In my real estate career, there is always something new to learn about every day.  I have a client that I helped lease a very nice home recently, and yesterday she called me to ask "why are people knocking on my door asking to see the home?"   She told me the latest gentleman at the door, said its on Craigslist for rent.

I started snooping on Craigslist and sure enough.... there it was.....

The photos used in this ad were the same as a previous/valid ad done by the authorized property manager.  It's all a matter of cut and paste for these scammers.

BUT....this is a Craigslist Scam - that is happening all over the country.  Now it's hit Gainesville Florida!

I immediately responded to the Craigslist Ad via email asking about "WHO" posted this home "FOR RENT" and told them the home is NOT for rent.  I received an "auto responder" type of email from them that did not answer any of my questions, and gave a lengthly sad story about how badly they needed to get a good tenant,asked me to fill in a very lengthy questionaire form asking for name, date of birth, SSN, and other personal questions.

Is this a way to "identity theft" ?   Possible...and worrysome.

I contacted the professional property management firm to see if the email address on this Craigslist ad was the true owner or a relative.  They said NO and told me this is a scam and some people have even sent money for 1st month rent and security to the scammer in exchange for keys!  Apparently, the rental rates and deposit are lower than normal, and appear to be "great bargains"...but that potential renter is getting scammed.   Share this info with your friends and family.

I flagged the Craigslist post, and it was taken down within 2 hours.

                  (Good for the Craigslist Cops !!)

I found more research online and here is a great post from another blogger that shows this has been happening everywhere in the USA!

Read more at their post also " WARNING: Craigslist Rental Scam"

Now that the SCAM AD is Down off Craigslist..... maybe the strangers will stop knocking on my client's door and peeking in their windows!!

                                 Protect yourself, your property and your neighborhood.