Setting the Record Straight Regarding Crime on Craigslist

We're really horrified and saddened that our community services have been associated in any way with a crime of violence.

There appears to be a psycho on the loose around Boston.

We always help the cops out fast with the help they need from us, but they tell us not to comment on current investigations.

That is, we're effective at helping cops and DAs with the forensics they need to catch crooks. Downside is increased press coverage, creating wrong perceptions regarding craigslist, but we'll still do the right thing.

Craigslist gets around 50 million people using it per month; considering that, the crime rate we see is very low.

That's a testament to the trustworthiness of the vast majority of community members... and maybe most crooks realize how vulnerable they are using our site.

Hey, do me a favor, and pass this on.

Comments

[JohnnyKong]

I've used Craigslist to find about a dozen roommates over the past 7 years. I'm still alive. (Craig, you can use my testimony the day you need to hire a PR firm)

[katio]

I am a licensed massage therapist in both New York State and Massachusetts and have national board certification as well. All of these certifications require rigorous training, background checks and adherence to a strict code of ethics. Performing "exotic massage" in either NY or MA would be grounds for losing your license and is by definition illegal. There is no such thing in these states as a legal "exotic masseuse". Therefore, Craig Newmark, when Craigslist is offering such services to the public, you are, in effect, acting as a pimp!

[MaxGodart]

Won't stop me from using your site, Craig.

[MagicalPossibilities]

Why are people blaming Craigslist for this crime? Come on. I've used CL to buy and sell all kinds of stuff and even find jobs. Of course it's buyer beware. There are lots of scammers out there. Before CL they put their print ads in the New Times.

[geeegee]

All Craiogslist has to do is take off the Theraputic and Erotic services sites.
Problem solved.
CL Man up.

[geeegee]

As a nationally certified massage therapist I can tell you that the Theraputic Services site on Craigs list in San Diego is the sleaziest in the nation. All the hookers display their wares there because they get charged a fee in the erotic services site. They migrate to the other Theraputic site to hide out from Vice. It puts us real massage people at risk. I have complained about it repeatedly. If you try to flag a hooker on Craigslist it is difficult. If you write something about keeping it a clean site, they take it off immediately. The hookers stay up on their sites even though you flag them repeatedly.
Craig knows exactly how bad his site is. There are enough figures of crimes being generated on his site that I hope it gives legs to the lawsuit filed by the chief of police in Chicago.
Tijuana whorehouses even advertise on the Theraputic Craigslist site in San Diego!
It is a huge problem.
It is not a joke. If you multiply this site across CL and the United States.
Crimes against women, children, and the spread of disease is no joke.
Craig can't pretend to look the other way.
He's been told of the problems.
geegee who was almost strangled on a call at a Hyatt two years ago......

[lscossar]

Several hotels are mentioned in the story about this murder. Why is craigslist any more culpable in this than the companies who own the hotels? What about the internet service providers? Blaming craigslist is ridiculous.

[Akat1973]

Craigs list has had some police departments concerned for quite some time,warning them this would happen, so they cant exactly play stupid.

[BearsLeft]

Bashing Craig is ludicrous. You might as well bash the english language for having the words that were used to lure victims. As a free service, craigslist is the electronic equivalent of ads taped to light poles.

[andyboy]

This is like Al Capone giving some candy to a local urchin. Or helping out the wife of some thug who's in stir. Or donating to the church. He was still a criminal. He still made a ton of cash from illicit activity.

[Bitsko]

What's Craig's Listese for Spin Control? You brought this upon yourself, Mr. Craig.

[mizerello]

While I have no doubt that you Craig are a nice guy, the fact is that you require no proof from folks advertising on your site that what they are advertising is theirs to sell or give away and you do no due diligence to ensure that crazies don't use your site to find victims. When you look at the increasing number of people who've been done in by your list through ads where people are invited to go to an address and take anything in the house, including the house itself, it's clear that what worked for a small community is not working on a larger basis. Finally, sadly, your list has significantly contributed to the downfall of newspapers which, in the end, will contribute to a weakening of our democracy. Again, you are by all accounts one of the good guys in this world. Sadly, your idea, will in the end, be blamed for the downfall of the free press in this country.

[UCLAdy04]

Wow talk about an overstatement. Craigslist is by no means going to singlehandedly take down the entire press corps in this country lol.

[OtayPanky]

You're one of the good guys, Craig. But you're naive about how Craigslist is being used - or should I say mis-used.

Let me start by saying that I don't have anything against people who choose to do sex work - and I think it should be decriminalized. But right now you have people who are looking to play for pay, and who are FALSELY advertising in the various "relationships wanted" sections.

And then you have the psychos and the sociopaths (men and women, both) who really just want to use other people, and then throw them away.

Your big mistake - the mistake that not only allows but encourages - is making the ads in this section free. If I was trolling for women or men to rip off, what better place for me to do that than on Craigslist? I can create as many identities as I want, and put in as many ads as I want - all for FREE.

Start charging money for these sections, and you will eliminate about 99% of the problem, immediately.

The other thing to do is take the revenue you will earn from charging, and hire some editors to police the posts. It's unfortunate, but a necessary evil on the internet. That's why HuffPo finally did it, even though they don't do it very well.

[LVBlogger]

I am A LICENSED theraputic massage therapist. Since the economy took a downturn, I no longer have my job with a Major resort. Now, in order to support my family, I do take ads out on craigslist. I am NOT a prostitute! The reason many people use craigslist legally, is because we cannot afford outrageous prices for listing. This (craigslist) has been a useful tool.
As for going to these homes, businesses, hotels....Some of us are smart. We let 2 or 3 friends know the persons name their address and phone number. Also, we take someone with us, so the person behind that door knows we are not alone.
All of us need to find ways to earn an income in this economy. Craigslist, if used WISELY, can be a great tool.
Shanti~

[wallbern]

It's probably not a good idea to allow very explicit photos of people on your site. If people are seeking companionship or relationships, then send them to a matchmaking site where these types of photos are not allowed. It's not necessary on your site, and clearly sends a wrong message about what services you do offer. Besides, do you really think that people over 18 are the only people viewing these photos?

[NHBill]

If I were you I would drop the sex oriented stuff from Craigslist. You don't need it. Let someone else profit from that. It demeans your whole brand and purpose.