Craigslist? Dangerous?

Craigslist has become a popular place for people to list free classifieds and find deals on what they want.  It is basically the one to one garage sale site of the internet.  Craigslist became popular in 2008 and has continued to be a local marketplace.  But, there are a lot of problems with it.  First, it has not grown in any way since it's popularity grew, and that just is not how you run a business.  If facebook came out when it did and never improved or added features, it would not be anywhere near where it is today, if even used at all.  Craigslist also provides no protection from scams and dangerous situations.  You can be going to make a trade with someone who is going to rip you off, you can be getting a faulty piece of equipment that you will be stuck with and the person can just take off because it is so anonymous.  I would think 90 percent of job offers on craigslist are not legitimate. 

Electronics purchases on Craigslist are even more dangerous than purchasing from a pawn shop.  At least in that case you know where the pawn shop is and it is a business.  If you think you see a great deal on there, beware, it could be a scam or it could be for faulty equipment.  I am not trusting someone selling me a 32 inch television set on there for just 100 bucks and not thinking that there may be something wrong with it, it may be stolen, or it may be a trap to get me to show up in a spot with cash in my pocket. 

Craigslist could put up to have some kind of mediator, some type of program that can hold the funds electronically and insert once the transaction has completed.  There has to be some safeguards, otherwise this popular service should not even be used.  Some things to remember when purchasing off a craigslist seller:

1. If the deal sounds too good, there may be a reason, take caution.
2. Always meet in a public place.
3. Bring a friend to the meeting place to ensure safety.
4. Use money orders instead of cash, something that has to be signed once you have your product.
5. Get the sellers information if possible

Hopefully, Craigslist makes some changes, or perhaps another provider can produce these services and give someone a safe and secure way to buy and sell their goods locally.  Also, a national classifieds area would be very much appreciated since double listings are not allowed.