely use for Craigslist.

This is a telltale sign of a scam. Now, this is where the crux of the scam comes in. After you've expressed interest in whatever item the person is selling, they will get back to you, claiming that they want to make sure they're dealing with a real person because there are a lot of scammers on Craigslist.

Yes, craigslist.com is a legitimate website that is well known and used by millions of people each year. Each individual post does not get vetted before going live, so many posts on the website are not legitimate and require additional caution. What if you see a job listing and know it's a scam?

Make sure the post you are responding to is still active by refreshing the page. If the recipient has opted out of the conversation, you will no longer be able to email that address. Try sending your message again with less content, fewer or no attachments, and reduced file sizes.

What happens if you flag a Craigslist email? ›

Free classified ads sufficiently flagged are subject to automated removal. Postings may also be flagged for removal by CL staff or CL automated systems.

Existing reply email communication threads can continue for up to 4 months. Deleting a posting does not prevent a conversation from continuing.