A New Form Of Identity Theft--Agents AND Consumers BEWARE of Craigslist Scam
This same thing happened to me over the weekend. Someone hijacked my rental listing complete with photographs and was asking unwitting consumers to send them a money order for $1400 in return for the keys to the house. They also asked all kinds of personal questions which leads me to believe they have someone here in this country who intended to rob their homes while they were at work. Beware, if it sounds too good to be true, usually it is.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home give me a call today and we'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could possibly be worth in today's market place if you are thinking of selling. If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building a lone is worth the plunge into todays market.
During 2009 Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc is waving administrative fees active duty military, retired military and the families of fallen military, as well as policemen, firemen and emt's. If you enter into a contract by the New Year's eve Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc. will waive the admin fee at settlement. This is a $350 savings. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home give Advance Realty Anne Arundel a call and receive full service real estate assistance from an experienced agent. Our office is open 7 days a week and we can be reached at 410-761-1550.
June Piper-Brandon, Broker - Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc.
A New Form Of Identity Theft--Agents and Consumers BEWARE of Craigslist Scam
I post all of my listings on Craigslist from my website, among many other sites. I began receiving calls about my 'rental' that was on Craigslist. It was regarding a brand new listing that was posted there and the home was NEVER listed for rent and won't be--it is strictly FOR SALE. Several callers had seen 'my ad' for $800/month rent with a $400. security deposit and wondered if they could see the home! They find my number when they drive by the home for sale, grabbing it off of the sign.
I finally was able to get one of the callers to email me the information that the 'other' Debe Maxwell had sent her and the DebeMaxwell06@gmail.com that was being used for correspondence. When I check for the ad on Craigslist, it has been removed. I received another call yesterday and the ad had been removed once again.
The 'other' Debe Maxwell is reporting that he and his wife have had to leave their home to do mission work and are renting for only $800/month with a $400 security deposit to be sent following a brief lease application that is included in the body of the email. Here is the scammer's contact information:
"The rent is $800 and 400 for Security Deposit.
For this 3BR/2BA. Below is my contact,
0112348082008226 or +2348082008226
DebeMaxwell06@gmail.com"
I do NOT have a DebeMaxwell@gmail.com account (with ANY numbers after my name!)--If you respond to an email like this, it is NOT me! Consumers BEWARE!
I'm assuming that this fraudulent scammer is giving a false address and a real but, temporary banking account in which the tenant-not-to-be will transfer the $1,200 funds when the Craigslist customers call. I don't have the time nor the bandwith to phone this guy and 'catch' him and I'm hoping that the government agency to whom I've reported this DOES! I have warned my Seller and my agents who hold open houses here as well. I want every bit of information that the potential tenants can gather for me to report these frauds!
It's a crazy world out there--identity theft is a bear if you're scammed! BEWARE!
About the author:
Debe Maxwell is a Charlotte Residential Real Estate Broker, Certified Neighborhood & Relocation Specialist, ABR & e-PRO who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Charlotte NC Metro Area. If you're relocating to or from any other area of the country, Debe connects you with any member of her team of relocation professionals in your destination or exit city of choice. The destination service is of no cost to you! The Maxwell House Group's quality service guarantee puts this team far ahead of the competition; providing unsurpassed customer service is their #1 priority! Debe Maxwell -- Helen Adams Realty -- 704.491.3310
Copyright© 2009 By Debe Maxwell, All Rights Reserved...**A New Form of Identity Theft--Agents and Consumers BEWARE of Craigslist SCAM!**
Disclaimer: All information provided by this author is strictly an opinion, is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.
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