What Can a Craigslist Scammer Do With My Phone Number? Shocking Truth Revealed
Last Updated: March 9, 2025 
Sharing your phone number on Craigslist might seem harmless, but in the hands of a scammer, it can become a powerful tool for fraud, identity theft, and harassment. This comprehensive guide reveals exactly what scammers can do with your phone number, how to identify these schemes, and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
The Alarming Ways Scammers Exploit Your Phone Number on Craigslist
Create Fraudulent Accounts Using Your Identity
With just your phone number, Craigslist scammers can initiate the Google Voice verification scam, where they use your number to create accounts that appear legitimate but are used for fraudulent activities.
These accounts can then be used to scam others while the trail leads back to your phone number, not the scammer’s identity.
Launch Sophisticated Phishing Attacks
Scammers use your phone number to send convincing SMS phishing messages containing malicious links designed to steal your banking credentials, account passwords, or install malware.
These messages often reference your Craigslist listing details to appear legitimate and trustworthy.
Build a Profile for Identity Theft
Your phone number serves as a foundational data point that scammers can use to uncover additional personal information through data broker sites, social media, and other public records.
By combining this information, they can potentially access your accounts, apply for credit in your name, or commit other forms of identity theft.
Bypass Two-Factor Authentication
With schemes like SIM swapping, sophisticated scammers can potentially take control of your phone number, intercepting verification codes sent to your device.
This allows them to bypass the security of two-factor authentication on your email, banking, and other sensitive accounts.
⚠️ Warning: The Google Voice Scam Explained
The most common scheme begins when a scammer contacts you about your Craigslist listing and requests your phone number “to verify you’re real.” They then attempt to register a Google Voice account using your number. Google sends a verification code to your phone, which the scammer will ask you to share. Once they have this code, they can create a Google Voice account linked to your number, which they’ll use for anonymous scam operations that trace back to you, not them.
Real Victim Stories: How Craigslist Scammers Used Phone Numbers
Case Study: The SMS Phishing Attack
After listing an item on Craigslist, one user received what appeared to be a legitimate verification text from “Craigslist Security” claiming suspicious activity on their account. The message included a link to “verify” their identity. In reality, this was a sophisticated phishing attempt designed to steal their login credentials and potentially access payment information.
“I never suspected anything because they knew details about my listing that only someone who had seen it would know. The text seemed official with Craigslist branding. Fortunately, I checked the URL before entering my password and noticed it wasn’t actually from Craigslist.”
Case Study: The Identity Building Scheme
One victim shared how a scammer used their phone number from Craigslist to gather additional personal information. The scammer first searched public records and social media associated with the number, then called the victim’s workplace pretending to be a delivery service, extracting more personal details. Within weeks, the victim discovered unauthorized credit applications had been submitted in their name.
How To Recognize When a Scammer Wants Your Phone Number
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Early Requests for Direct Contact: Legitimate buyers typically ask questions about the item first before requesting contact information. - !
Verification Code Requests: Any mention of “I’ll send you a code to verify you’re real” is an immediate red flag. - !
Overly Eager Buyers: Scammers often appear unusually excited about your item and ready to purchase immediately without negotiation. - !
Inconsistent Communication: Watch for messages with poor grammar initially, followed by surprisingly professional texts once they have your number.
Protection Strategies: Safeguarding Your Phone Number on Craigslist
1. Use Virtual Phone Numbers
Services like Google Voice (when set up properly by you), Burner, or TextNow provide temporary numbers you can use for Craigslist transactions.
Benefits: Creates a buffer between scammers and your real number, can be discarded if compromised
2. Keep Communications on Craigslist
Utilize Craigslist’s built-in relay system to communicate with potential buyers or sellers without revealing your phone number.
Benefits: Maintains anonymity, creates a record of communications, filters some automated scam attempts
3. Never Share Verification Codes
If you receive an unexpected verification code via text message, never share it with anyone, regardless of their explanation.
Benefits: Prevents account takeover attempts, blocks the most common Craigslist phone scams
4. Check Your Privacy Settings
Regularly review the privacy settings on your social media accounts to ensure your phone number isn’t publicly visible.
Benefits: Reduces the ability of scammers to cross-reference your number with other personal information
What To Do If a Scammer Already Has Your Phone Number
- Block suspicious numbers immediately if you receive scam calls or texts.
- Report the incident to Craigslist by flagging the user’s messages or posts.
- Enable additional security on important accounts by activating app-based two-factor authentication rather than SMS verification.
- Monitor your credit reports for unauthorized accounts or inquiries through services like Credit Karma or annual free credit reports.
- Set up fraud alerts with the major credit bureaus if you suspect your information has been compromised.
- Consider changing your number in extreme cases of persistent harassment or if you’ve been the victim of multiple scam attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phone Number Scams on Craigslist
What exactly is the Google Voice scam and how does it work?
The Google Voice scam works in several steps:
- The scammer contacts you about your Craigslist listing
- They claim they want to verify you’re real by sending a verification code to your phone
- What they’re actually doing is initiating a Google Voice account setup using your phone number
- When you share the verification code, they complete the account creation
- They now have a Google Voice number linked to your real phone number that they can use for anonymous scam operations
- Any illegal or fraudulent activity traces back to your phone number, not the scammer
Can a scammer hack my bank account with just my phone number?
While they can’t directly access your bank account with just your phone number, scammers can use it as a starting point for more targeted attacks. They might:
- Send convincing phishing messages that trick you into providing banking credentials
- Attempt SIM swapping to intercept verification codes sent to your phone
- Gather additional personal information to answer security questions
- Call your bank pretending to be you using information they’ve collected
This is why it’s important to use app-based authentication rather than SMS verification for financial accounts.
How long should I be concerned after my phone number has been compromised?
Unfortunately, once your phone number has been exposed to scammers, it could potentially remain in their databases indefinitely. Heightened vigilance should become your new normal, with particular attention in the first 3-6 months after exposure when scam attempts are most likely. Continue monitoring your accounts, be suspicious of unexpected verification codes, and maintain strong security practices going forward.
Is it safer to communicate through email instead of phone on Craigslist?
Yes, communication through Craigslist’s relay email system is generally safer than sharing your phone number. The platform’s email relay system hides your actual email address and provides some filtering of suspicious messages. However, you should still use a separate email account dedicated to Craigslist transactions rather than your primary personal or work email for an added layer of security.
The Bottom Line: Why Protecting Your Phone Number on Craigslist Matters
Your phone number is much more than just a way for people to call you—it’s a key that can unlock your digital identity. When a Craigslist scammer gets hold of your phone number, they gain a powerful tool for executing fraud schemes, launching targeted phishing attacks, and potentially compromising your accounts.
The most dangerous aspect is how a simple piece of information like your phone number can be the first domino in a cascade of identity theft or financial fraud. Scammers are constantly evolving their techniques, using social engineering and technical exploits to maximize the damage they can cause with minimal information.
By understanding what scammers can do with your phone number, recognizing the warning signs, and implementing the protective strategies outlined in this guide, you can continue to use Craigslist safely without putting your personal information at risk. Remember that prevention is always easier than dealing with the aftermath of identity theft or fraud. Keep your phone number private, stay vigilant, and trust your instincts when something doesn’t feel right.
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Pro Tip: Security Checklist for Craigslist Users
- ✓ Never share verification codes with anyone
- ✓ Use a virtual phone number for transactions requiring calls or texts
- ✓ Keep communications within the Craigslist platform when possible
- ✓ Set up app-based two-factor authentication on important accounts
- ✓ Regularly check your credit report for unauthorized activity
- ✓ Report suspicious activities to Craigslist and block suspicious numbers