Craigslist is used across all 50 U.S. states—but some areas are much riskier than others. According to data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center), and user-submitted scam reports, certain states consistently rank at the top for online vehicle fraud and Craigslist-related scams. In this article, we break down where Craigslist car scams are most reported—and why these hotspots exist.
1. Top 10 States for Craigslist Car Scams
| Rank | State | Estimated Scam Reports (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 4,200+ |
| 2 | Texas | 3,600+ |
| 3 | Florida | 3,100+ |
| 4 | New York | 2,700+ |
| 5 | Illinois | 2,200+ |
| 6 | Georgia | 2,000+ |
| 7 | Arizona | 1,900+ |
| 8 | Ohio | 1,800+ |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 1,750+ |
| 10 | North Carolina | 1,600+ |
Note: These figures include vehicle-related frauds reported through FTC, IC3, and local law enforcement channels.
2. Why Are These States Higher Risk?
- Population density: More users = more scams
- High car transaction volume: States like CA, TX, and FL have massive used car markets
- Tourist activity & transients: More opportunity for out-of-state or impersonated sellers
- Urban Craigslist hubs: Cities like Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and NYC are scam hotspots
3. Cities Most Frequently Reported
- Los Angeles, CA
- Houston, TX
- Miami, FL
- Chicago, IL
- Phoenix, AZ
- Brooklyn, NY
- Atlanta, GA
These areas often show higher scam density based on user reports and law enforcement data.
4. Types of Craigslist Car Scams Most Reported
- Fake vehicle listings: Often involve fake eBay Motors emails and wire transfers
- Title fraud: Selling cars with forged or salvage titles
- Overpayment scams: Using fake cashier’s checks
- VIN report scams: Buyer demands seller use a specific (fake) VIN site
- Shipping scams: Nonexistent shipping agents or vehicle transport requests
5. Scam Rate per 100,000 Craigslist Users
In high-risk states, the scam rate may be as high as 15 to 25 reports per 100,000 users annually. Lower-risk states, like Montana or Vermont, often see fewer than 3 reports per 100,000 users.
6. How to Check If a Craigslist Listing Is High Risk
- Too-good-to-be-true price
- No phone number or only email contact
- “eBay Motors handles everything” mentioned
- Seller refuses local meeting or test drive
- Listing disappears shortly after being posted
7. What to Do If You’re Buying in a High-Risk State
- Always meet in public or police-monitored zones
- Never pay online or send money to a “transport company”
- Verify title and VIN before agreeing to buy
- Use official car-checking tools like CARFAX and NICB
- Walk away if anything feels rushed or suspicious
Final Thoughts: Scams Don’t Care Where You Live—But Statistics Do
Craigslist fraud happens everywhere, but being in a high-risk state or city means you should be extra careful. Use this data to stay alert, recognize danger signs, and always prioritize safety in your vehicle transactions.
Remember: Whether you’re in California or Montana, one good habit can stop a bad scam.