So far I've never had a problem with Craigslist but if I am selling something I make the person put something totally weird in the subject line when they email me back, ask for their home, work number and full name with the explanation that I'm keeping us both safe. If they are legit they have no problem with my request. The police station here suggests you meet people in their lobby. If I meet someone in a public place I do the parking lot of Bojangles. It's a small area where there are many people so it safer. I would never meet someone at a Walmart or Target parking lot. I never go alone and have actually taken one of the kids I worked with. He's about 6'4" and looks intimidating but is an absolute pussycat.