There are many Craigslist Phone Number scams. Here is how to avoid them! Google Voice allows you to create a Free Phone Number. You have to have a Google Account which is free and then you have to type in your location. You will get a list of phone numbers that are available. You get to choose your phone number which is great if you are running a business and want a number that people will remember.
The reason Google Voice is a great service to use with Craigslist is because you can block phone numbers! So if someone is spamming you or creeping on you, you can block their number. The phone number can ring through multiple phones. I have my Google number set to ring on my cell phone. That way I can receive calls at any time.
But you can have the Google number turned off or to busy. So if you get a lot of calls from Craigslist customers, you can make yourself unavailable after working hours. You also get a voice mail account! That way you can take messages and listen to them later. This is great if you are driving a lot and can’t talk on your phone.
You can receive your voice mail as written text in your email box. They will even turn a voice mail into a text your read on your phone. This way you can screen your calls without having the phone ring.
It’s a free service that you can use for your picking business.
Update 5/22/15: The recent news story about a couple being murdered while trying to buy a car off of Craigslist is shocking. You really need to be careful with who you talk to online. Don’t let them have your real phone number. Please use a fake number like this one or use Facebook messenger or WhatsApp. Make sure your meetup spot is in public.