craigslist too dangerous?

[youngclient2]

While there have been gems on Craigslist and probably still are, it seems like now it's filled with scams, thieves, flakes, and undercover types (not necessarily police either). Googling and tracing phone numbers to strange sources, seeing multiple pictures from the same poster, etc. Is it worth using it anymore? It almost seems like playing with Russian roulette.

 

Basically, it seems like only porn stars or well reviewed people are safe!

[Kippy]

I've connected with several people on CL in the M4M and Adult sections. Two weeks ago with a 20 year old college boy. Sweet, cute and a real scatter brain. Not quite masc. enough for me even though he said he had a gf. The problem with CL is the weeding out of nonsense. It could be a great place if the game players would stop and let the real business of sex take place !

 

Peace,

 

Kipp

[Guest greatness]

It does happen a lot

 

So many game players are on craigslist, I don't post anything there anymore. Only one time I've hired through craigslist and it wasn't good.

 

The problem with CL is the weeding out of nonsense. It could be a great place if the game players would stop and let the real business of sex take place !

 

Peace,

 

Kipp

[jackcali]

I still use craigslist

 

Here in New York, there are lots of posts in the Casual Encounters and Men Seeking Men sections for young guys looking for generous types. Some are just lower-priced and perhaps unprofessional escorts who don't want to pay for the rentboy ads, etc., but some are guys still in college or just out of it who need a little financial help who don't escort for a living.

 

You've got to be very careful sorting through the ads and reading the email exchanges with the posters, but I've found some nice guys who I saw regularly for a while. The Adult section has some of the same guys you see on other sites. I think like anywhere else, you've got to be a careful shopper, but it's not ALL scams and low-lifes on craigslist.

[youngclient2]

True, but how do you verify it's a nice guy looking for extra cash as opposed to a scammer, a cop, or worse? you see the pic, you get a number, and just risk it and call? or do you do more research?

[+ Lucky]

One can no longer find the male masseurs or escorts on craigslist in Palm Springs. Now that the therapy section exists, all you can find are Asian females. It's a complete waste of time.

[dcguy20]

Seems like Rentboy has its share of fakes and frauds as well.

[jackcali]

Well, I tend to spend a lot of time exchanging emails before our first meeting (and I always go into it expecting that there will be more), on the assumption that either they will slip up or give up if they're scammers or looking for one-time hookups. If they really are young guys who don't normally do this but who need some regular support, they're okay with a longer email exchange because they're as interested in getting comfortable with me as I am with them.

 

If I had to hire someone RIGHT NOW, I wouldn't use craigslist unless it was to find someone who I'd met before or who was recommended to me (or well reviewed, etc.). I guess what I'm essentially saying that I'd use craigslist to look for a regular arrangement with a non-pro, but would rely on other sources (or craigslist in conjunction with other sources) for professional escorts.

[firsttimer]

I've also wondered about Craig's List. Before I found out this kind of site I used to search and look on CL but usually it's all guys who look like they could be scammers. It's scary to think about sending your real life photo to a scammer when you're an honest person who really is sending their photo to them.

[Guest greatness]

well

 

There are also so called pic collectors. They just like to collect pics and use someone else's pic to get other people's pics. Oh well

 

I've also wondered about Craig's List. Before I found out this kind of site I used to search and look on CL but usually it's all guys who look like they could be scammers. It's scary to think about sending your real life photo to a scammer when you're an honest person who really is sending their photo to them.

[Guest LeoWalker]

There are also so called pic collectors. They just like to collect pics and use someone else's pic to get other people's pics. Oh well

 

I've come very accustomed to having to identify stolen pictures on gay social networking websites; usually the stats don't match the person in the pic. But I'll never forget a couple years ago when I was in a relationship with Sergio Cortez, I was online and saw pics of a pretty hot guy, told Sergio to come look at the pic to which he exclaimed, "That's me from 5 years ago!" Needless to say that guy didn't come through when I asked to meet. For that reason at least 90% of the pics of me that are online are watermarked.

[jackcali]

That's a very funny story, Leo. Thanks for sharing it. I've never worried about pic collectors because mostly I pity any poor bastard who is so ugly that my pics are an improvement.

[Boston Guy]

As someone who travels regularly, I've found that CL varies greatly from one city to another. In some cities, there will be some interesting guys in one or more of the various sections (adult, men seeking men, casual encounters) while in other cities there's not much there.

 

I'm careful about which ads I contact and I always -- always -- contact via email first, even guys who say that they prefer calls from unblocked numbers. Sorry, I don't give out my cell number to guys with an attitude who list on Craigslist and make up ridiculous rules about how and when they must be contacted. I send a polite email. If I get a reasonable response, we'll go from there. If not, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[Guest JohnWorsh]

Meet and talk first.

 

When I contact a guy thru CL I always ask him to meet me at a public place (in my case, a MacDonalds near where I live) to grab a coffee have a talk and see if we like each other. You'd be amazed how many craigslisters you automatically wean out this way. (They don't actually want to meet. They are just interested in pics or dirty talk or fantasy.) Of the ones I have met and talked with, a few were quite attractive and likable - and one of them has become regular fuck buddies with me. So I say, Hooray for Craigslist! Just be careful.

[JT Brooklyn]

When I contact a guy thru CL I always ask him to meet me at a public place (in my case, a MacDonalds near where I live) to grab a coffee have a talk and see if we like each other. You'd be amazed how many craigslisters you automatically wean out this way. (They don't actually want to meet. They are just interested in pics or dirty talk or fantasy.) Of the ones I have met and talked with, a few were quite attractive and likable - and one of them has become regular fuck buddies with me. So I say, Hooray for Craigslist! Just be careful.

