If you thought the scams being run on Craigslist were just on ripping off prospective tenants as we talked about before here, you are missing the other side of the coin. Landlords are in just as much danger.
The new scam involves renters sending fake cashiers checks and money orders. The landlord is thrilled to receive the money, deposits it, and then something happens to blow up the deal. It is not until the landlord has refunded the money do they find out that the cashiers check was fake and they are on the hook to return the money.
The scam artist is long gone before the landlord finds this out.
The ICC continues to receive complaints about potential renters who have written counterfeit checks to cover deposits only to back out of the agreements and ask for refunds, investigators say.
In another common ruse, scammers duplicate legitimate real estate postings, often using the brokers’ real names, but re-post the ads using fake e-mail addresses.
When potential renters or buyers request information via e-mail, the owner asks them to send money. Sometimes, the scammers claim they are doing missionary work and the money is sent to destinations in foreign countries, investigators say.
More at Mlive.com.
If you are a landlord and have come across one of these scams, put the email in the comments. The previous post for tenants has saved many families thousands of dollars and many headaches by helping each other out.
And if you have been ripped off, file a complaint here with the IC3.
Thanks
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We get about 1 call every month related to a real estate scam on Craigslist. I try to visit my local craigslist real estate section every few days to flag the obvious scams.
CL is a crazy mess sometimes. I’ll get response emails on a daily basis that are nothing but scammers. Get’s pretty annoying honestly. But, CL is the big ad medium now, so I suppose it’s to be expected.
I don’t recommend CL in most cases…I use it for hiring, finding baby stuff, computers and bikes…anything else is a waste of time or a risk.
I have noticed a lot of people using Facebook as a way to find renters and roommates. This way your target is from people, family and friends you can trust. It’s worth a try anyway before you resort to Craigslist.
CL is cool but always be on the look out for scams! =)
One of the reasons why you should have a professional property manager handle the management of your investment properties. Most scammers are looking to make a quick buck and will target easy prey.
Has anyone had their real estate listings copied from Trulia, Realtor.com, etc. . . ., then posted on CL as “for rent”? My sellers are really creeped out. Not sure if this is a scam of some sort that I don’t understand or just harrassment?
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