Craigslist Scammers at it Again

For many years there has been a problem with folks scamming potential renters nationwide. What they do is steal the information from an actual residential listing and recreate an ad to make it appear as though the property is for rent. An attractive, too-good-to-be-true rent entices the potential renter to call or email the name in the ad.

The "landlord" is usually in an inconvenient location, out of state or even out of the country. You want the keys? Then send him or her the security deposit and the keys will be mailed to you.

Really?                  

You cannot believe how many folks have fallen prey to this. The old adage applies here: "If it is too good to be true, is probably is". And never, repeat never, send money to someone you have never met for a property you have never seen.

A legitimate landlord or real estate agent will send you a rental application, meet you at the property for you to see & not expect you to rent sight unseen. When you do meet, you need to discuss whether there is a lease to consider and what you, the tenant, are responsible to pay for, such as utilities & trash removal. 

Be safe! Call one of our agents to assist you or to help you veify whether a rental ad is legitimate or not.

Consumerist has a great article "5 Warning Signs That a Craigslist Rental Listing is Probably a Scam".