Don't have any experience with craigslist but have dealt w/listings on VRBO as others here have. When I booked w/VRBO I've checked to see if the accomodations were "legit" (was a condo and called to check if taxes were paid on unit -- meaning it wasn't for sale or in foreclosure etc). Also when you register w/VRBO after you make your ressie with owner you register it and you have some kind of insurance. We had travel insurance also so we were covered if there were any problems with fraud when we arrived and wouldn't be out $$$. Everything went smoothly and we're going back with same owner again this year (one year later) at slightly lower rate (he's giving us one night free on week rental) and since I'm having health issues and may need to cancel he's letting us wait until a month prior to arrival to get contracts and any $$ to him.
Good luck
Carolyn