>.As I said, they trusted the ad had been vetted by the operators of Craig’s list.<<
What statement by CL are they “trusting”? CL is plasered with warnings that the ads are NOT vetted by CL. That is why it is free. I like it that way.
It is vetted by the reader of the ad contacting the creator of the ad. Until then it is not to be respected as anything other than fiction. It is pretty obvious to anyone that actually reads the warnings on the site.
Any reasonable and responsible person, that is.
The trust is implicit. Well, maybe not for you. Maybe you often respond to ads on sites you cannot trust. But most people aren't like that.
I like it that way.
Well, goodie for you. Doesn't change the fact that they make money off the website. If you want to prosecute someone besides the guy who posted the ad, go after the operators of the site, not the people who fell for the scam.