Mar 12, 2015
Every time I post an ad on Craigslist or refresh my ad, I seem to receive a text from (410) 100-004 or a similar number, which isn't a complete phone number. They want me to reply only by email, and they provide an odd email address. My ad states to contact me only by email.
Someone I know who works in information systems said these are scams to try and get your personal email address that is attached with the Craigslist ad (since they only see a reply-to random email address in the ad and not your real one). Then they copy the ad with a link to your home email address that actually gets diverted to them, and they try to "sell" your item through your "ad" and take money for the item your selling if they can find a sucker inexperienced enough to put a down payment on it (that goes to them, not you). Complicated, but don't reply to them.