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BEWARE OF CRAIG'S LIST - Rental Scam

By
Real Estate Agent BRE 01723710

I am a Realtor and someone high-jacked my listing and is using my MLS pictures and home description to scam renters into giving them their personal info and deposit check.

Renters be careful:

Here are some safe guards before your ever apply for a rental.

1. Make sure the property is owner by the person. Ask for proof of ownership, tax records, mortgage statement

2. Do not give any personal information before you know who owns the propery

3. Do not give a depsoit or any money unless you see proof that the person owns the property

Here is what we got back after we inquired about the listing on Craig’s list.

 

“Hello

thanks for your email and interest in renting my house, actually I resided in the house with my family, my wife and my only daughter before and presently we have moved out due to my transfer from my work now in West African. presently my house is still available for rent for $700 (rent already includes utilities). please i want you to note that i spent a lot on my property that i want to give to you for rent, so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own, It is not the money that is the main problem but i want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up. I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word .I'm looking for a quick responsible tenant that can rent and take very good care of the house and treat as own for me as soon as possible he/she move in.
 

the house is month to month rent and you can move in if you have any pets with you and make sure you tell me more about you and when you ready to move in because all the bad people have spoilt the good people in the world to trust each other , could you please let build a trust and honest together for now as one family .
 

house description:

Fantastic two bedroom, one bath home located in the Roseville,CA .The family room, dining room and kitchen are the center locations of the home which make this great for family style living. you will enjoy a fireplace in the family room, and a pass thru window in the kitchen to the lanai. the home has a split bedroom plan and a two car garage. This quarter acre lot has an open style pool with spa just off the covered lanai. This large backyard is fenced for your privacy and enjoyment. You have access to the lake through the Home Owners Association, so bring your canoe and boat. The owner is doing some minor repairs and installing… new carpet to make this the perfect home for you!  drive by you won't be disappointed.
 
Please note once again that, we are a kind and honest family,that spent a lot on property that is available for rent, so in one accord,we are soliciting for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own. we want you to keep it tidy all the time so that we shall be glad to see it whenever we are around on a visit.
 
 SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENTAL APPLICATION FORMS BELOW.
 
1)Your Full Name
 2A)Home Phone ?
2B)Cell Phone Number ?
3)Your Full Address :
4)How old are you?
5a)Are you married?
5b)How many people will be living in the house?
6a)Do you have a pet?
6b)What type
7a)Do you have a car?
7b)What type?
8)Occupation?
9)Do you smoke?
10)Do you Drink ?
11)Do you work at Night ?
12)What is your monthly income?
13)Reference Contact Name and Address?
14)When do you intend Moving in?
15)private email :
16 )When can you pay for your deposit to secure or move in?
 
 Note: You can drive by the house for now to see the outside since i and every member of my family are out of town due to my work transfer and as soon as you have the keys and documents with you, then you can view the interior.
 
Await your prompt reply so that we can discuss on the rental terms and agreement, please we are renting the house to you base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words. So please do not let us down in maintaining this our property and God bless you more as you do this.
 
House Address: +++++++++, Roseville,CA 95678
 
all pets allow : dog and cat
 
monthly rent :  $700
deposit :$500

total move in : $700

Remain Blessed"

 

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

Excuse me......when will MLS systems LEARN how to properly WATERMARK listing photos.  It is NOT ROCKET SCIENCE.....small initials in the corner do not get it.  My lowly rental website puts it on AUTOMATICALLY when I upload my photos - they do NOT distract from the photo and SCAMMERS don't bother....HELLO!

Jul 08, 2012 10:27 AM
Ellie McIntire
Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate - Ellicott City, MD
Luxury service in Central Maryland

This is a scam that has been used for a while. Scumbags who pray on dumb people. Most of the time the rental amount is unrealistic and too good to be true.

Jul 08, 2012 11:01 AM
Judith Abbott
Coldwell Banker Residential - Dallas, TX

My Ol' Daddy used to say that the Bait on the Hook of every Con is Greed.  The reason this Craigslist Rental Scam works is because the rental amount is so ridiculously low that the Mark just stops focusing on anything else.  Nuf said.....

Jul 15, 2012 02:06 AM