 

Meet a Stranger they never met for a cup of Coffee and MAYBE the Deal will go down!

 

That in itself is something a SMART "Pro" would never do. Unless of course your willing to PAY for his Time!

 

"Gullible" Hard Up Craigslister's MAYBE!

[rickx]

How about the verification services that want your credit card for a dollar?

Is for real or just a way to get your number? The following 2 ads and responses look too similar.

 

 

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/ads/1397712066.html

 

 

hey bud, my rates seem pretty low seeing as our economy is suffering and

i dont want people to lose out on fun due to expenses . Rates are

55$hr(in) and 75$hr(out) and i do all types of massages along with

erotic services.I am a certified masseur who does use a table unless

prefer otherwise. i dont mind massaging nude if you'd like and i will be

happy to cater to any fantasies or fetishes you may have.if you will

please just verify yourself at my agency's

site(http://www.datescott.com/schedule) which costs $1(Its just so my agency

can verify you are who you say you are and not dangerous and you will be

deleted from the database as soon as its processed), then feel free to

call me at the number in the confirmation email when you are ready.

 

Thanks,

Scott

 

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/5024/scott11.jpg

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/5325/scott2p.jpg

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/7105/scott8v.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/731/scott6.jpg

 

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/ads/1397496395.html

 

Hi, how are you? I hope you are doing well today. Rates are 60$hr(in)

80$hr(out). I am licensed to do many therapeutic massages, like the ones

mentioned in my ad, along with erotic services. Kiss, mutual touch, top

or bottom . If you like nude massage with mutual touch, I would be

happy to accommodate.. Please, verify yourself at my agency's site,

which only costs $1, you will receive a confirmation email with my

personal cell number, after that you can call or text me anytime.

Sorry I cant make exceptions, it makes sure your not too young and are

with serious intention. http://www.datetyler.com , once you verify yourself

call me anytime I am available 24/7.

 

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2332/tyler030.jpg

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3747/tyler007.jpg

[Guest zipperzone]

How about the verification services that want your credit card for a dollar?

Is for real or just a way to get your number?

 

ABSOLUTELY DO NOT FALL FOR THIS. It smells sky high as a scam.

[rickx]

Thanks, I agree. Great picture to suck you in. Anyone reconize the models?

[jackcali]

I don't even want to go to that webpage. I can find plenty of hot pics in more trustworthy places.

[BaronArtz]

I am sure it's different from city to city, but here in NYC it's hard to determine which is worse: craigslist or the 'pro' section on adam4adam. I have heard horror stories from both - the guys will totally ROB you blind. Don't even think about inviting them to your apartment, unless if you want to lose your watch collection, your laptop, any portable electronic devices ... But if you must, invite them to a public place first, then take them to a hotel. Much cheaper that way.

[Guest webdaddy69]

I would dump C-LIST if I were you

 

According to my Brother the policeman, it's the easiest spot to catch John's and escorts. Vice sets it up online at the police station and some poor UN suspecting guy thinks he is going to have fun with a 20 year old hot boy.... Think again! your going to be in cuffs and embarrassed. Stick with Daddy's reviews and Men4rentnow.

[Mark Gordon]

Only in the USA

 

According to my Brother the policeman, it's the easiest spot to catch John's and escorts. Vice sets it up online at the police station and some poor UN suspecting guy thinks he is going to have fun with a 20 year old hot boy.... Think again! your going to be in cuffs and embarrassed. Stick with Daddy's reviews and Men4rentnow.

 

Probably good advice if you're in the USA. In Canada, outcalls are completely legal and stings on independent escorts doing incalls are virtually unknown. Craigslist Toronto still features an 'Erotic Services' M4M category which consists mainly of moonlighting amateurs, with a few pros and semi-pros. I post ads there sometimes because it is accessed by clients who do not use the dedicated male escort sites.

[seeker630]

Pure scam..the same ad is currently appearing in the Raleigh NC Craigslist & I got the same response email.

[+ glutes]

watch your job!

 

http://www.localio.us/san-francisco-bay-area/news/ad-fired-sex-126?utm_source=recentnews

 

Teacher who placed Craigslist sex ad can be fired: “serve as a role model"

 

■Should teachers be fired for placing graphic ads for sex

■But the appeals court disagreed, saying Lampedusa's conduct showed he was unfit to teach and "serve as a role model" for his students

■A teacher's private life can constitute grounds for dismissal if it demonstrates "indecency and moral indifference," said the Fourth District Court of Appeal in San Diego■SF Gate polls are strictly surveys of those who choose to participate and are therefore not valid statistical samples

■The court said an anonymous caller who described himself as the father of a Farb student told a police dispatcher in June 2008 about Lampedusa's ad on Craigslist

[curiousheartguy]

I agree with most if not all of the above. In the "good old days" before Gladys Kravitz was running craigslist there were tons of real ads from young guys looking for generous men. I have had numerous terrific experiences through the m4m section. I was careful however, and would converse with people for fairly long periods of time. That approach enabled me to weed out the freaks. The result was that I met many eager, beautiful guys. Many of them have become "regulars" even five years later. Those days are gone. Between the freaks and the flaggers, it is almost a total waste of time to try and find some fun on CL. I dont think it is dangerous as much as it is fruitless.