Scam Alert and Solution

One of my listings has been copied by a scammer from Algeria.  They copied the pictures and description and posted an ad on Craigslist as a rental at a rock bottom price.

I reported this to the FBI, who has not been able to do anything.  They contacted Craigslist who claimed the right to freedom of speech.

I contacted Craigslist a number of times, never receiving an answer.  I explained how this has been ruining my business and threatening my livelihood.  I have a sign on the property and I receive numerous calls a day from people looking for more information.  A number of calls were from people who had wired from $500 to $2000 to a bank account in Algeria.  You can imagine how those calls go, as these people think I am responsible and expect me to return the money.

I finally contacted the NAR and explained the situation.  They contacted Craigslist and were finally able to get the ads pulled.  Following is a link to the warning posted by the NAR.

Http://www.realtor.org/law_and_policy/scam_alert

I would be so easy for Craigslist in initiate a system to protect their customers.  When an ad is placed they can check the country of origin.  If the ad has no local contact information, such as a phone number they need to check the ad response.  This scam was running on six properties in the Milwaukee area and I am certain in many more throughout the country.  All the ads have the same e-mail response.  I have tagged these ads dozens of times, but Craigslist would not take them down.

Any ideas on how we can get Craigslist to clean up their act and provide a safe environment for their customers?  Maybe I should send this off to their competition.