I have had three really bad experiences with Craigslist, so I have some tips to consider if you apply to jobs or gigs.

• Do not send a resume.

  I know they say they want one, but have you considered that whoever you are sending your resume to will have your name, your address, where you went to school, where you have worked- they have everything they need to steal your identity.

• If you send a resume PLEASE remove your address.

  Trust me that this is a big one!

• I have had two instances where people have insisted on sending money before I did any work.

  Run and run fast! There are a multitude of scams and some of these people will destroy your name and business if they are given the opportunity.

• If you feel uneasy at all, walk away.

  You have a God-given safety radar; don’t ignore it! You can consult your attorney, other consultants, friends and family when something doesn’t feel right, but it is up to you to make the final decision. You have to consider your family, your personal safety and your business. I say just walk away if something doesn’t feel right.

• DO NOT give out your social security number

  until you are certain that the people you are working with are trustworthy. Have them sign a contract with you- get enough personal info to protect yourself.

• Research-

  When you are researching the business use Metacrawler, Google and MSN. You will get different results with each. Research the name of the person, any business names, use Whois to check out their domain name. You owe it to yourself and your family to research well.

Melissa Fach- SEOAware.com