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Craigslist verification code scam – Do not disclose your code!

By Sean Doyle 2 min read

Craigslist verification code scam

Have you ever posted something to Craigslist and received a text message from an interested buyer asking for you to send them a verification code? If you have you might be in trouble. The Craigslist verification code scam is a malicious scheme used to associate your phone number with the scammer’s Craigslist account. This way, the scammer can verify their account using your phone number and then use their Craigslist account for various activities. The scammer won’t get in trouble for illegal or prohibited activities they conduct on the website; you will. The scammers might also sign up your phone for other third-party services outside of Craigslist.

Here’s what a conversation with a Craigslist verification code scammer might look like (this is an actual conversion that took place with one):

Scammer: I wanna Buy you still available?

Scammer: <listed item>

Seller: The item is available

Scammer: I have sent you a quick verification code from craigslist, if your post is real send me to the code, You know most of the post is fake.

Seller: No.

Scammer: ok atfast sand this code of you are real, than i call you, ok

If you’re new to Craigslist it is understandable that a verification code might seem like something often used on the website. However, it is not. The scammers use the code to sign your phone up for something or link your phone to their own Craigslist account. The code might be a real confirmation number used for a service and sent to your phone. I’m sure you’ve signed up for something that has needed a confirmation code; this works the same way except the scammer is the one signing up.

If you fell for the Craigslist verification code scam and sent a scammer your code contact Craigslist and let them know that someone asked you for your code:

contact craigslist

  • Once on the page, click scams and then click I received a call/email from someone asking for my code to open an option to contact Craigslist.
Sean Doyle

Sean is a tech author and security researcher with more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware analysis, analytics, and online marketing. He focuses on clear reporting, deep technical investigation, and practical guidance that helps readers stay safe in a fast-moving digital landscape. His work continues to appear in respected publications, including articles written for Private Internet Access. Through Botcrawl and his ongoing cybersecurity coverage, Sean provides trusted insights on data breaches, malware threats, and online safety for individuals and businesses worldwide.

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24 Comments

  6. I use a text free number for my postings on Craigslist and say bad things to the scammers that contact me, text free is an app that lets you use an alternative number for free so you don’t have to post your primary number.

  8. Been there, didnt do it. Instead I send them this then block their number:
    First how about you
    1. go out and use your superpowers for the good of mankind
    2. Cure covid
    3. Cure cancer
    4. Save starving children
    5. Bring about world peace
    6. get a haircut
    7. Get a honest job

  11. thanks. I just posted something and within a minute I got several requests. Each one sent me a request for a verification code. I did not. instead I googled the term and learned all of the above – thanks to all of you! thanks again!

  13. I just got that scam I wasn’t aware of. I figure it was legit so to the fact that a lots of times, even the browser wants to know if u r not a robot. So having that under Consideration, I fell for the scam. I hope he didn’t go to far with his/her games. I contact craigslist the same day but few hours later. Of not to late to stop this idiot!!

    • Did anything happen? I also just fell for this scam. I feel so stupid! I contacted craigslist within a few minutes because something didn’t feel right. I’m not sure how scared I should be!

  14. 20 minutes after my post was up I got the spam. It’s strange he’d go back and forth so many times, all for a phone number that is revocable … with some effort of course

  16. I get the scam texts all the time. I know it is a scam so I block the number. But my cell company says I cannot block anymore numbers. So I just delete the text. Other times they ask me if I am real and need a code sent to them. It is a shame people have nothing better to do then act like circus clowns.

  17. Amazing what lengths people will go through to scam rather than get a job. I posted a car for sale and immediately was asked for a code to verify if I was real. Good thing I said no!

  20. Hello Sean,

    Right after posting an ad on craigslist a few minutes ago, I was contacted by someone interested in my item. They asked me to verify that I was not a bot by providing them the google voice verification code twice. I stupidly gave it to them. I just came across your article and am scared. I have contacted craigslist already and changed my gmail password. Is there anything else you would suggest I should do?

    Thanks so much!
    R

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