Are any jobs on Craigslist NOT a scam - Page 3 - Virtual Assistant Forums

HawaiiVA · #21 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009

There are some legitimate jobs but they are few and far between. I actually obtaining my first client through a craigslist posting and am still with them 2 years later!

Elentari · #22 (**permalink**) 09-22-2009

Yes, I surf Craigslist a lot trying to find translation jobs and small data entry and research also, as well as social networking and social media gigs, I have already found a few nice gigs there; nothing long term but still made a few bucks with Craigslist, and I keep visiting everyday.

thompsonassistants · #23 (**permalink**) 09-27-2009

I have had an interview from a post on Craigslist with a very reputable company. Just remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is....

areyes · #24 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009

well it good to know there is some hope in craigslist...

bschafer · #25 (**permalink**) 01-24-2010

I have had two recent experiences responding to Craigslist ads asking for a personal assistant. None have been local ads, which is fine, but when I responded, they both asked for my phsical address, which I thought was odd (I have a P.O. Box). I did not give it to them, and they said that they could no longer waste their time with me and that I "lost my chance". One of the potential clients indicated that he needed a physical address in case he had to get a hold of me, and that just a cell phone number would not do.

Am I being overskeptical? I am just starting my VA business, so I don't want to ruin relationships by not giving potential clients information that they need, but at the same time, I feel that safety is first, so I'm not sure that they need to know everything.

I welcome your comments!

Bonnie Schafer
Morgantown, WV

reneeshupe · #26 (**permalink**) 01-24-2010

If you're will to weed through the "junk" then you can find the gems, but you have to be willing to put in the time just like so many other things...

bschafer · #27 (**permalink**) 01-24-2010

Thanks for your note, Renee, and I wholeheartedly agree. I just get a bit skeptical when it comes to giving out my personal information, especially in today's world. The potential client could be legitimate (this guy indicated that he was an attorney by trade, and I did find his name on Google), but how would one be sure that they are not running a scam organization?

bschafer · #28 (**permalink**) 01-24-2010

As an additional note, I came across this in the Craigs List forum on the Job Market. It relates directly to the ad to which I responded, so beware out there . . . .

If you respond to a job request to Please reply to:newassitant42010@live.com and they promise to pay you $350 to $500 a week
Beware for they will send you a "Certified Check" but if you have a good banker they will reconize that the check is a fraud.

They will email this info.
Most of your activities will be carried out locally and most official packages will be delivered via posts. You will be actively involved in my personal, business and financial life. In summary, your activities as my assistant amongst other things will include;

* Acting as an alternative telephone correspondence;
* Running personal errands, supervisions and monitoring;
* Organizing and maintaining diaries, memos and making appointments;
* Dealing with incoming email, faxes and post;
* Carrying out background research and presenting findings;
* A personal reminder for Schedules, programs, flights and keeping me up to date with them as they come up;
* Arranging travel and accommodation
* Carrying out specific projects and research;
* Taking on some of the my responsibilities and working more closely with management and other staff related to me;
* Making regular contacts and drop-offs on my behalf.
* Handling and monitoring financial activities.
* Processing and taking charge of weekly payments and purchases.
* You will also be a part of my household and a helping hand to issues as they arise.
* General clerical activities.

VYPA72 · #29 (**permalink**) 01-24-2010

I have looked at Craigslist but have been a little skeptical. It's good to hear that some of you have had clients from there. So far when ever I've posted my services I always get responses selling me stuff.

But I will give it a try too, you have to explore all options available to you.

So good luck.

VYPA72 · #30 (**permalink**) 01-24-2010

Bonnie I would be a little skeptical if they wanted your physical address and not satisfied with a PO Box or phone number. Clients don't need all that info from their virtual assistant.

I would be cautious.