Craigslist is a great resource to buy concert tickets and lightly used furniture, but time has proven that it’s also the digital equivalent of a dark alley at 4a.m.. Beyond the mainstream sections is a hellish congregation of criminals using code words to deceive the unknowing masses.
Instant Checkmate did some digging and found the most common Craigslist code words and their meanings. So before you agree to a date with a gal asking for a dozen roses or befriend a stranger who brags about his Rolls Royce, check out what those words really mean! Spoiler alert: It’s not flowers or luxury cars.
View our latest presentation to find out how to avoid trouble while using this popular internet marketplace.
3. But for others,
missing the hidden
codewords
implanted in an ad
could land you in a
s;cky situa;on. As
in, cops-showing-
up-at-your-door-
s;cky.
4. If you spot any of the following
code words or acronyms on
Craigslist, beware!
5. Most of us know
420 and Mary-Jane
are codewords for
marijuana, but look
out for lesser-
known “violet”
which is used by
sneakier
delinquents looking
to score online.
7. DDF: disease and
drug free.
Usually used in
casual encounter
posts, this acronym
is meant to
establish trust and
dis;nguish the
poster as safe. But
as we all know...
8. People on the
internet lie. A lot.
Newsweek reported
that Craigslist
hookups were
responsible for a 16%
increase in cases of
HIV. So take that
“DDF” designa;on
with a grain, or
mound, of salt.
9. Cranked: to sample a rainbow
of narcotics.
If we have to tell you why you
should stay away from this one,
you’re on your own.
10. Fun Times: casual hookup.
Fun times are not fun times.
History has shown that hooking
up casually on Craigslist can
spell disaster.
18. Roses is a code word for dollars
in prostitution. If she wants to
spend a romantic evening with
you in exchange for 40 roses,
she’s not talking about flowers.
19. Sorry, this isn’t an
opportunity for new
friends.
Tina is Molly’s ugly,
meaner sister: crystal
methamphetamine
20. Water Works/ Wet Works:
This means somebody wants
to urinate on you, or they’re
an assassin. Either way, it’s a
bad scene.
21. Craigslist’s crew of artful
dodgers are always inventing
new codewords to creep around
the authorities. By the time
you read this list, it may already
be outdated.
22. But sometimes you can find
good deals on slightly used
furniture. What a dilemma!
23. So how do you stay safe on
Craigslist? Here are some tips!
24. 1.
Never meet alone. If you’re
going to buy a fish tank or a
nice looking futon, take a
buddy with you.
25. 2.
Get a full name before you
meet so you can check them
out online before meeting up.
26. If they don’t want to give you a
name, run the number through
a phone lookup directory. It
may reveal all kinds of details
about them.
27. 3.
Scan the post for any red flags.
If any words, such as parTy, are
spelled strangely, abort. It might
be a code word for something
you don’t want to get involved in.
28. Like any neck of the woods,
Craigslist has its fair share of
creeps and weirdos.
29. 4.
Don’t use Craigslist for
socializing; the freak ratio
increases dramatically when you
exit the mainstream sections.
30. Craigslist can be a great
resource, but make sure to use it
wisely and exercise cauNon and
common sense!