Some criminal element is gathering information about homes that are for sale and creating their own Craig’s List ads. The ads purport to offer the homes for rent. They list fake names of the listing agent or property manager. The homes are offered well below fair rent. As a result they are getting many responses to both the listed e-mail address and the phone number. When you call the supposed property manager to get information about the “rental” they are asking for credit card information so that they can run a background and credit check. Needless to say the criminals are then charging up the credit cards and then disappear. 

In some really scary instances, owners who are still in the homes for sale, have had potential “renters” show up at the house asking all kinds of questions believing that the houses are for rent. 

To be fair, Craig’s List is doing all they can to curtail this activity. If you flag a particular ad, they will investigate it and pull it off if it seems suspicious. The criminals however are staying one step ahead by posting so many ads at a time, that it is nearly impossible to catch all of them. 

It seems redundant, but be careful when you are out there shopping for anything. Never give out your credit card information by e-mail or over the phone unless you know who you are talking to. Anyone who is looking to rent a unit will be happy to meet you to show you through and accept a check or cash for the credit and background check. 

If you have your home for sale or recently for sale, and think you are the target of the scam, immediately flag the ad on Craig’s List. They will pull the ad and investigate.  If you are looking to rent and smell a rat, give me a call or do your own investigation.   If the rent seems rally low and they are demanding credit card information immediately to secure your application, I would beware.   As with most things trust your gut. If it feels too good to be true it probably is.

Be safe.