Nigerian scammers now targeting prospective Myrtle Beach tenants - on Craigslist!

Give them credit for creativity. The FBI says homeowners and prospective tenants should be aware of the newest Nigerian scheme. Here's how it works.

1. Homeowners and Realtors distribute listings through various search sites, such as Realtor.com and Craigslist.

2. Evildoers copy the listings and pictures verbatim, and post them back onto Craigslist under available house rentals.

3. Unsuspecting tenants contact the poster for more information.

4. The scammer claims to have had to leave the country quickly for some made-up reason, and were unable to rent the home prior to leaving, so they'll have to take care of this remotely.

5. The "homeowner" sends a rental application and directs the tenant to send the first and last month's rent via Western Union. If they qualify, they will be sent keys.

6. Once the tenant sends money, the "homeowner" disappears.

This scam is currently being perpetrated in Charleston, Columbia and Hilton Head, so Myrtle Beach real estate can't be far behind. Beware!