I've applied to jobs on CL before. Actually, just started one last week that I found on there. Here are some tips for finding legit jobs...
1- Check the email address at the top. If it's something like
BubbaSmith@gmail.com or
WangChung@gmail.com then it's usually a scam. You can google the email address to see if it shows up any more information.
2- Similar to #1, google parts of the ad to see if it shows up in another city. If you're in California, and it shows up on a Connecticut CL, then it's not legit.
3- Check the pay scale at the bottom of the posting. If it's something like $20,000 to $87,000 then it's fake. Also, random hourly rates like $14.33 and $10.87.
4- If it's a company name that you don't recognize, google it with your city's name. A lot of ads will have a generic sounding company name but it doesn't exist.
5- An ad that lists a real company name, or says apply in person at such and such is usually legit. Usually being a key word. I have heard of people posting job openings at a fast food place, and then the fast food place posting an ad that says they never posted the ad so don't apply.
6- Check the city name that is in parentheses. Scammers from out of town don't know suburbs and whatnot. Jobs listed in suburbs are usually legit.
7- If there's something that says click this link to apply don't do it! Unless it's something like
www.mcdonalds.com or a real sounding site.
8- And finally, if you are unsure of a posting but still want to take the chance, do not list your address on your resume.
Hope this helps