On June 22, 2009, Philip Markoff plead "not guilty" to the murder of Julissa Brisman, a masseuse he had met on Craigslist.org in April. Brisman had been shot to death in a hotel room after she had gone there to meet Markoff.
Brisman used Craigslist's "erotic services" section to advertise her massage service. Craigslist has since removed that section of its website. But users of Craigslist need to take steps to make sure they are safe when meeting anyone offline, whether they are seeking employment, love or appliances.
Job Seekers Use Caution
Craigslist is a great option for people seeking jobs. The site allows users to scroll through hundreds of ads in dozens of categories. But seekers should keep in mind that anyone can post ads on Craigslist, legitimate or not.
In 2007, Katherine Ann Olson responded to an ad for a babysitter that was placed on Craigslist.org in a Minnesota suburb. When Olson went to the person's home for an interview, she was shot to death by 19-year old Michael John Anderson. Her body was found in the trunk of her car a day later ("Craigslist Murder Suspect Charged in Minnesota"). Police believe Anderson placed the ad on Craigslist with the intent to lure a victim.
Katherine Olson did nothing wrong; she was simply trying to find a job. However, there are certain steps one can take to avoid risky situations.
- Look online for information about the company to make sure it's legitimate.
- If the employer runs a home-based business or is seeking someone to work in their home, arrange to meet them in a public place, like a coffee shop or a restaurant.
- Don't give the employer any personal information until there is no question that the business is legal and verifiable.
- Be aware that "pyramid schemes" use the internet to attract recruits, disguising themselves as legitimate job opportunities.
Finding Love on Craigslist Can Be Tricky
Internet dating sites are extremely popular. Craigslist offers a free place for users to browse ads in various personals categories. The fact that the service is free is a perk for people who are wary of spending upwards of $40 a month in dating site memberships fees. But, again, anyone can place an ad on Craigslist claiming to be looking for love. When using any internet dating site, keep in mind the following tips:
- Communicate via phone and/or e-mail until both parties are comfortable meeting in person.
- When meeting for the first time, either bring a friend or tell others where the meeting is taking place and what time. Have a friend call to check in at designated times.
- Always meet for the first few dates in a public place.
- Instinct is a powerful thing. When in doubt, leave and get to a place that is safe.
Craigslist is Policed by Its Users
Craigslist users can "flag" an ad they feel is offensive or provides misleading or false information. The site also asks users to report any ads that exploit children or break the law in any way. Craigslist has hundreds of thousands of users in a daily basis. The company wants to maintain a site that is free and safe and it relies on the general population to make sure that happens.
The cases of Julissa Brisman and Katherine Ann Olson are extreme examples of Craigslist users who were victimized in the worst possible way. But they are also a reminder of the importance of staying safe and ensuring a virtual marketplace free from danger.
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