Thanks for sharing this Judy. We can all benefit form this advice.
Via
Judy Schneider (Exit Realty Associates):
Craigslist Rental Scams - Whatcom County Real Estate for Sale
Craigslist Rental Scams are not a new thing. This has been going on for a while. It has not been a common thing here in Whatcom County, WA, until now. This past week it has been happening more in Whatcom County, WA.
Homes that are listed for sale in Whatcom County, WA have been showing up on Craigslist as rentals. They are copying and pasting the pictures and attaching false contact information!
Please, if you are looking for rental Homes on Craigslist, Be Careful! Do not send any Personal information or money to anyone you can not meet in person! If it sounds to good to be true it is. Many people have sent hundreds of dollars in deposit and rent money. You should never rent any home without seeing it first. Sometimes the home has been rented to several people and it was never for rent in the first place. These people are then angry with no where to go!
You must be very careful. You do not know who you are contacting on Craigslist. You also have no idea if they are, who they say they are. Please, Everyone help to spread the word!
Real Estate agents check Craigslist and flag all listing of yours that get posted and report to the local police depatment.
Those renters that have been victims can do the same!
Craigslist Rental Scams - Whatcom County Real Estate for Sale
Good article. We learn a lot from articles on Active Rain blogs. Thanks.