Purpose

• Craigslist uses verified accounts to protect those who use the site. Phone verifications help Craigslist to restrict spam posts, scams and illegal offerings. The phone number attached to your account helps Craigslist ensure that you are a legitimate user, and provides contact information in the event of questionable postings.
  
  

Process

• The phone verification applies to various sections depending on the region. All of the adult-oriented categories require phone verification as do the service categories. If a particular category requires a verified account, you will be prompted to add a phone number to your account before your posting will appear.
  
  

Considerations

• The verification system does not work with certain voice-over-IP providers, phone numbers based in areas other than the U.S. and toll-free numbers. If you add a phone number to the system and it fails to verify, you must wait at least five minutes before trying to verify the account again. You can attempt to enter the verification code up to five times before having to request a new one if it fails each time. You can request a new verification code three times in each 12-hour span until your account is verified.
  
  

Process

• When you attempt to post an ad in a section that requires verification, Craigslist will prompt you to verify your account. Enter the phone number in the field provided, select a text message or phone call then click the verification link. Answer your phone or check the text message and enter the verification code. Click "Submit." Once you enter the code properly, your account is verified.